Abstract
The Cierny and Mader classification assists with decision-making in the management of osteomyelitis by strafying the host status and the pathoanatomy of disease. However the anatomical type IV represents a heterogenous group with regards to treatment requirements and outcomes. We propose that modification of the Cierny and Mader anatomical classification with an additional type V classifier (diffuse corticomedullary involvement with an associated critical bone defect) will allow more accurate stratification of patients and tailoring of treatment strategies.
A retrospective review of 83 patients undergoing treatment for Cierny and Mader anatomical type IV osteomyelitis of the appendicular skeleton at a single centre was performed.
Risk factors for the presence of a critical bone defect were female patients (OR 3.1 (95% CI 1.08– 8.92)) and requirement for soft tissue reconstruction (OR 3.35 (95% CI 1.35–8.31)); osteomyelitis of the femur was negatively associated with the presence of a critical bone defect (OR 0.13 (95% CI 0.03–0.66)). There was no statistical significant risk of adverse outcomes (failure to eradicate infection or achieve bone union) associated with the presence of a critical-sized bone defect. The median time to bone union was ten months (95% CI 7.9–12.1 months). There was a statistically significant difference in the median time to bone union between cases with a critical bone defect (12.0 months (95% 10.2–13.7 months)) and those without (6.0 months (95% CI 4.8–7.1 months))
This study provided evidence to support the introduction of a new subgroup of the Cierny and Mader anatomical classification (Type V). Using a standardised approach to management, comparable early outcomes can be achieved in patients with Cierny and Mader anatomical type V osteomyelitis.
However, to achieve a successful outcome, there is a requirement for additional bone and soft tissue reconstruction procedures with an associated increase in treatment time.
