A prospective study of management of infected non-union of tibia using ilizarov technique: Our results & complications

Abstract

Background: Treatment of patients with infected non-union of long bones, is one of the most difficult challenge in Orthopaedic surgery. The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate functional outcomes, effectiveness and complications of Ilizarov technique in the management of infected non-union of tibia. Materials and Methods: Thirty patients, with infected non-union of the tibia, were managed by adequate debridement, resection of infected portion, and stabilization by Ilizarov frame with docking or corticotomy & bone transport as per standard protocol. The results of follow-ups were analyzed clinically and radiologically, using ‘Association for the Study and Application of Methods of Ilizarov (ASAMI)’ scoring system.Results: In present study, all fractures of tibia united completely without any persistent infection. Out of 30 patients, bone results were excellent in 19, good in 8, and fair in 3 patients. We didn’t observe any poor bone result. Functional results were excellent in 15, good in 11, fair in 3, and poor in 1 patient. The most common complication was pin tract infection (16 patients/53%), which was managed accordingly. There was no need of amputation in any patient of our study group after application of Ilizarov technique.Conclusion: Ilizarov technique is the wonderful one stage procedure to eradicate infection, achieve satisfactory bone union and better functional results in cooperative patients with infected non-union of tibia.