ObjectiveTo explore the effectiveness of vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) combined with open bone graft for tibial traumatic osteomyelitis. MethodsBetween June 2007 and December 2012, 23 cases of tibial traumatic osteomyelitis were treated, including 15 males and 8 females with an average age of 32.5 years (range, 22-48 years). The time from injury to admission was 7-18 months (mean, 8.6 months). There was local bone scarring in 15 cases, the size ranged from 8 cm×4 cm to 15 cm×8 cm. The CT multi-planar reconstruction was carried out preoperatively. Eleven cases had segmental bone sclerosis with a length of 1.5 to 3.8 cm (mean, 2.6 cm); 12 cases had partial bone sclerosis with a range of 1/3 to 2/3 of the bone diameter. On the basis of complete debridement, infection was controlled by VSD; bone defect was repaired by VSD combined with open bone graft. After there was fresh granulation tissue, the wound was repaired by free skin graft or local skin flap transfer. ResultsNail infection occurred in 2 cases, which was cured after the use of antibiotics. The wound healed at the first stage after repairing. All cases were followed up 10-18 months (mean, 13.5 months). In 11 cases of segmental bone sclerosis, the infection control time was 7-14 days (mean, 8.8 days); the bone healing time was 32-40 weeks (mean, 34.4 weeks); and the frequency of VSD was 3-6 times (mean, 4.5 times). In 12 cases of partial bone sclerosis, the infection control time was 7-12 days (mean, 8.3 days); the bone healing time was 24-31 weeks (mean, 27.3 weeks); and the frequency of VSD was 3-5 times (mean, 3.6 times). Infection recurred in 1 case, and the patient gave up the therapy. No infection recurrence was observed in the other patients. ConclusionThe VSD combined with open bone graft is an effective method for the treatment of tibial traumatic osteomyelitis.