Radical Necrotic Bone Resection and Ilizarov Technique for Infected Nonunion of the Tibia

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical results of radical necrotic bone resection and distraction osteogenesis for the treatment of infected nonunion of tibia using the Ilizarov technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 32 patients who were followed up at least 1 year after the treatment of infected nonunion of tibia from March 1995 to March 2001 were evaluated. Their mean age was 43 years and mean duration of follow-up was 37 months. The results were divided into bone results and functional results and analyzed by grading to excellent, good, fair, and poor. RESULTS: The average amount of bone lengthening was 5.3 cm (range, 2~10 cm) and the average healing index was 61.5 days/cm (range, 52.7~70.4 days/cm). Bony union was obtained at average 10.3 months in all cases. The bone result was excellent in 9 cases, good 18, and fair 5. The functional result was excellent in 8 cases, good 16, fair 7, and poor 1 case. CONCLUSION: Ilizarov technique is an effective method in the treatment of infected nonunion of tibia for early range of motion exercise, weight bearing and correction of limb shortening.