English

Abstract

BACKGROUND Infected non-union is a complex, debilitating and challenging disorder affecting orthopaedic surgeon and patient in terms of cost and time.1 Antibiotic impregnated nail has been a cheap and effective method used for treatment of infected nonunion. Factors that may lead to infected non-union are many.2,3 High local concentrations of antibiotics with minimal systemic levels and without systemic side effects make local antibiotic therapy a very useful technique in treating infected non-union. 4 Buchholz and Engelbrecht were the first to use antibiotic impregnated cement.5 Major advantage of using antibiotic impregnated cement is, it provides high concentration of antibiotics locally with less systemic side effects.6 The purpose of this study was to determine the functional outcome of antibiotic impregnated nail in treatment of infected non-union of femur and tibia. Antibiotic cement impregnated intra-medullary nail can provide stability, help in control of infection,7 is easy to remove, and also provides all the advantages of the cement beads.8,9 METHODS This prospective study was done on 25 cases at Government Medical College Thrissur from 01 September 2016 to 01 April 2018. Functional results were evaluated with regard to control of infection, bony union, deformity, limb leg discrepancy and complications (both intra and post-operative complications). RESULTS Most of the cases had type 2 open injury initially, accounting for 49 %. Staphylococcus aureus was reported in 56 % of cases. Infection control was achieved in 23 cases. Bony union was visualised in 18 cases, remaining 5 cases united following bone grafting. In 2 cases there was no control of infection and no bony union was achieved, later antibiotic nail removal and Ilizarov fixation was planned. Bone grafting was done in 10 cases. CONCLUSIONS Antibiotic impregnated cement nailing is a simple, economical and very effective procedure with less complication and shorter duration of treatment when compared with other conventional procedures. KEYWORDS Infected Non-Union, Long Bones, Antibiotic Impregnated Cement Nail