Abstract: Objective: To summarize the clinical and functional outcomes of infected non-union cases who have been treated with LRS.
Methods: Between January 2015 and September 2016, we treated 20 cases of infected nonunion of long bone with the LRS. 17 were males and 3 females.8 cases presented with infected implants while 7 cases were on external fixators. Initially we managed with implant removal and radical debridement followed by fixation with the LRS. Corticotomy and lengthening was done in 7 cases. The average duration for removal of LRS was 6.5 months. Distraction at the corticotomy site was done at the rate of 1 mm/day till lengthening was achieved and in those subjects where no corticotomy was done, acute docking and compression was given.
Results: Union occurred in 95% cases and eradication of infection in 90% cases. For 13 patients bone results were excellent, 5 patients good, 1 patient had fair result and 1 had poor result. Regarding functional results 8 had excellent score, 11 had good score and 1 had failure as the limb was amputated based on ASAMI scoring system.
Conclusion: LRS is an excellent alternative to Ilizarov fixation in the management of infected nonunion of long bones. It can be used to achieve union as well as to correct shortening in these cases. It is less cumbersome to the patient and more surgeon and patient friendly.
