Comparison of Treatment Outcomes of Infected Nonunion of the Tibia by Ilizarov Fixator according to Location of Nonunion and Reconstruction of Soft Tissue Defect

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To study clinical results and complications in the treatment of infected nonunion of the tibia according to location of nonunion and reconstruction for soft tissue defect. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 36 cases of tibia infected nonunion which were treated with the llizarov included in this study. There were proximal 1/3 in 14, middle 1/3 in 10, and distal 1/3 in 11 cases. Coverage of the soft tissue were treated with the free flap in 8 cases as classified group A and non-free flap in 17 cases classified group B. We evaluated the healing index, complications and comparing the results of each treatment by the Paley method. RESULTS: Bone union was achieved in all cases. The proximal nonunion showed better results than those in the middle and distal area; average healing index: 35.6 days/cm (p=0.038), bone results: 92.9% (p=0.025), functional result: 90.5% (p=0.03). Group B showed significantly better results as it showed average healing index: 30.3 days/cm (p=0.015), bone results: 85.7% (p=0.025), functional results: 90.5% (p=0.015). CONCLUSION: The nonunion of proximal 1/3 showed better results than other sites. Soft tissue reconstruction with free flap that control infection more effectively, could be improved the treatment outcomes.