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The infected nonunion of the tibia
1Orthopaedic Trauma Service, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston 02114, USA.
Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research
|June 1, 1995
Summary
Treating infected nonunions of the tibia, a complex fracture complication, achieved high success rates. This study details diagnosis, staging, and treatment outcomes for chronic tibial osteomyelitis, improving patient function.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Infectious Diseases
- Traumatology
Background:
- Infected nonunion of the tibia is a complex surgical challenge.
- Posttraumatic tibial osteomyelitis presents as a chronic, debilitating condition.
- Effective diagnosis and staging are crucial for successful management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe diagnostic and staging methods for posttraumatic tibial osteomyelitis.
- To review outcomes of treating infected tibial nonunions using a specific staging criteria.
- To evaluate the long-term health impact of these chronic conditions.
Main Methods:
- Review of 37 cases of infected tibial nonunions.
- Classification based on bony defect extent and fibula viability (Types 3, 4, 5).
- Evaluation of treatment success (union and infection eradication) and long-term health impact.
Main Results:
- Most patients (35/37) achieved union and infection eradication.
- Distal tibia was the most common site of infection (19/37).
- Majority of cases were Type 3 (30/37), involving smaller defects with a usable fibula.
Conclusions:
- A structured approach to diagnosing and staging infected tibial nonunions leads to favorable treatment outcomes.
- Infected tibial nonunions represent a significant chronic health burden.
- Successful treatment significantly improves patient function and reduces long-term disability.
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