Surgical management of infected non-unions: An update

Nikolaos K Kanakaris; Theodoros H Tosounidis; Peter V Giannoudis

doi:10.1016/j.injury.2015.08.009

Surgical management of infected non-unions: An update

Injury. 2015 Nov:46 Suppl 5:S25-32. doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2015.08.009. Epub 2015 Aug 21.

Authors

Nikolaos K Kanakaris¹, Theodoros H Tosounidis², Peter V Giannoudis³

Affiliations

¹ Clinical Lead Major Trauma Service, UK; Trauma and Orthopaedics, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, UK. Electronic address: n.kanakaris@nhs.net.
² Trauma and Orthopaedics, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, UK. Electronic address: theodoros.tosounidis@nhs.net.
³ Academic Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, UK. Electronic address: pgiannoudi@aol.com.

PMID: 26304000
DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2015.08.009

Abstract

Infected non-union is a devastating complication post fracture fixation. While its incidence is small, its management is lengthy, challenging and costly. Complex reconstruction surgery is often required with unpredictable outcomes despite the significant advances that have been made in diagnostics, surgical techniques and antibiotic protocols. In this article we present recent approaches to the surgical treatment of this condition.

Keywords: Diagnosis; Infection; Management; Non-union; Sepsis; Treatment.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Bone Transplantation / methods*
Cost-Benefit Analysis
Debridement
Fracture Fixation, Internal* / adverse effects
Fracture Fixation, Internal* / economics
Fracture Healing
Fractures, Bone / complications
Fractures, Bone / physiopathology
Fractures, Bone / surgery*
Fractures, Ununited / microbiology
Fractures, Ununited / physiopathology
Fractures, Ununited / surgery*
Humans
Limb Salvage
Plastic Surgery Procedures
Surgical Wound Infection / etiology
Surgical Wound Infection / surgery*
Treatment Outcome