Tibia is the most common long bone fracture due to its vulnerable subcutaneous location and most often associated with
acquired complications of delayed union or non-union due to infection. The objective of this study is to analyze the role of Ilizarov
technique in treatment of infected tibial non-union. Total of 13 patients with infected tibial shaft non-union were included in the
study. Patients were reviewed for union of bone, bone and functional outcomes and complications. All fractures united and infection
eradicated completely. According to The Association for the Study and Application of Methods of Ilizarov (ASAMI) criteria
ASAMI classification, bone results were excellent in 6, good in 5, fair in 2, and no poor results. Functional results were excellent in
8, good in 3, fair in 2, and no poor results. The most common complication was pin tract infection. Out of 13 patients, 7 had Grade
II, 3 had Grade III, and 3 had Grade IV infection which was managed accordingly. There were no neurovascular complications. We
conclude that for management of infected non-union of tibia, radical debridement with Ilizarov fixation give satisfactory bone and
functional results. Thus, Ilizarov technique is one of the most successful techniques in the management of infected non-union of
tibia. |
