Treatment of osteomyelitis and infected non-union of the femur by a modified Ilizarov technique: follow-up study

Abstract

Aim: To review the results of the management of chronic post-traumatic osteomyelitis and infected non-union with bone defects of femur using the Ilizarov technique with a modified apparatus assembly.

Patients and methods: Thirty patients treated by the Ilizarov method because of chronic fistulous osteomyelitis and infected pseudoarthroses of the femur were included in the prospective study between 1989 and 1999. Their mean age was 39.4+/-14.4 years (range, 25-80 years). The follow-up period lasted for 24 to 126 months.

Results: The infection was eradicated in 29 patients before the fixator removal. Excellent bone healing was found in 12, and excellent functional result in 5 out of 30 patients. There was a total of 87 complications in 30 patients.

Conclusion: Ilizarov technique is a method of choice in saving the limb with chronic osteomyelitis and infected pseudoarthrosis. Because of the additional injuries, bone healing in affected limb may be superior to the functional result.