Infection following intramedullary nailing of long bones. Diagnosis and management
Patzakis, M.J.; Wilkins, J.; Wiss, D.A.
Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research 212: 182-191
1986
ISSN/ISBN: 0009-921X PMID: 3769285 Document Number: 272194
In 30 patients (23 femurs and 7 tibias) with infection of long bone fractures following intramedullary (IM) nailing, the follow-up study ranged from eight to 84 months (mean, 20 months). Six patients retained active infection at the time of follow-up examination. Ununited fractures were present in four and sequestra in two patients. Stabilization for fracture healing after irrigation and debridement with appropriate systemic antibiotic therapy was the critical factor in the orthopedic management of this series of patients.