Management of Massive Bone Gap in a Case of Infected Nonunion of Tibiaby Distraction Osteogenesis

Treatment of infected gap non-unions of tibia can be challenging. Subcutaneous bone causes susceptibility to non-responsive infection, nonunion, fibrosis, sinuses, deformities, shortening and various other sets of problems which are associated with it. Different methods of treatment have been recommended for management of infected nonunions. The first is the “conventional” or classic method. The objectives of the conventional method are to convert an infected and draining nonunion into one that has not drained for several months and to promote healing of the nonunion by bone grafting. This method of treatment often requires one or more years to complete and usually results in stiffness of adjacent joints. The objective of the second i.e. active method is to obtain bony union early and shorten the period of convalescence and preserve motion in the adjacent joints.