Bone Infection: Tibia

Presenting

This patient initially had a severe open tibia fracture which was stabilized at the time of injury at an outside facility by other physicians using external fixation. Twenty-nine months after injury the patient's fracture was healed but she was referred in with severe pain, deformity, and an active bone infection with gross purulent drainage.

Treatment in Progress

This image shows that the infected portion of the bone has been removed, and an antibiotic beads are in place. These beads slowly release antibiotics to the surrounding tissues in an effort to treat the infection.

Treatment in Progress

This  x-ray taken during Ilizarov bone transport shows a segment of bone being transported downward over an intramedullary nail into the area of removed bone.

Result After Treatment by Dr. Brinker

This x-ray taken nine months after completing treatment shows bony restoration of the tibia. The patient is free of pain, has no signs of infection, has a straight limb without deformity, can bear full weight, and can walk without assistance