PURPOSE To evaluate treatment results between internal and external fixation groups in two-stage reconstruction of infected nonunion of long bones using antibiotics-impregnated cement beads. MATERIALS AND METHODS In the first stage, preexisting hardwares were removed and radical debridement was done. The dead space was filled with antibiotics -impregnated cement beads and the nonunion site was immobilized by external fixation, cast or skeletal traction. In the second stage, all cases were divided into two groups; the nonunion was fixed by internal fixation in group I versus external fixation in group II. The intervening period between the first and second stage was average 8.7 weeks (range, 3~23 weeks). RESULTS The follow-up period was average 45 months (range, 16~71 months). Infection control and bone union were achieved in all 13 cases of group I. Infection recurred in two of 28 cases in group II, one underwent above-knee amputation and the other case was lost in follow-up. The mean number of supportive operations including repeated curettage, augmentation and change of infected pins, angular correction, and soft tissue flap was average 2 and 6.2 times respectively in group I and group II. Bony union period was average 19.3 and 23.1 weeks in each group. According to Paley's classification, group I was similar to group II in bony and functional result (p>0.05). CONCLUSION Antibiotics-impregnated cement beads provided positive effect on infection control. Internal fixation group showed less number of additional operations and earlier bony union than external fixation group.
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Treatment of Infected Nonunion Sang-Ho Ha Journal of the Korean Fracture Society.2007; 20(2): 206. CrossRef
PURPOSE Proximal humerus fractures are relatively frequent and have variable treatment mothods. It is important to resolve union of the fracture site, good range of motion and function through the early ambulation in treatment results. We will know whether it is recommendable treatment or not and analyze the results of treatment on the effectiveness of the external fixator in two or three part fractures of the proximal humerus fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS From May, 1999 to April, 2001, 8 cases in 8 patients were treated by external fixator on the proximal humerus fractures. Mean age was 44.7yrs(11 to 68 yrs), two part fracture 6 cases, three part fracture 2 cases in fracture classification by Neer. We treated 3 cases with ring external fixator, 4 cases with monoplane external fixator. We referred chart and radiographics to patients and assessed the results by Neer 's shoulder function table through final follow-up or phone call. RESULTS In all cases, we obtained bone union without neuroparalysis, neurovascular injury, avascular necrosis and other complications. Mean bone-union time was 7 weeks(5 to 12 weeks). Final functional assessments are excellent or good in 7 cases, poor in 1 case. CONCLUSION We obtained comfortable results after we performed external fixation on proximal humerus fracture and bone union was acquired and removed external fixator at 7 weeks through early ambulation. We think procedure has brief, low soft tissue damage, high stability and motily. Thus we think it is recommendable treatment on the displaced proximal humerus fractures.