Abstract Background: Multiple treatment modalities have been reported for managing such cases like bone grafting, tissue transfers, antibiotic cement and Ilizarov technique. Bone grafting itself poses limitations of size and morbidity of the donor site. The aim of the present study was to determine the accuracy of Ilizarov technique in managing non-united infected tibial fractures. Materials and Methods: The present prospective study was conducted in the Department of Orthopaedics, Mata Gujri Memorial Medical College, Kishanganj, Bihar (India) for duration of 2 years. All the subjects were followed up for a period of 10 months. Under complete aseptic conditions, all the subjects were taken up for surgery. Debridement of the area was done, and the material was sent for sensitivity tests. Bone nibbling was performed until fresh bleeding was encountered. At regular intervals, X-rays were taken to determine the radiological extent of bone healing. Assessment was done based on Fernandez Esteve grading. In case of any discharge from the tract, infected pin was removed and exchanged in the same sitting. Once healing was satisfactory, ring and fixator were removed, and cast was applied. Results: The mean age of the subjects was 38.87±3.22 years. There were 13 males (59.1%) and 9 females (40.9%) in the study. There were 3 males and 2 females with bone shortening of 1-3 cm. The union time amongst them was 6 weeks and the consolidation time was 9-10 months. Conclusion: Treatment using Ilizarov method with infected tibial fractures provides promising results. Optimal fixation was seen amongst subjects in the present study.
Keywords: Consolidation; Fractures; Ilizarov; Infected.