Infected Nonunions

Infected nonunions remain one of the most challenging clinical problems in the field of Orthopedic Surgery. As the name implies, the fracture site has refused to heal and the bone and surrounding soft tissues are infected. The persistent motion at the fracture site is commonly associated with severe pain and many patients suffer with purulent drainage from the infected bone

Infected nonunions require a staged treatment plan. Treatment begins with surgical debridement (removal) of all infected bone and soft tissues. Local high-dose antimicrobial therapy is administered via antibiotic beads implanted directly at the site of the infection. Intravenous antibiotics are administered based on the results of operative cultures. Soft tissue reconstruction is designed and managed based on the specific characteristics of the patient’s injury.

Bony reconstruction is performed via a variety of methods including internal and external fixation, bone transport and the Ilizarov method and a wide range of other modalities.

With proper treatment, even the most longstanding and catastrophic infected non unions can be cured and the patient’s quality of life can be substantially improved or returned to normal. Because of the complex nature of this area of orthopedics, choosing a surgeon with vast experience is paramount.

Read more by Dr. Brinker:  "Nonunions: Evaluation and Treatment."

7401 Main St

Houston, TX

77030