Infected Nonunion: Tibia Case 3

Presenting

This x-ray and photograph show a 37 year old man with an infected tibial nonunion that had been treated at an outside facility by other physicians with a unilateral external fixator for four months before referral into our office. He had more than 4 inches of infected bone in the middle part of his tibia, as well as skin breakdown and drainage at the wound site.

Treatment in Progress

This x-ray during treatment shows a double-level Ilizarov bone transport. The small separated segment near the knee is being transported downward, while the larger lower segment near the ankle is being transported upward. These two segments eventually made contact in the middle of the tibia, as new bone tissue formed behind each.

Result After Treatment by Dr. Brinker

These final x-rays after 9 months of treatment show a solidly healed tibia, with new bone tissue at the upper and lower ends of the tibia. The patient has no signs of infection, minimal to no pain, and can walk without assistance.