Infected pseudarthrosis - A review of 75 cases Pseudarthroses infectées - Révision de 75 cas

The authors have reviewed 75 cases of infected Pseudarthrosis treated over the last five years (1989-1993) in the Septic Osteo Articular Pathology Unit (UP.S.O.A.) in the Orthopaedic Service of the Coimbra University Hospitals (H. U. C.).The primary objective was to cure infection, and the method of treatment was based on external fixation, applied at a distance from the focus. Once infection was resolved and as long as there was bone contact, the external fixators were removed and a plaster cast was applied (two months), followed by nailing.Where there was no bone contact, external fixation was maintained. Corticotomy was performed at a distance and transportation effected until consolidation was obtained. If this did not take place, treatment was with plaster cast followed by nailing.Of the cases treated, 65 were male and the average age was 32.5 years. Infection was cured in 73 patients. Twleve patients continued treatment for aseptic pseudarthrosis.