ILIZAROV TECHNIQUES; TO STUDY THE RESULTS OF INFECTED NONUNION OF TIBIA

Objectives: 1. To assess the results of infected nonunion of tibia by Ilizarov techniques. 2. To ascertain the incidence of complications and advise methods to prevent them. 3. To determine various risk factors which contribute to these complications. Study Design: This descriptive case series. Setting: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Dow University of Health Sciences/ Civil Hospital Karachi. Period: 1 st March 2010 to 28 th Feb. 2013. Methods: A total of 30 patients with infected nonunion of tibia with or without shortening and bone loss was included in the study. Patients lying in supine position, after spinal anesthesia, radical debridement were done and all previous infected implants and necrotic bone removed, pre-assembled ilizarov frame was applied with the help of four or five rings, each ring was fixed with k-wires and schanz pins. Olive wires were used where interfragmentary compression, correction of axial deviation of fragment, in osteoporotic bones, transport of fibular fragment or more stability was required. Results: Results were divided into bony and functional parts by ASAMI. We achieve excellent to good bony result in 86.66% (26/30) of cases and excellent to good functional result in 76.66% (23/30) of cases. Conclusion: It is concluded that bony and functional outcome of infected nonunion of tibia treated with ilizarov ring fixator is satisfactory. Although its application is lengthy but once applied patients get benefits, they can start walking with full weight bearing, limb length equality and soft tissue coverage achieved, so we recommend its applications in such type of cases.