Treatment of Infected Nonunion of the Femur with Marked Shortening by Compression and Gradual Distraction at the Nonunion Site: A Report of 2 cases / 대한정형외과학회잡지

ABSTRACT

The authors report two cases of successful reconstruction in infected nonunion of the femur involving marked shortening by compression and gradual distraction at the nonunion site using Ilizarov external fixator. At first, infection was controlled by radical excision & the administration of systemic antibiotics for four weeks and we also started compression at the nonunion site 3 days after operation. Autogenous iliac bone graft was added to strengthen the site of new bone formation lastly. In this report, the role of the compression seems to provide a good environment for distraction osteogenesis by focal necrosis and triggering inflammation. Compression and gradual distraction may be one of the treatment mordalities for nonunion of a long bone with massive bone loss or shortening, even infected.