Infected Non-union of Tibia Treated with Ilizarov External Fixator: Our Experience

@#Introduction: Tibia is the most common long bone fractured due its vulnerable subcutaneous location and most often associated with acquired complications of delayed union or non-union due to infection. Amongst the various treatment options to treat them, the Ilizarov external fixator application is considered superior due to its multiple advantages. The objective of this study was to analyse the role of Ilizarov fixation in infected tibial non-union, as well as to assess bony union and associated functional outcomes. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review was conducted for the duration between 1st January 2005 to 31st December 2016. Total of fifty-one patients with tibial non-union associated with infection who treated with the Ilizarov fixator were included in the study. Patient records were reviewed for union of bone, bone and functional outcomes and complications. Results:The most common organism for infection was identified to be Staphylococcus Aureus. At the time of final follow-up all patients had achieved union except two, one of whom had to undergo amputation due to non-union and sepsis. Majority of the patients had an excellent score as per ASAMI grading system for bone and function results. The most common complication noted was pin track infections. Conclusion: In our experience, Ilizarov external fixator is better suited for infected non-union of tibia because it can provide a stable mechanical environment, bone transport, correct deformities, and enable weight bearing and hence we recommend its use for the same.

The Clinical Study of Non-union of Phalages in the Hand / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Fractures of the phalanges of the hand are very common. Many are minor and likely to have a good result. However many other phalangeal fractures cause significant and prolonged disability. Non-union of the tubular bones of the hand are uncommon occurrence, but are often associated with functional deficits. The authors have reviewed 7 cases of non-union of the phalanges which were treated in the department of orthopaedic surgery, National Medical Center from 1978 to 1985. The results were summarized as follows: 1. The non-union of phalangeal bone was defined by clinical symptoms and signs and roentgenological examination. 2. The incidence of non-union of phalangeal bone fractures was 0.9% (7/771 cases.) 3. of 7 patients, there were 6 in male and 1 in female. 4. Non-union occurred more commonly in the second decade and the group between 10 and 30 years of age. 5. Seven cases, all were the right handed, but injury was developed in the left hands except two cases. 6. The causes of non-union were thought as open wound (7 cases), type of fracture (simple or comminution:3 cases), inadequate immobilization (4 cases) and overtraction (1 case). 7. of 7 cases, 4 cases were treated with bone peg graft and K-wire fixation and 2 cases with excision of distal fragment. 8. The clinical union was 9 weeks in average.

The Treatment of Scaphoid Nonunion / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Fracture of the scaphoid constitute 60% to 70% of all diagnosed carpal injury. The acute fracture will heal approximately 90% of the time if recognized early and properly immobilized. But nonunion are common since the symtoms do not alert patients to seek early medical treatment and the diagnosis is easily missed. Authors have experienced 19 cases of scaphoid nonunion and accomplished good result in all case by Russe procedure. The results were summerized as follow: 1 The cause of fratures was mainly due to fall down dinjury (36.8%). 2. The most common mechanism of the fracture was fall on the outstretched hand (52.7%). 3. Fractures were shown on the anterior-posterior, lateral and billiards view in all cases. 4. In ten cases, the fractures were found on the waist of scaphoid. 5. The cases of nonunion were probably inadequate intial treatment and delayed diagnosis. 6. The good results were obtained by bone graft according to Russe procedure.