Modern Papineau technique with vacuum-assisted closure

We describe a contemporary modification of the Papineau technique by implementing a vacuum-assisted closure (V.A.C.(R)) device in lieu of wet-to-dry dressing changes. The method makes use of a protocol similar to that of Papineau and others for the treatment of chronic osteomyelitis. This protocol includes aggressive excisional debridement of infected or necrotic bone, open bone grafting with cancellous autograft, vacuum-assisted wound closure by secondary intent, and eradication of chronic infection with concomitant parenteral antibiotics. A representative case report is included to illustrate the technique.