The treatment of infected non-union of fractures of long bones. Study of sixty-four cases with a five to twenty-one-year follow-up

Abstract

The result of treatment of sixty-four patients with infected ununited fractures of long bone by debridement of soft tissue and bone and open suction-irrigation drainage, followed by rigid stabilization of the non-union and cancellous bone-grafting when indicated, was bone union in sixty cases, even in the presence of infection. The late results five to twenty-one years later showed good function despite the fact that prolonged periods of hospitalization were often required. The importance of local treatment of the infection prior to stabilizing the fracture fragments, and the use of cancellous bone grafts when necessary, are emphasized.