Results of treating septic non-unions of the tibia with vascularized bone grafts and the Zespol stabilizer
Ozonek, W.; Molski, M.; Wielopolski, A.
Chirurgia Narzadow Ruchu i Ortopedia Polska 65(6): 627-631
2000
ISSN/ISBN: 0009-479X PMID: 11388012 Document Number: 512445
The authors present their experiences with various applications of the Zespol stabilizer and different kinds of vascularized bone transfers used in the treatment of septic non-unions of the tibia. The clinical material consisted of 24 patients with infections of the lower extremities treated with different vascularized bone transplants. The Zespol method was used in 23 cases. Compression osteosynthesis was applied every time with the stabilizer placed over the skin. The necessity of mounting the stabilizer far from the bone did not influence the stability of the osteosynthesis. Depending on the length of the transplant single or multiple plare supports were used. Additional plaster cast was applied only during wound healing. No loosening of the stabilizer was observed. The importance of early weight bearing in order to achieve bone union and remodelling of the bone graft is strongly emphasized by the authors. The described treatment allows bone union within 8 months on average. The advantages of the Zespol stabilizer in treatment of complicated disturbances of bone union are presented.