Treatment of infected tibial nonunions with debridement, antibiotic beads, and the Ilizarov method

This study of 10 patients presents the early results of a protocol of debridement, antibiotic bead placement, and use of the Ilizarov method with a circular external fixator for treatment of infected nonunions of the tibia in a military population. The nonunions resulted from high-energy fractures in nine cases and an osteotomy in one. The Ilizarov techniques used were transport (five cases), shortening and secondary lengthening (two cases), minimal resection with compression (one case), and resection with bone grafting (two cases). Flap coverage was required for five patients. There were two recurrences of infection (20%) among patients with the most compromised soft tissue. Only 50% of patients were able to perform limited duties while wearing the external fixator. Only four patients returned to active duty; however, three patients from special operations units were able to return to jump status. Six patients underwent medical retirement because of insufficient function, resulting from decreased ankle or knee range of motion and arthrosis or muscle weakness.