ABSTRACT
The orthoplastic treatment of post-traumatic bone infections is complex and requires a multidisciplinary approach using both orthopedic and plastic surgery principles. Its primary goal is to achieve rapid control of the infection through aggressive debridement of the affected tissue, in order to perform a complete reconstruction of the limb. This allows both its salvage and restoration of function. We present a patient with septic non-union secondary to distal tibia fracture with a bone defect of 7 cm and severe soft tissue injury. The treatment was divided into three stages. First, the infection was controlled by radical debridement, limb shortening, and temporary stabilization. Second, early reconstruction was initiated utilizing the first stage of the Masquelet's induced membrane technique (MIMT), and soft tissue coverage with free flap. Third, MIMT was finalized, and bone lengthening with PRECICE nail was performed. We consider this approach effective as it can offer early recovery with optimal functional and aesthetic results in bone defects associated with coverage defects.
ABSTRACT
CASE: A 40-year-old Colombian woman presented with a 7-year history of progressive lower-limb pain. Sclerosis of the diaphyseal tibia and femur was observed in her latest x-ray images. A narrowing of the medullary canal is observed in Camurati-Engelmann disease (CED), a rare and progressive diaphyseal dysplasia that was confirmed in this patient by genetic testing. Medical treatment was unsuccessful; thus, surgical treatment consisted of decompression by drilling of the medullary canal was performed, achieving successful pain release. CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment should be considered for patients with CED when the medical treatment is unsuccessful because doing so reduces bone overgrowth, leading to pain relief.
