Management of Infected Non-union Tibia with Ilizarov External Fixator: Study on Tertiary Hospital in Bangladesh

Abstract

Introduction: Infection is the most prominent cause of delayed or non-union in tibial fractures because of the bone's sensitive subcutaneous location. Ilizarov external fixator application is regarded as the best approach for treating them because of several benefits. Analysis of the role of Ilizarov fixation in infected tibial non-union was the goal of this investigation and evaluating clinical & functional outcomes of infected tibial non-union. Materials and Methods: A Multicenter based non-randomized quasi-experimental prospective study was performed in Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, Rajshahi, Bangladesh. From 1st January 2015 to 31st December 2020. The study comprised a total of 61 (n=61) Tibial non-union patients treated with the Ilizarov fixator who also had an infection. ASAMI score criteria were used to evaluate the outcome. Results: The most common organism for infection was identified to be at Staphylococcus Aureus. The final follow-up showed that all but one patient had achieved union; one patient had to amputate due to infection and non-union. ASAMI score rating methodology for bone and function results rated the majority of patients as outstanding. Pin tract infections were the most prevalent problem discovered in this research. Conclusion: The Ilizarov external fixator is safe and successful for treating infected non-union of the tibia since it can offer a stable mechanical environment, bone transfer, rectify deformities, eradicate the infection, and allow patients to bear weight. Therefore, we still suggest it despite its disadvantages.