| publication name | Monofocal and Bifocal Management of Infected Femoral Nonunion by Ilizarov Fixator: Mid-Term Results |
|---|---|
| Authors | Abdel-Salam Abdelaleem Ahmed |
| year | 2016 |
| keywords | femoral fractures, nonunion, infection, Ilizarov technique, external fixator. |
| journal | |
| volume | Not Available |
| issue | Not Available |
| pages | Not Available |
| publisher | Not Available |
| Local/International | International |
| Paper Link | Not Available |
| Full paper | download |
| Supplementary materials | Not Available |
Abstract
Introduction: Infected nonunion of the femur with associated bone loss represents one of the most difficult problems in orthopedic practice. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the mid-term treatment outcome of the Ilizarov technique in infected nonunion of the femur. Patients and Methods: This is a retrospective study of 24 patients with infected nonunion of the femur treated by Ilizarov external fixator. The mean age of patients was 37.71 years. The study included 19 males and five females. Eighteen patients (75 %) had draining sinuses while six (25 %) were quiescent. Four cases had associated deformity, and 18 patients had preoperative shortening with a range of 1-6 cm. Failed previous surgeries ranged from 2 to 7 times and the mean duration of nonunion was 28.75 months. Results: Monofocal technique was used in eight patients, and bifocal technique was used in 16 patients. All fracture nonunions were fully united with mean fixator period of 12.75 months. The average followup duration was 50.88 months. Persistent infection occurred in two cases after frame removal and managed by further debridement. Two cases had residual valgus deformity and two other patients had 2.5 cm shortening. According to ASAMI criteria, the bone results were evaluated as excellent in 19 patients, good in four patients, and fair in one patient. The functional results were excellent in 18 patients and good in six patients. Conclusion: In spite of the several problems, obstacles, and complications that may occur with the long treatment course, the Ilizarov fixator was effective in treating the difficult disabling problem of infected nonunion of the femur.