Intercalary diaphyseal endoprosthetic reconstruction for tibial septic non-union in an elderly patient: A case report.

The surgical treatment of septic non-union is challenging and carries a high failure rate. Bone defect management and fracture site stabilisation are key treatment objectives. We report the case of a 75-year-old woman who underwent intercalary endoprosthetic reconstruction of a large tibial defect due to septic non-union after two previous treatment failures. The two-stage procedure involved extensive excision of infected tissues and implantation of an antibiotic-loaded cement spacer followed by insertion of an intercalary endoprosthesis. Within only 2 months after the procedure, the patient was able to walk with no assistive device and no limp. After 12 months and 6 months after antibiotic discontinuation, the laboratory tests and imaging studies showed no evidence of infection. Intercalary endoprosthetic reconstruction may be a valid treatment option to avoid amputation for recurrent septic non-union, particularly in elderly patients.

Three-step sequential management for knee arthroplasty after severe ballistic injury: Two cases.

Management of knee bone loss after gunshot trauma requires a multidisciplinary approach. Two cases of knee arthroplasty after devastating ballistic trauma are reported. Treatment comprised several steps: sampling, bone resection, reinforced cement spacer, latent sepsis control, and prosthetic reconstruction. The patients showed no neurovascular disorder and had a functioning extensor mechanism. At follow-up of at least 2 years, results were satisfactory, with return to unaided walking and mean International Knee Society (IKS) score improved from 18 to 59 points. In light of these observations, knee reconstruction arthroplasty using a sequential strategy can provide satisfactory functional outcome after severe ballistic trauma.