Antibiotic cement impregnated nailing in the management of infected non-union of femur and tibia

Abstract

Infected non-union of long bones present a complex problem to the treating surgeon. The treatment of non-union follows traditionally followed a two staged procedure. More recently, single stage procedures such a sas debridement and application of Ilizarov fixator or use of antibiotic cement impregnated intramedullary nails (ACIINs) have been described in the literature . This is a report of a prospective study of 18 non-union cases ( femur or tibia) teated with ACIIN. Aims and objectives To evaluate the results of antibiotic cement impregnated nailing in the management of infected non-union of femur and tibia. Materials and methods This prospective study was done on 18 cases of infected non-union of femur and tibia at Government Medical College, Thrissur during the period 2010-2011. Functional results were evaluated with regards to control of infection, bony union, deformity, limb length discrepancy and complications (intra and post-operative). Results Infection was eradicted in 10 cases with ACIIN and the fractures united. In eight case, though the infection was controlled with ACIIN, they required subsequent procedures to achieve bony union. Conclusion Antibiotic cement impregnated nailing is a simple, economical and very effective procedure than the traditional methods in management of infected non-unions of long bones.