Management of Infected Non-Union by Implant Retainment and Papineau Open Bone Grafting – Report of Two Cases.

Introduction : Infection following implant surgery in orthopaedics is a disaster both for surgeon and patient. Management of infected non-union is a most challenging task an orthopaedic surgeon can ever face. Infection following implant surgery not only leads to repeated surgeries, long term antibiotic use, stiffness of neighbouring joints and long term hospital stay but also effects patients economic, social, psychological status. Cases : Here we present report of 2 cases infected non-union ulna which was managed by stabilisation of non-union site by altering position of existing plate followed by period of open dressing till healthy granulation tissue appears. Later open bone grafting procedure done. Both patients were followed up for 15 months. Results : At the end of 4 months both patients achieved bony union without recurrence of infection. So, we conclude management of infected nonunions by altering plate position and by following papineau method of open bone grafting leads to satisfactory results. Conclusion : This technique is simple, effective and done with minimal expenditure and could be best procedure of choice in patients where cost benefit analysis appears critical.

Clinical Application of Direct Current Stimulation in the Treatment of Infected Non-Unions / 대한정형외과학회잡지

In the treatment of an infected ununited fractures of a long bone, it often is difficult to achieve union and eradicate the infection. Over the past two decades, the electrical behaviour of bone has been studied with increasing interest and several reports reveal that electricity can stimulate osteogenesis. We have experienced 11 cases of infected non-union who were treated by immobilization plus direct current stimulation from January, 1980 to July, 1982. In all cases satisfactorv union occurred within averaging 8.1 months. The results obtained are as follows: 1. The direct current stimulation has revealed to be effective with antibiotics and some kinds of immobilization in treatment of infected non union. 2. If bone graft is combined with electrical stimulation, time from beginning of electrical treatment to union is shortened, as compared with cases of electrical stimulation alone. 3. The electrical stimulation is preferable to other surgeries in treatment of infected non-union due to its effectiveness and simplicity. 4. It is considered treatment of chronic osteomyelitis with silver anode is not due to electrically generated silver ion but its electricity per se. 5. To prevent refracture and assure complete healing, continued immobilization such as cast brace, walking cast, or conventional brace is necessary after electrical stimulation for the time being.