Evaluation of Illizarov Principle of Infected Nonunion Tibia

Abstract

Background: Among several treatment options for the management of infected nonunion tibia, Illizarov technique is a newer one.Illizarov technic has many good advantages and features. But in Bangladesh we have very few research-based information regarding the effectiveness and outcomes applyingIllizarov principle in treatinginfected nonunion tibia. Aim of the study: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and outcomes Illizarov principle in treating infected nonunion tibia. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Orthopedics, Holy Family Red Crescent Hospital Dhaka Bangladesh during the period from January 2018 to December 2019. In total 27 patients with infected nonunion tibia were selected as the study population. Illizarov technic was applied for all of the patients. Before starting data collectionproper written consentsfrom all the participants were taken. A pre-designed semi-structured questioner was used in collecting necessary patient data. All data were processed, analyzed and disseminated by MS Office and SPSS version 20.0 as per need. Results: In this study, as postoperative complications, local pain with motion, local oedema, painful tenting of skin and pin tract infection were found in 3.705, 7.41%, 14.81% and 18.51% participants respectively. There was not a single case of deep infection or unacceptable malunion or non-union. As the final outcomes of this technic as per the Karlstrom and Olerud criteria, the highest 59% patients got ‘excellent’ result. Then 30%, 7% and the rest 4% patients got ‘good’, ‘fair’ and ‘poor’ result respectively. Conclusion: For the management of infected nonunion tibia,Illizarov technic opened a new era. Considering the god features of this technic like less blood loss, lower complication rate, shorter duration of hospital staying and prompt healing physicians can take this principle as the method of choice in treating infected nonunion tibia.