The Illizarov method in infected non-union of long bones / El método Illizarov en la no unión infectada de los huesos largos

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To review the results of the management of infected non-union of long bones using the Illizarov fixator. METHODS: Eight patients with non-union of long bones associated with current or prior infection were treated between 1998 and 2006. Seven patients were treated between 2004 and 2006. There were seven males and one female with an average age of 32 years (range 17-53 years). Four non-unions were located in the tibia, two were present in the humerus, one was present in the femur and one was intraarticular. Five non-unions were treated with acute compression, two were treated with bone transport and the frame was used in a static mode in one. RESULTS: There was one excellent, three good, one fair and three poor results. CONCLUSION: The Illizarov technique is an important treatment method for surgeons performing posttraumatic reconstructive surgery. Non-union, infection, shortening and deformity are all addressed simultaneously.

RESUMEN

Objetivo: Examinar los resultados del tratamiento de la nounión infectada de los huesos largos usando el fijador de Illizarov. Métodos: Ocho pacientes con nounión de huesos largos asociada con infecciones presentes o previas fueron tratados entre 1998 y 2006. Siete pacientes fueron tratados entre 2004 y 2006. Hubo siete varones y una hembra con edad promedio de 32 años (rango 17­53 años). Cuatro nouniones estaban localizadas en la tibia, dos se hallaban presentes en el húmero, una se encontraba en el fémur y otra era intra-articular. Cinco nouniones fueron tratadas con compresión aguda, dos fueron tratados con transporte óseo, y en uno se usó el aparato de un modo estático, Resultados: Hubo un resultado excelente, tres buenos, uno aceptable y tres resultados pobres. Conclusión: La técnica de Illizarov es un importante método de tratamiento para los cirujanos que realizan cirugía reconstructiva post-traumática. Nounión, infección, acortamiento, y deformidad, pueden ser todos abordados simultáneamente.