Draining infected non union of the distal third of the tibia. The use of invaginating docking over short distances in older patients.
BACKGROUND
The distal third of the tibia is unique in the sense that it has a minimal muscle cover and consequently the blood supply is easily compromised after a fracture in this area. Infected non union in this area provides a challenge to the orthopaedic surgeon. These difficulties are especially profound in the geriatric age group.


METHODS
12 cases with an infected non union of the distal third of the tibia were managed with acute docking over a distance of up to 2.5 cms. The age of these patients was more than 55 years.


RESULTS
The average shortening at final follow up was 1.8 cms. The bone results were assessed according to the protocol laid down by the association for the study and application of the method of Ilizarov. Accordingly we had 3 excellent, 8 good and 1 fair result. The functional result was calculated as per the Ilizarov criteria [1]. On this basis we had 7 excellent, 4 good and 1 fair result.


CONCLUSIONS
The acute docking modality is applicable to the distal tibia in such situations even in the geriatric population with predictable results.
Dhar
Shabir Ahmed
SA
The Government Hospital for Bone and Joint Surgery, Bagat, Barzullah, Srinagar, Kashmir. shabirdhar@yahoo.co.in
Butt
Mohammed Farooq
MF
Mir
Mohammed Ramzan
MR
Kawoosa
Altaf Ahmed
AA
Sultan
Asif
A
Dar
Tahir Ahmed
TA
D000368:Aged; D001850:Bone Diseases, Infectious / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D004322:Drainage / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005599:Fractures, Ununited / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D018889:Ilizarov Technique / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020127:Recovery of Function; D013978:Tibial Fractures / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome