Complete ejection of a ring sequestrum 8 years after external fixation of the tibia

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Infectious disease

Background:

• A 23-year-old male presented with a persistent pin tract infection.
• The patient had a history of an open crural fracture treated 8 years prior.

Observation:

• The patient presented with a spontaneously ejected bony ring sequestrum from his tibial wound.
• The external fixator used for the initial fracture treatment was placed without predrilling.

Findings:

• The ejected bony sequestrum suggests a complication related to the prior external fixator placement.
• Persistent pin tract infection can lead to the formation and expulsion of bone sequestra.

Implications:

• This case highlights the potential long-term complications of external fixator application without proper predrilling.
• Early recognition and management of pin tract infections are crucial to prevent further complications like sequestrum formation.