• T H Tosounidis, G M Calori, and P V Giannoudis.
• Academic Department of Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Leeds, Clarendon Wing, Floor A, Great George Street, Leeds General Infirmary, Leeds, LS1 3EX, UK.
• Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg. 2016 Aug 1; 42 (4): 417-423.

PurposeReamer-irrigator-aspirator (RIA) is an innovative device that its indications have recently been expanded to the management of long bone infections.MethodsIn this narrative review, we summarise the most important studies in the field and we present the current open questions pertaining to the use of RIA in the management of osteomyelitis of long bones.ResultsThe relevant literature is sparse and low quality. Nevertheless, the use of RIA for infected cases has yielded promising outcomes in specialised centres. Technical aspects that merit special attention in osteomyelitis of long bones are its inapplicability in small diameter long bones, the inadequate debridement of wide metaphyseal areas and the potential bleeding sequelae. The use of RIA in open fracture management to reduce infection risk has not gained acceptance. The antibiotic impregnated nails and rods constitute a complimentary strategy for the management of infections.ConclusionsThe use of RIA for the management of long bone infections is an innovative and promising strategy. High quality studies are needed to shed light in its efficacy compared to conventional methods of management of osteomyelitis of long bones.

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