FIG. 4.

Representative radiographs (1, 2, 3, and 4 correlate to group number). Experimental tibial osteomyelitis occurred 3 weeks after induction of MRSA, as evaluated by bone destruction (white arrow), periosteal new bone formation (black arrow), and sequestral bone formation (white arrowhead) (1a). Bone windows (black arrowhead) and implantation of pellets (star) were observed after debridement (1b and 2a). Healing of osteomyelitis was observed 6 weeks after debridement and implantation of TCS in group 1 (1c). Debridement without implantation of pellets is illustrated for group 3 (3a). Osteomyelitis had deteriorated in various degrees 6 weeks after treatment in groups 2, 3, and 4 (2b, 3b, and 4, respectively).