Infected tibial nonunions (1981-1995). The evolution of change.
Between 1981 and 1995, 150 consecutive cases of middiaphyseal, infected nonunions of the tibia were treated prospectively on the author's osteomyelitis service. Thirty-nine (78%) of the 49 patients seen between 1981 and 1986 and 94 (93%) of the 101 patients seen 1986 through 1994 underwent successful salvage protocols with a minimum followup of 5 years. The difference in outcomes seen in the two groups eloquently reflects the emergence of specific pharmaceutic, technical, and biologic advances earmarking these two, distinct eras of care.
Cierny
G
G
Resurgens Orthopaedics, Atlanta, GA 30342, USA.
D016267:External Fixators; D005599:Fractures, Ununited / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D010019:Osteomyelitis / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy; D011379:Prognosis; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013978:Tibial Fractures / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome