Usefulness of Ilizarov's Procedure in Infected Non-union of Tibia and Femur

ABSTRACT

A total of 46 patients with infected diaphyseal non-union of tibia (38) and femur (8) were subjected to Ilizarov's ring fixator. Thirty six cases were of infected nonunion with gap requiring bone transport (Group I) while 10 cases did not require bone tranasport (Group II). In majority of group I cases unifocal corticotomies were done through metaphyses of the bone. In two cases, where the gap was large, bifocal corticotomies were done in tibia to shorten the treatment time. Controlled distraction was begun after 7 day's time. Normotrophic regenerate was observed in all cases except one case of tibia and one femur. Both these cases required cancellous bone grafting. In group II, six cases of infected non-union of tibia and four of infected femur required only radical debridement and acute compression at the fracture site. Failure of union was seen only in two cases. Forty four patients showed union clinically and radiologically with a success rate of 95.4%.Equinus contracture (mild) and toe drop were seen in one case of group I. Average follow up is of 67 months. Average distraction at corticotomy site was 60 mm. Average time for fixator removal was 239 days.