Radical Debridement Research Articles

Gas gangrene with Clostridium septicum in a neutropenic patient.

Gas gangrene is a rare presentation of a necrotizing fasciitis, caused by Clostridium perfringens, C. septicum and other clostridial species. With its rapid progression it is a potentially life-threatening infection, that poses as a challenge in the clinical management requiring an interdisciplinary approach.Here we present a 62-year-old woman, who developed neutropenic fever while undergoing chemotherapy for triple negative breast cancer. She presented with a high fever, reporting little pain in her left thigh accompanied by redness and induration locally. Subsequently the patient developed pain and redness of the back of the left hand. The initial findings suggested cellulitis and immediate empiric treatment with intravenous meropenem was started. Despite the antibiotic treatment the patient rapidly developed septic shock along with progression of the local infection. Emergency surgical debridement revealed extensive necrosis of the soft tissues including extensive myonecrosis of the thigh. On the left hand an extensive debridement was performed, the left lower limb could not be preserved and exarticulation of the left hip was required. Microbiologically C. septicum was isolated in different samples, confirming gas gangrene. As there was no local entry portal on the skin, hematogenous seeding from intestinal translocation in this neutropenic patient was suspected. The empiric antibiotic treatment was tailored to intravenous penicillin and complemented with clindamycin for toxin inhibition. Following radical debridement and antibiotic treatment, the patient could be stabilized. After repetitive debridement wound closure was achieved and the patient was discharged for rehabilitation. Antibiotic treatment was continued for four weeks.This rare case of gas gangrene in a neutropenic patient shows the complexity in the diagnostic and therapeutic management of necrotizing soft tissue infections in immunocompromised patients. It particularly highlights the importance of an interdisciplinary management with fast recognition of the disease and rapid, if needed radical, surgical debridement as well as tailored antibiotic treatment for a successful outcome.

Unbalanced metaphyseal fixation is associated with an increased aseptic loosening of revision total knee arthroplasty at mean 4-year follow-up.

The total number of total knee arthroplasty performed is rising, and the number of revisions is rising accordingly. Periprosthetic joint infection emerged in recent years as a leading cause of total knee revisions. Bone loss is a real challenge when facing septic knee revisions since radical debridement is crucial to overcome infection. Many devices have already demonstrated to reliably address bone loss and guarantee enhanced fixation. However, the role of balancing metaphyseal fixation and its interplay with the level of constraint has not been elucidated yet. An institutional arthroplasty registry was retrospectively reviewed looking for patients who underwent two-stage revision of the knee and metaphyseal cones implantation. Patients were divided into two groups based on the presence of cones only on one side (femoral or tibial, Group U) or both femoral and tibial side (Group B). Failure, aseptic loosening, and revision rates were compared between groups, as were values of patient-reported outcome measure. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to assess survival of implants. A total of 65 patients were included in the analysis and were evaluated at a mean final follow-up of 4years (range, 2-7). Mean age was 67 (range, 43-81) years. Mean BMI was 27.4 (range, 20-37) kg/m2. The overall mean KSS, OKS, ROM significantly increased from baseline values to last follow-up (p < 0.001). Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated that patients included in Group U had a significantly lower rate of implant survival compared to those included in Group B. Patients undergoing revision total knee arthroplasty for periprosthetic infection present considerable rates of complication and failure. Management of bone loss represents a concern for the surgeon, who must achieve a stable fixation. Our study demonstrated that implants characterized by an unbalanced metaphyseal fixation are at higher risk of aseptic loosening and consequent revision, especially when coupled with hinged inserts.

Treatment of distal femur aseptic nonunion after lateral locking plate fixation: results of medial custom made plating and free fibula flap transfer using CAD-CAM technology

BackgroundAim of the present paper is to report the preliminary results of CAD-CAM (Computer-Aided Design - Computer-Aided Manufacturing) technology application to distal femur nonunion treatment with free fibula flap, custom made medial plating and maintenance of a stable lateral locking plate. MethodsTwo cases of distal femur nonunion that occurred after lateral locking plating were treated and prospectively followed-up. Surgical planning followed the same preoperative protocol adopted for mandibular CAD-CAM reconstruction. Wide cutting sections were planned to obtain radical debridement. The tailored custom-made plate, a 3D rendering of bone defect and the cutting guides were produced and sterilized. Surgical intervention was conducted by steps (medial approach, bone resection, recipient vessels isolation, fibula harvesting and cutting, plate-fibula construct assembly, microvascular anastomosis, final fixation). ResultsThe mean follow-up was 13 (12-15) months. Bone union was achieved in both cases at mean 3.1 months. Full weight bearing without referred pain or discomfort was reached in both cases at mean 8,5 months (range 7 – 10). No complications occurred. ConclusionsCAD-CAM technology proved to be useful and reliable in custom made medial plating combined with free fibula transfer for the treatment of distal femur nonunion after lateral locking plating. Trial registrationnone.

Suprathel® and water-filtered infrared-A radiation (wIRA) as a new treatment strategy for toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN): A prospective study

Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a life-threatening condition with a mortality rate of approximately 25% to 30%. Early and adequate wound coverage is necessary due to largescale skin defects. Suprathel® is a modern wound dressing that shows promising results when treating superficial wounds such as scald, burns and abrasions. Previous reports on wound care in TEN patients using Suprathel® have described radical debridement of the entire affected body surface prior to the application of Suprathel®. However, the heavy wound secretion frequently results in the loss of a significant portions of Suprathel® over time. Prolonged operation time increases the risk of hypothermia. In addition, the large open wound areas result in an increased risk for hypovolemic shock, wound infection, and subsequent sepsis. This study presents a new strategy that involves serial hydrotherapeutic wound debridement and the stepwise application of Suprathel® to the affected areas. Water-filtered infrared A light (wIRA) was used to keep the Suprathel®-covered areas dry. Retrospective data from patients who received polyhexanide gel treatment (control group 1) and those who only received Suprathel® (control group 2) were collected for matched-pair analysis. The length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) and the need for catecholamines were compared among the three groups. By using serial debridement and combining wIRA treatment with Suprathel® dressings, we were able to significantly reduce the need for catecholamines, lower the risk of hypothermia and infection, and shorten ICU stay compared to the two control groups. We propose incorporating this methodology into the standard of care to promote wound closure and healing when treating TEN patients.

Delayed maxillary reconstruction following mucormycosis: A comprehensive analysis of surgical strategies and outcomes

Study designThis study is a prospective observational study conducted over two years from December 2020 to March 2023 at the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. ObjectiveTo evaluate the outcomes of delayed reconstruction in patients with maxillectomy defects post-COVID-19 associated mucormycosis, focusing on safety, morbidity, and aesthetic results. MethodsFifty patients with post-COVID-19 mucormycosis and maxillectomy defects without skin involvement were included. These patients underwent radical debridement and were treated with Amphotericin B followed by Posaconazole therapy until clinical and radiological resolution of the disease. Reconstruction was performed after a minimum of six months post-maxillectomy. Flaps used for reconstruction included the radial forearm free flap (RAFF), anterolateral thigh flap (ALT), and free fibula osteomyocutaneous flap, planned using a 3D-printed model. Follow-up was conducted weekly for the first month and monthly for the next two months, with semiannual visits thereafter. ResultsOf the 50 patients, 42 % were male, and 58 % were female, with a mean age of 43 ± 8.75 years. Most patients (88 %) were diabetic. Maxillectomy defects were categorized as type IIA, IIB, IIIA, IIIB, and IV based on the Cordeiro classification. Four flaps (8 %) required re-exploration, with three salvaged. Complications included marginal flap necrosis (4 %) and oro-nasal fistula (2 %). The average hospital stay was six days, extended to ten days for re-explored cases. Flap dimensions varied with the largest being 62 cm² for the free fibula flap. ConclusionsDelayed reconstruction using free flaps in patients with post-COVID-19 mucormycosis maxillectomy defects without skin involvement is a safe approach with minimal morbidity. This method allows confirmation of disease resolution before major reconstructive surgery, resulting in excellent aesthetic and functional outcomes.

Aortic Valve Infective Endocarditis Complicated by Annular Abscess: Antibiotics in the Abscess Cavity.

Infective endocarditis of the aortic valve complicated by annular abscess is a challenging problem and often requires patch reconstruction after surgical debridement of the abscess cavity. Filling the remaining cavity with antibiotics is advocated to prevent recurrent endocarditis. This study aimed at evaluating the role of local antibiotics in patients with aortic valve infective endocarditis complicated by annular abscess. Between January 2012 and December 2021, all consecutive patients with aortic valve infective endocarditis complicated by annular abscess undergoing cardiac surgery and annular patch reconstruction were included. Patients receiving local antibiotics were compared with patients without local antibiotics. The primary endpoints were the incidence of recurrent endocarditis, re-operation, and mortality during two-year follow-up. A total of 41 patients with aortic valve infective endocarditis complicated by annular abscess underwent surgical patch reconstruction after radical debridement. In total, 20 patients received local antibiotics in the abscess cavity and 21 patients were treated without local antibiotics. The most common causative microorganisms were the staphylococci species and the most common location of the abscess was the non-coronary annulus. During two-year follow-up, one patient in each group developed recurrent endocarditis (p > 0.99) and both patients were reoperated (p > 0.99). Two-year mortality was 30% in the local antibiotic group and 24% in the control group (p = 0.65). Radical debridement and patch reconstruction of the aortic annulus in patients with aortic valve infective endocarditis complicated by annular abscess is an effective surgical strategy. Filling of the remaining abscess cavity with antibiotic seems not to affect the rate of recurrent endocarditis, reoperation, and mortality during two-year follow-up.

Total ankle arthroplasty in an adolescent who suffered hematogenous osteomyelitis of tibia

Introduction Acute hematogenous osteomyelitis can persist as chronic infection in pediatric patients due to delayed diagnosis and treatment. An extended bone defect of the limb caused by osteomyelitic destruction is a rare clinical scenario in pediatric surgery. Metaepiphyseal and articular involvement suggests specific and long-term treatment with a high risk of disability.The objective was to report a clinical case of a teenager who suffered chronic hematogenous osteomyelitis of the tibial bones and raise awareness of primary diagnosis and treatment.Material and methods A clinical case of a teenager treated for extensive destruction of the tibial bones caused by chronic hematogenous osteomyelitis is reported. Clinical and functional evaluation of the effectiveness was produced at the stages of treatment.Results A positive functional result was achieved due to staged surgical treatment including radical debridement of the chronic infection nidus followed by total ankle arthroplasty.Discussion Acute hematogenous osteomyelitis persisting as chronic infection could be caused either by a wait-and-see strategy when the patient first sought medical help or a long-term follow-up. There is no consensus on the use of reconstruction or replacement of large long bone defects extended to the joints caused by chronic infection. Staged treatment including total joint replacement with custom-made endoprosthesis can be one of the options.Conclusion Staged surgical treatment including radical debridement followed by delayed total joint replacement with custom-made endoprosthesis provided satisfactory functionality for the limb without signs of infectious and inflammatory activity at a follow-up period of more than a year.

Clinical and surgical outcome in patients with cervical spondylodiscitis-a single-center retrospective case series of 24 patients.

Cervical spondylodiscitis is a rare pathology, with an incidence of 0.5-2.5 per 100,000 population, posing significant potential risks. This type of infection can lead to neurological impairment in up to 29% of patients. Radical surgical debridement of the infected segment, fusion, and an intravenous antibiotic regimen remains the gold standard in most spine centers. This study aimed to analyze the surgical outcome in a tertiary spine center based on disease severity. In this study, we retrospectively included all patients diagnosed with cervical spondylodiscitis and treated at the University Hospital Augsburg between January 2017 and May 2022. We collected and analyzed baseline parameters on clinical presentation with symptoms, laboratory parameters, radiological appearance, and surgical parameters such as type of approach and implant, as well as neurological and radiological outcomes. Descriptive statistics were performed using SPSS, and relevant correlations were examined using the t-test for independent samples and the chi-square test. Twenty-four patients (9%) with cervical spondylodiscitis were identified. Twenty-two (92%) surgically treated patients were subdivided into the complicated discitis group (n = 14, 64%) and the uncomplicated discitis group (n = 8, 36%). Seventeen patients (71%) presented with sepsis on admission, 17 patients (71%) were diagnosed with epidural abscess on primary imaging, and 5 patients (21%) had more than one discitis lesion at a distant spinal segment. The presence of epidural abscess was significantly associated with systemic sepsis (OR = 6.2; p = 0.03) and myelopathy symptoms (OR = 14.4; p = 0.00). The most frequently detected specimen was a multisensitive Staphylococcus aureus (10 patients, 42%). Six patients (25%) died after a median of 20 days despite antibiogram-accurate therapy, five of whom were diagnosed with a complicated type of discitis. The follow-up data of 15 patients (63%) revealed permanent neurological damage in 9 patients (38%). Notably, the surgical approach was a significant factor for revision surgery (p = 0.008), as three out of five (60%) ventrodorsal cases with complicated discitis were revised. Cervical spondylodiscitis represents a severe infectious disease that is often associated with permanent neurological damage or a fatal outcome, despite adequate surgical and antibiotic treatments. Complicated types of discitis may require a more challenging surgical and clinical course.

Trifocal versus Pentafocal bone transport in segmental tibial defects: a matched comparative analysis for posttraumatic osteomyelitis treatment

PurposeThe objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the effectiveness and clinical results of trifocal bone transport (TBT) and pentafocal bone transport (PBT) in treating distal tibial defects > 6 cm resulting from posttraumatic osteomyelitis, highlighting the potential advantages and challenges of each method.MethodsA retrospective assessment was conducted on an overall population of 46 eligible patients with distal tibial defects > 6 cm who received treatment between January 2015 and January 2019. Propensity score analysis was used to pair 10 patients who received TBT with 10 patients who received PBT. The outcomes assessed included demographic information, external fixation time (EFT), external fixation index (EFI), bone and functional outcomes assessed using the Association for the Study and Application of the Method of Ilizarov (ASAMI) scoring system, and postoperative complications evaluated using the Paley classification.ResultsThe demographic and baseline data of the two groups were comparable. Following radical debridement, the average tibial defect was 7.02 ± 0.68 cm. The mean EFT was significantly shorter in the PBT group (130.9 ± 16.0 days) compared to the TBT group (297.3 ± 14.3 days). Similarly, the EFI was lower in the PBT group (20.67 ± 2.75 days/cm) than in the TBT group (35.86 ± 3.69 days/cm). Both groups exhibited satisfactory postoperative bone and functional results. Pin site infection was the most common complication and the rates were significantly different between the groups, with the PBT group demonstrating a higher incidence.ConclusionBoth TBT and PBT effectively treat posttraumatic tibial defects greater than 6 cm, with PBT offering more efficient bone regeneration. However, PBT is associated with a higher rate of pin site infections, highlighting the importance of careful management in these complex procedures and emphasizing the need for expert surgical execution and tailored treatment approaches in orthopedic reconstructive surgery.

Reconstruction options for infection-related defects : Plastic surgery armamentarium

The occurrence of infections has always been feared in all surgical disciplines. Plastic reconstructive surgery faces the challenge of treating infection-related defects on apatient-specific basis, which requires amultidisciplinary treatment concept. Satisfactory treatment success can only be achieved through radical debridement for infection cleansing, optimization of the perfusion situation paired with targeted anti-infective treatment and, if necessary, with soft tissue reconstruction by plastic surgery. This article presents the current possibilities of plastic and reconstructive surgery with respect to the reconstruction of infection-related defects. Proven and reliable strategies are presented and supplemented by promising experimental approaches. Due to the often multilayered defect situation caused by infections, from the epidermis to cancellous bone, the entire armamentarium of plastic and reconstructive surgery is used for reconstruction. The early involvement of plastic surgery in the treatment of infections and the interdisciplinary and multimodal treatment approach have proven their worth in the treatment of complex infection situations.

Compassionate use of cefiderocol in a complex case of extensively drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii fracture-related infection: a comprehensive approach and multidisciplinary management.

Fracture-related infections (FRI) pose a difficult management problem, as they require numerous surgical interventions and extended antibiotic treatments, especially when a multidrug-resistant organism is involved, with a paucity of available literature that provides guidance. A 42year-old male presents an open diaphyseal tibia and fibula fracture, complicated by soft tissue necrosis and infections caused by extensively drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (XDR-Ab). Initially treated with a damage control external fixator, the patient underwent multiple surgical procedures, including radical debridement, negative pressure wound therapy, external fixator revisions and reconstructive surgery using a latissimus dorsi free flap. The emergence of colistin resistance in the Acinetobacter baumannii strain led to the compassionate use of cefiderocol, finally achieving clinical cure. This case report is one of the firsts that highlights the potential efficacy of cefiderocol in treating challenging bone and joint infections sustained by XDR-Ab. The successful outcome also emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach in achieving favorable results in complex FRI.

Post-COVID-19 Rhino-Orbito-Maxillary Mucormycosis Defect: Our Surgical Experience with Single Stage Delayed Reconstruction Using Free Flap

Abstract Introduction The effect of the second wave of COVID-19 was immense in India, specifically in the form of vicious COVID-19-associated mucormycosis. A higher number of radical debridements are required for disease control in combination with antifungal drugs in cases of COVID-19-associated mucormycosis, which results in complex maxillofacial defects. We aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes in patients with rhino-orbito-maxillary defects due to COVID-19-associated mucormycosis undergoing a single stage delayed free flap reconstruction. Methodology This prospective, single-center, multisurgeon study was performed on eight patients with COVID-19-associated rhino-orbito-maxillary mucormycosis in the department of burns and plastic surgery. The postoperative clinical outcome was evaluated using the University of Washington Quality of Life Questionnaire for patient's quality of life (QOL), aesthetic numeric analog (ANA) scale for patient's satisfaction for aesthetics, and the functional intraoral Glasgow scale for speech and deglutition at 1 and 3 months. Results The median age of the study patients was 40 years, with 75% of the patients being males. Diabetes mellitus (DM) was present in all the patients. Mucormycosis was diagnosed within the first 3 months of COVID-19 infection. Maxillary defect was present in 62.5% of patients, out of which 50% had bilateral maxillary defects. There was significant improvement in the QOL and the aesthetics of patients from 1 to 3 months (p &lt; 0.001). Speech and deglutition were also improved at 3 months, but the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion Single stage delayed free flap reconstruction can be advocated in patients with COVID-19-associated rhino-orbito-maxillary mucormycosis defect as there is considerable improvement in patients' QOL, aesthetics, speech, and deglutition over a period of time.

Semi-focal bone transport versus traditional bone transport technique for the management of large tibial bone defects after trauma

How to deal with large tibial bone defects is still controversial. The purpose of this research was to compare the semi-focal bone transport (SFBT) technique with traditional bone transport (TBT) technique for treating such patients. Sixty-two patients were included and retrospectively analyzed. In all cases, after radical debridement large tibial bone defects remained. Patients were treated by the SFBT or TBT technique. The distraction, consolidation duration and complications were recorded by the patients’ medical files. Based on the Association for the Study and Application of Methods of Ilizarov (ASAMI) standard, the bone and functional results were evaluated. The mean bone defect size was 7.7 ± 1.6 cm and 7.5 ± 2.1 cm for SFBT and TBT patients. The mean external fixation index (EFI) was 1.51 ± 0.14 months/cm and 1.89 ± 0.25 months/cm for SFBT and TBT patients (p < 0.05), respectively. With respect to bone and function results, there was no significant differences between the two groups (p > 0.05). The mean number of complications per patient was 1.1 ± 0.6 and 1.6 ± 0.7 for SFBT and TBT patients (p < 0.05). Compared to the traditional bone transport technique, patients using the semi-focal bone transport technique achieved better clinical effects, including shorter EFI and less complications. Therefore, the SFBT technique could be a new option for patients with large tibial bone defects.

Understanding limb necrotizing infections: A comprehensive approach

IntroductionNecrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTI) are increasing, posing a significant risk of morbidity and mortality. Due to nonspecific symptoms, a high index of suspicion is crucial. Treatment involves a multidisciplinary approach, with broad-spectrum antibiotics, early surgical debridement, and life support. This study analyzes the characteristics, demographics, complications, and treatment of NSTI in a hospital in Madrid, Spain. MethodsA retrospective observational study was conducted, including all surgically treated NSTI patients at our center from January 2016 to December 2022, examining epidemiological and clinical data. The Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis (LRINEC) was prospectively calculated for all patients. ResultsTwenty-two patients (16 men, 6 women, mean age 54.8) were included. Median time from symptom onset to emergency room visit was 3.5 days. All reported severe treatment-resistant pain; sixteen had fever exceeding 37.8°C (72.7%). Skin lesions occurred in twelve (54.5%), and thirteen had hypotension and tachycardia (59.1%).Treatment involved resuscitative support, antibiotherapy, and radical debridement. Median time to surgery was 8.25h. Intraoperative cultures were positive in twenty patients: twelve Streptococcus pyogenes, four Staphylococcus aureus, one Escherichia coli, and four polymicrobial infection. In-hospital mortality rate was 22.73%. ConclusionsWe examined the correlation between our results, amputation rates and mortality with LRINEC score and time to surgery. However, we found no significant relationship unlike some other studies. Nevertheless, a multidisciplinary approach with radical debridement and antibiotic therapy remains the treatment cornerstone. Our hospital stays, outcomes and mortality rates align with our literature review, confirming high morbimortality despite early and appropriate intervention.

Non‑contact locking plate: A useful alternative to external fixation in second‑stage treatment of post‑traumatic tibial osteomyelitis.

The treatment of infected tibial bone defects can be challenging for the orthopedic surgeon. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to compare the fixation endurance, bone union time, lower limb joint function and complications associated with different fixation methods in the treatment of bone defects caused by debridement in the treatment of post-traumatic osteomyelitis. The clinical data of 55 patients with infected bone defects of the lower extremities following traumatic injury, who had undergone radical debridement between January 2017 and September 2020, were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into three groups according to the type of fixation during reconstruction, namely the external fixation (EX), internal fixation (IX) and non-contact locking plate (LP) groups. The demographic data, time to bone union, bacterial culture results, complications and Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) scores of the patients were compared among the three groups. The results indicated that the differences in time to bone union and recurrence rates of osteomyelitis among the three groups were not statistically significant. By contrast, functional status after surgery was significantly higher in the LP group compared with the EX group. In total, 8/22 patients (36.4%) in the EX group, 4/13 patients (30.8%) in the IX group and 4/20 patients (20.0%) in the non-contact LP group had shortened limbs and deformed tibia. The SAS assessment results revealed that patients in the non-contact LP group had the lowest rates of moderate and severe anxiety. In conclusion, the results of the present study demonstrate that the non-contact locking plate technique provided stable fixation without any contact between the implant and bone tissues. Therefore, this technique may be viable for use during the reconstruction stage of post-traumatic tibial osteomyelitis.

Extended arc of rotation of Latissimus Dorsi Musculocutaneous Flap providing well-vascularized tissue for reconstruction of complete defects of the sternum: An anatomical study of flap pedicle modification.

Deep sternal wound infections (DSWI) following cardiothoracic surgery represent a life quality endangering sequelae and may lead to sternal osteomyelitis. Radical debridement followed by Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) may achieve infection control, provide angiogenesis, and improve respiratory function. When stable wound conditions have been established a sustainable plastic surgical flap reconstruction should be undertaken. This study analyses a method to simplify defect coverage with a single Latissimus Dorsi Myocutaneous Flap (LDMF). Preparation of 20 LDMF in ten fresh frozen cadavers was conducted. Surgical steps to increase pedicle length were evaluated. The common surgical preparation of LDMF was compared with additional transection of the Circumflex Scapular Artery (CSA). Alteration of the surgical preparation of LDMF by sacrificing the CSA may provide highly valuable well-vascularized muscle tissue above the sensitive area of the Xiphisternum. All defects could be completely reconstructed with a single LDMF. The gain in length of flap tissue in the inferior third of the sternum was 3.86±0.9 cm (range 2.2 to 8 cm). By sacrificing the CSA in harvesting the LDMF a promising gain in length, perfusion and volume may be achieved to cover big sternal defects with a single flap.

Results of LRS (Limb Reconstruction System) in Management of Infected Non Unions of Femur

Introduction: Infected non-union needs prolonged treatment and repeated surgeries which significantly impacts patient’s social, financial, physical and mental life. In relation to Ilizarov technique monolateral external fixator is less bulky, more comfortable and better tolerated by patient. In this study we aim to assess the union rates, infection control, alignment, complications and the functional outcome of infected femoral non-union managed with monolateral external fixator. Material and methods: This is a prospective interventional study carried out between June 2017 and June 2021 at tertiary care centre operated by a single surgeon. Patients diagnosed as infected non-union of femur clinically and radiologically and operated with monolateral external fixator were assessed. Functional and radiological assessment was done using ASAMI classification. Results: In our study 21 patients were operated which included 20 males (95.2%) and one female with mean follow up is 29.85 ± 11.42 months. The most common site of non-union is mid-shaft of the femur. The mean bone defect after debridement is 3.52 ± 2.23cm (1 -10cm). The mean time of bony union in our study is 180.65 days (range 95-740 days). The ASAMI classification of bone results is Excellent to good in 90% of patients. Conclusion: Our study suggested that the Limb reconstruction system can be successfully used in the management of infected non-union of femur as a stable fixation modality and achieve satisfactory outcome in terms of bony union and functional results. Pre-operatively planning of the LRS frame, radical debridement and maintaining stability of the LRS frame are key steps of the treatment.

Septic arthritis of the hip caused by nontyphoidal salmonella: A case report

Salmonella nontyphoidal (NTS) infection can cause bacteremia, enteric fever, and gastroenteritis. However, NTS-induced osteoarticular infections are uncommon. We describe a 65-year-old man who had a right hip infection brought on by NTS. He was successfully treated with staged procedures of debridement and antibiotic mobile spacer insertion followed by an Uncemented hip replacement as the second stage. He was doing well free of recurrence at the 8 year follow up. Septic parameters at this time were normal. This case is given since there have been few cases of hip joint infection caused by NTS. Prompt detection and diagnosis of the organism is crucial.Articular erosion and joint destruction once proved, in delayed presentations, will need radical debridement for eradication of the infection. The use of a prosthesis made of antibiotic-loaded acrylic cement and prolonged antimicrobial therapy is necessary.

Excellent Survival Rate of Cemented Modular Stems in One-Stage Revision for Periprosthetic Hip Infections With Massive Femoral Bone Loss: A Retrospective Single-Center Analysis of 150 Cases

BackgroundWith the increasing incidence of total hip arthroplasty (THA), there is also an expected concurrent increase in revision THA (rTHA), which is known to have a high complication and re-revision rate. In the setting of infection, radical debridement is essential and options for femoral bone loss are limited. One viable solution is cemented modular stems, but limited evidence exists on their use in septic revision. This study aimed to analyze survival and complication related to the use of cemented modular stems in one-stage septic rTHA with severe femoral bone loss. MethodsThe institutional database of patients who underwent rTHA for septic one-stage revision with cemented modular stems was reviewed. Exclusion criteria were patients aged less than 18 years and nonseptic or 2 stage revisions. Outcomes measured were complication, re-infection, re-operation, and survivorship of the implant. A total of 150 patients were included. The mean age was 68 years (range, 30 to 91), and the mean follow-up was 105 months (range, 1 to 150). ResultsTreatment was considered successful in 81.3% of cases. Patients who underwent multiple prior surgeries demonstrated a lower rate of treatment success (P < .001). The main cause of failure was re-infection (11 of 28). Among cases failed for aseptic reasons (17 of 28), loosening of the cemented modular stem was the cause of re-revision in 2 patients (1.3%). ConclusionsThe use of modular cemented stems is a viable option in case of septic one-stage rTHA associated with severe femoral bone loss. However, surgeons and patients should be aware that this treatment is still characterized by a high rate of complications, which may lead to further surgeries. Level of evidenceIII.

Application of Staged Negative Pressure Wound Therapy and Flap Surgery for Infection Control After Patellar Internal Fixation Surgery.

The anatomic position of the patella is superficial, making it vulnerable to injuries. Treatment of patella infection after internal fixation surgery remains a big challenge due to minimal soft tissue coverage and vital tissue exposure. Forty-two patients aged 10 to 59 years were admitted to the institution's burn unit between January 2010 and December 2019. Each presented with infection after patellar fracture surgery. Twenty-seven infections were superficial, whereas 15 were deep with pyogenous arthritis of the knee. Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) was applied after radical debridement to remove necrotic subcutaneous tissues and internal fixation devices. In addition, cases with septic arthritis were irrigated continuously with normal saline. After 5 to 10 days of NPWT treatment and irrigation, wound infection was well controlled. Afterward, 42 wounds were resurfaced with pedicled flaps, the 42 patients received 17 reverse-flow anterolateral thigh (ALT) perforator flap, 12 medial sural artery perforator flaps, 7 gastrocnemius musculocutaneous flaps, as well as 6 saphenous artery flaps. Thirty-seven flaps survived uneventfully. However, 3 flaps developed venous congestion in the distal end. Two flaps developed tip necrosis. All patients were followed up between 3 and 48 months. Infection beneath the flap occurred in 3 patients and healed after an additional debridement surgery. The staged NPWT and flap surgery strategy focus on thorough debridement and immediate internal fixation devices removal, effective fracture fixation, efficient NPWT application, targeted administration of antibiotics, and adequate soft tissue coverage. This study established that the procedure was effective in infection control after patellar internal fixation surgery.