The treatment of infected non-union of the tibia by compression-distraction techniques using the Ilizarov external fixator

Circular external fixation using the Ilizarov apparatus combined with compression-distraction techniques was used to treat 11 patients with infected non-union and segmental bone loss of the tibia. The series comprised 8 males and 3 females, with an average age of 27 years (range 17-51 years). The average number of previous failed surgical attempts at union was 2 per patient (range 1 to 4). Three infected non-unions without shortening were treated with complete resection of the site and conversion of the diaphysis into a segmental defect. The functional results were excellent in 5, good in 3, fair in 2 and poor in one patient. No additional procedures were used in any of the patients.