Abstract
Objective:To evaluate the management outcome of complex non-union of femoral fractures with Ilizarov method in terms of bone union, functional results and any complications.Methods:This case series study was carried out at the Departments of Orthopedic Surgery, National Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine (NIRM), Islamabad and Civil hospital, Quetta over a period of three and half years, January 1, 2015 to June 30,2018.Results:There were 50 patients in the study. There were 48(96%) males and 2(4%) females. The ages ranged between 17-54 years with a mean of 33.58±8.9 years. As per ASAMI criteria, the bone results were excellent in 17(34%), good in 30(60%), fair in 1(2%) and poor in 2(4%) patients. The functional results were excellent in 15(30%), good in 24(48%), fair in 8(16%) and poor in 3(6%). The bone union rate was 98% whereas infection eradication rate was 94%. The most frequent complications were pin tract infection affecting 80% patients, knee stiffness 60% patients and K-wires loosening 20% patients.Conclusion:The Ilizarov method provides an effective solution to address the complex non-union of femur fractures. It helps to ensure fracture healing, eradicates infection and provides good functional outcome. The attended complications are mild to moderate and manageable with conservative means.
Highlights
Lower limb trauma and the associated skeletal injuries constitute a major workload of the orthopedic surgeons in developing countries like Pakistan
The study included all patients whose complex non unions of femoral fractures were managed with Ilizarov method
There were 50 patients in the study, 48(96%) males and 2(4%) females, ages ranged between 1754 years with a mean of 33.58±8.9 years.The various bacteria cultured from the infected bones included Staphylococcus aureus 40(80%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa 17(34%), Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus 8(16%), Escherichia coli 8(16%) and various other bacterial species 7(14%)
Summary
Fracture non-union of femur is one formidable issue which may be encountered in a significant proportion of these patients. Severe injuries with reduced arterial flow, associated soft tissue trauma, failure to ensure appropriate initial fracture management and osteomylitis. This may be further complicated by additional factors like bone loss, deformity and leg length discrepancy.[1,2,3]. We employed Ilizarov method for managing non union of femur. This method is based on the fundamental principle of ‘tension stress’.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
