Rectus abdominis muscle flaps for closure of osteomyelitis hip defects.

In chronic defects of osteomyelitis good results can be achieved using radical debridement, long-term systemic antibiotics, and soft-tissue coverage with muscle flaps. In three patients, the rectus abdominis muscle was a reliable means of filling dead space and providing soft-tissue coverage, at the same time bringing in a new blood supply for these chronic hip joint wounds. There were no complications, and all wounds have remained closed at follow-up periods ranging from two months to one year.