RESUMO
OBJECTIVES: To document the presentation of infected non-unions of femur in pediatric and adolescent population and evaluate the outcome of segmental bone transport with the Ilizarov method. METHODS: This prospective case series study was carried out over a period of five years, from January 01, 2015 to December 31, 2019. The study included all children and adolescent patients who presented with femoral infected non unions. The study excluded patients above the age of 16 years and those who had pathological fractures secondary to bone pathologies such as cysts, tumors or metabolic bone diseases. RESULTS: Out of 31 patients, 27(87.09%) were males and 4(12.90%) were females. The mean age was 13.48±1.98 years. The underlying mechanisms that lead to the causation of fractures included road traffic accidents (n=23;74.19%), fall from height (n=7;22.58%) and firearm injuries (n=1;3.22%). The bone gaps ranged from 3-5 cm with a mean of 4.00± 0.856 cm. Bone union was achieved among 28(90.32%) patients. Infection was eradicated among 27(87.09%) patients whereas the remaining patients continued to suffer persistent infection. The most common complications included pin tract inflammation/ infection among (n=31;100%) patients and stiffness of knee joint among (n=19;61.29%) patients. CONCLUSION: Majority of the patients were males, aged 9-16 years. Road traffic accidents were the commonest cause of the fractures. The Ilizarov method of segmental bone transport was effective in treating the majority of infected non-unions.
RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the management outcome of complex non-union of femoral fractures with Ilizarov method in terms of bone union, functional results and any complications. METHODS: This case series study was carried out at the Departments of Orthopedic Surgery, National Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine (NIRM), Islamabad and Civil hospital, Quetta over a period of three and half years, January 1, 2015 to June 30,2018. RESULTS: There were 50 patients in the study. There were 48(96%) males and 2(4%) females. The ages ranged between 17-54 years with a mean of 33.58±8.9 years. As per ASAMI criteria, the bone results were excellent in 17(34%), good in 30(60%), fair in 1(2%) and poor in 2(4%) patients. The functional results were excellent in 15(30%), good in 24(48%), fair in 8(16%) and poor in 3(6%). The bone union rate was 98% whereas infection eradication rate was 94%. The most frequent complications were pin tract infection affecting 80% patients, knee stiffness 60% patients and K-wires loosening 20% patients. CONCLUSION: The Ilizarov method provides an effective solution to address the complex non-union of femur fractures. It helps to ensure fracture healing, eradicates infection and provides good functional outcome. The attended complications are mild to moderate and manageable with conservative means.
RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To document the presentation of tibial infected non-union and analyze the management outcome with Ilizarov technique in terms of bone results, functional outcome, bone transport time, external fixation time, external fixation index and any complications. METHODS: This case series was conducted at the Departments of Orthopedic Surgery, National Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine (NIRM), Islamabad and Civil hospital, Quetta over a period of 3-years. RESULTS: There were 56 patients with 53(94.64%) males and 3(5.35%) females. The age range was 16-50 years with a mean of 32.58±9.98years. According to ASAMI criteria, bone results were excellent in 37(66%), good in 10(17.85%), fair in 6(10.71%) and poor in 3(5.35%). The functional results were excellent in 37(66%), good in 9(16%), fair in 7(12.5%) and poor in 3(5.35%). The bone union rate was 98.21%. CONCLUSION: Ilizarov method beautifully addresses the formidable issue of infected non union of tibia with good outcome in terms of bone healing and infection eradication. The treatment period is relatively lengthy and hence patience on part of patient as well as the surgical team is imperative for achieving favourable outcomes.
