Infected Nonunion: Tibia Case 4

Presenting

This 60 year old gentleman sustained a high energy open tibia fracture when he was injured at work. Following more than 10 surgical procedures performed at outside facilities by other physicians, the patient’s worker’s compensation nurse case manager brought the patient in for Dr. Brinker’s evaluation.

The patient was noted to have poor mechanical stability and signs and symptoms consistent with an infected tibial nonunion.

Treatment in Progress

Dr. Brinker performed serial debridements with antibiotic bead exchanges to treat the patient’s infection. This was followed by Ilizarov treatment with a double level bone transport (choo-choo train transport distal to proximal).

Result After Treatment by Dr. Brinker

At final follow-up after Ilizarov removal the patient’s tibia is solidly healed at both transport sites and at the docking site. The patient is pain free and ambulates fully weight bearing.