J Korean Fract Soc.  2006 Jan;19(1):72-77. 10.12671/jkfs.2006.19.1.72.

The Treatment of Infected Non-union of Long Bones with Plate and Screws

• Ko HS
• Kang YH
• Kim DW
• Ha JK

• KMID: 2063827
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12671/jkfs.2006.19.1.72

Abstract

PURPOSE: To evaluate the usefulness of internal fixation with plate in treating infected nonunion of long bone.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
From March 1993 to February 2004, ten patients who underwent internal fixation with plate and cancellous bone graft on account of infected nonunion of long bone were retrospectively examined. The medical treatment were composed of thorough and adequate debridement of necrotic tissue, irrigation and plate fixation. Two patients were operated on with bridging plate method. Autologous cancellous bone graft was performed in 6 patients. In 2 cases, it was performed 4 weeks after internal fixation.
RESULTS
In 9 patients, radiographic union appeared on the average of 6.8months and infections were cured before union occurred.
CONCLUSION
Internal fixation with plate is a useful method for the solid fixation in the treatment of infected nonunion. The general concern was that the inserted hardware worsened the infection, which was overcomed with the operative techniques as bridging plate, debridement and cancellous bone graft.

Keyword

Long bones; Infected Nonunion; Plate; Bridging plate

MeSH Terms

Debridement
Humans
Retrospective Studies
Transplants