Nonunion and malunion due to insidious infection after internal fixation of bone fractures / 中华创伤骨科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore an effective prevention and management of nonunion and malunion due to insidious infection after fracture internal fixation. Methods From January 2001 to January 2006,we treated 26 patients with nonunion and malunion due to insidious infection after fracture internal fixation.They were 15 cases of femoral fractures, 2 cases of ulna fractures, 3 cases of radial fracturos, 3 cases of humerus fractures, and 3 cases of tibial fractures. The patients were treated with irrigation after debridement.In 23 fractures, the internal fixation was dislodged and changed into external fixation. In the 3 cases whose internal fixation remained, instillation and drainage were conducted after debridement. Bone grafting was performed for 20 cases after replacement of internal fixation, and for 3 cases after removal of external fixation.Three patients received no bone graft. Results The preoperative X-ray findings confirmed the diagnosis of insidious infection in 21 cases, while the other 5 cases were diagnosed by bacterial culture or pathological examination of the pus and inflammatory granulation tissue found during surgery. The bacterial culture was positive in 17 cases, including 6 cases of Staphylococcus epidermidis, 8 cases of Staphylococcus aureus, and 3 cases of Escherichia coli. All the patients were followed up for 8 to 48 months, with an average of 23.5 months. Of the 26 cases, 22 obtained bony union, 2 partial union and 2 nonunion. Complications included fistula in 2 patients and infection relapse in 3 patients. Conclusions Insidious infection may be related to the bacterial toxicity, anatomical sites and surgical methods. X-ray changes may help the diagnosis of insidious infection. Surgery is necessary for management of nonunion and malunion due to insidious infection after fracture internal fixation.