OUTCOME OF PATHOLOGICAL FRACTURES OF PAEDIATRIC FEMUR FOLLOWING CHRONIC OSTEOMYELITIS TREATED WITH ILIZAROV METHOD

Abstract

Background: Pathological fracture of the paediatric femur after chronic osteomyelitis presents a challenging situation. It is complicated by the need for radical debridement, often leaving a wide bone gap and instability that is difcult to be managed by the traditional methods. The Ilizarov method due to its versatility is a potential treatment option for this condition. 19 children with pathological femur Materials and methods: fractures following chronic Osteomyelitis were treated with Ilizarov methods. 3 children were excluded, and the nal outcome was measured in 16 children. The mean age of the patients was 6.76±1.93 years, with 12 males (63.15%) and 7 females (36.84%). The Beit cure classication of childhood chronic osteomyelitis was used. The mean follow up after ring removal was 26.06±5.07 months. NEER's criteria was used to assess the radiological and functional outcomes. With a mean union time of 10.94±3.93 weeks, 100% union Results: was achieved in all of the 16 cases. The mean external xator period was 14.25±4.94 weeks. The infection was fully eradicated in all of the cases, except 1 (6.25%) child diagnosed with tubercular osteomyelitis is still having the active infection. According to NEER's functional and anatomical grading, excellent results were found in 6 (37.5%) cases, satisfactory in 8 (50%), and unsatisfactory in 2 (12.5%) cases. Pin tract infection was found in 10 (62.5%) children, axial deformity after ring removal in one (6.25%), and knee stiffness in 2(12.5%) children. In children w Conclusion: ith pathological femur fractures caused by chronic osteomyelitis, the Ilizarov method can be a viable treatment option. It helps to eradicate infection, promotes fracture healing, and produces satisfactory to excellent results.