Case Study: Infected Nonunion Femur

Presenting

Initial x-ray and photograph of an infected femoral nonunion resulting from an open femur fracture more than 32 years earlier. (Dr. Brinker was in elementary school!) This 51-year-old man had undergone more than 20 prior attempts at surgical reconstruction at many outside facilities by other physicians and was still having pain and difficulty walking as his fracture never healed and was infected.

Treatment in Progress

A large segment of infected bone was removed.

Treatment in Progress

Small beads made with antibiotic powder were placed at the nonunion site. These beads were placed and exchanged several times over several days.

Treatment in Progress

The left x-ray shows the placement of an antibiotic cement spacer that remained implanted for three months to treat the long-standing infection.



The final treatment to reconstruct the femur consisted of a large bone graft stabilized with a custom rod, as seen in the right x-ray.

Result After Treatment by Dr. Brinker

This photograph of the patient 7 months after surgery shows that he can bear his full body weight. The patient has no pain and is able to walk without any assistance..