Polymethyl Methacrylate Cement Fill as a Definitive Treatment for Massive Bone Defect After Infected Internal Fixation in Bicondylar Tibial Fracture: A Case Report.

Abstract

A 62-year-old woman sustained a bicondylar proximal tibial fracture. She had a deep infection after open reduction and internal fixation resulting in massive metaphyseal bone loss. Because only subchondral bone was left, the cavity was filled with cement after pins were used to support the proximal tibia. Then, a hinged knee-spanning external fixator (EF) was applied. After the removal of the EF, the patient was almost pain free and tolerated full weight-bearing, and no further surgeries were needed. The cemented wires technique proved to be a good short-term and possibly a reasonable long-term treatment approach for infected nonunion with massive bone loss still maintaining lower leg alignment.