Abstract :
Introduction: Infected non-union of tibial diaphysis has been a challenging problem. Tibia being
subcutaneous bone, fracture healing especially following compound fracture with any pre or postoperative
infection leads to notorious non union. Though there have been various treatment modalities to deal with
the condition, Limb reconstruction system (LRS) provides simple effective and versatile treatment modality
where liberal resection of long segment of infected bone, can be reproduced by combining the masquelet
technique with the distraction osteogenesis. It’s light weight and allows better wound management, makes
it more patients compliant.
Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, 20 patients of infected non-union of tibial diaphysis
were treated by using the Limb reconstruction system during April 2017 to may 2019 at our institute. The
final assessment was done upon only those patients who were followed for at least one year post-operatively,
using Association for the Study and Application of Methods of Ilizarov (ASAMI) score.
Results: According to ASAMI score, bony results were excellent in 75%, good in10%, fair in 5% and poor
in 10% and functional results were excellent in 60%, good in 20%, fair in 10% and poor in 10% of patients.
The mean bone resection was 7.3 cm, the mean duration of bone transport was 10.4 weeks, the mean bony
union time was 11.1 weeks and the mean duration of consolidation of regenerate was 37.8 weeks.
Conclusion: The LRS is simple effective and versatile treatment modality in infected non-union of tibia.
Itnot only provides bone transport, fusion of the bone ends and finally consolidation of the regenerate on
itself but also facilitates in dealing with limb length discrepancies along with early mobilization and better
wound management.
Keyword :
LRS, Infected non-union, Bone regenerate, Resected bone, ASAMI score.