Refracture after Ilizarov fixation of infected ununited tibial fractures-an analysis of eight hundred and twelve cases.

INTRODUCTION

Refracture of the tibia after union is a challenging problem for the patients and the surgeons. The purpose of the current study is to present our experience in conservative management of such patients with refracture of infected ununited tibia after successful treatment by Ilizarov external fixator and bone transport.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We reviewed the files of 812 patients with infected ununited tibia who were treated by debridement, corticotomy, and bone transport using Ilizarov methods in our institute between 1997 and 2017. Inclusion criteria were patients with refracture after union and removal of the Ilizarov apparatus. Twenty-two patients with 23 refracture tibia were included in the study. All the 23 tibias were treated conservatively by above knee cast that was converted to Sarmiento below knee cast after early callus formation, except in the case of upper tibial fracture that continued in above knee cast till union. Afterwards, a protective splint was used for additional two months.

RESULTS

There were 19 males (86.4%) and three females (13.6%), the mean age of the patients was 38.39 years, the mean time of Ilizarov external fixator application was 10.86 months (range, 6-17), and the mean time of refracture after fixator removal was 2.33 months. Union was achieved in 19 tibias (82.6%), with a mean time of 7.2 months (range, 4-12). Complications included five cases of skin irritation that was treated by large windows in the cast and changing the casts more frequently, three cases developed DVT (deep venous thrombosis), and axial deviation occured in four tibias (17.3%).

CONCLUSION

Conservative treatment of refractured tibia after removal of Ilizarov external fixator following treatment of infected non-union tibia by above knee cast is effective in achieving union. However, complications as skin irritation, DVT (deep venous thrombosis), and axial deviation can be anticipated.