{"title":"Isolated bilateral vocal cord paralysis without structural injury following blunt neck trauma: A case report.","authors":"Amritanshu Saurabh, Milandeep, Vijay Adabala, Pranabh Kushwaha","doi":"10.1016/j.tcr.2026.101337","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tcr.2026.101337","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Bilateral vocal cord paralysis (BVCP) following blunt neck trauma is an exceptionally rare and potentially life-threatening condition. It usually involves structural injuries to the larynx or cervical spine. Isolated BVCP without structural injury is extremely rare. This case demonstrates delayed airway compromise caused by aspiration, rather than fixed glottic obstruction.</p><p><strong>Case presentation: </strong>We report the case of a young male who sustained a motorcycle accident in which his neck became entangled in barbed wire. He initially developed aphonia without respiratory distress and was admitted to a district hospital, where he remained stable for nine days. On day ten, he developed progressive dyspnoea and was referred to a tertiary centre. Imaging revealed bilateral aspiration changes, while flexible laryngoscopy demonstrated bilateral vocal cord paralysis in the paramedian position. The patient was managed with elective tracheostomy, bilateral intercostal drains, antibiotics, and supportive care. Remarkably, repeat laryngoscopy on day 21 showed complete recovery of cord mobility, and the tracheostomy was successfully decannulated the following day.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Isolated traumatic BVCP is rare and may present with delayed airway compromise due to aspiration. Early airway protection and laryngoscopy are crucial. Recovery may occur with conservative care.</p>","PeriodicalId":23291,"journal":{"name":"Trauma Case Reports","volume":"63 ","pages":"101337"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13186000/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147983370","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Trauma Case ReportsPub Date : 2026-04-25eCollection Date: 2026-05-01DOI: 10.1016/j.tcr.2026.101340
Shin-Ah Son
{"title":"Isolated inferior phrenic artery injury following blunt trauma: A case report and literature review.","authors":"Shin-Ah Son","doi":"10.1016/j.tcr.2026.101340","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tcr.2026.101340","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Inferior phrenic artery injuries are typically iatrogenic or result from penetrating trauma; however, injury following blunt trauma is rare. In most cases of active traumatic bleeding in thoracoabdominal organs, laparotomy or thoracotomy is considered a safe approach for controlling hemorrhage. We report the case of a 56-year-old male truck driver who was transferred to a local trauma center. A computed tomography (CT) scan revealed active contrast extravasation within the retrocrural space and from the right inferior phrenic artery, without evidence of active traumatic bleeding in thoracoabdominal organs. The patient was taken to the vascular intervention unit, where transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) was successfully performed to control the hemorrhage. He was subsequently discharged in good condition. This case represents an unusual instance of right inferior phrenic artery injury without associated thoracoabdominal organ damage. TAE can be a less invasive, more precise, and reliable alternative to thoracotomy or laparotomy for managing inferior phrenic artery bleeding and controlling intrathoracic arterial hemorrhage.</p>","PeriodicalId":23291,"journal":{"name":"Trauma Case Reports","volume":"63 ","pages":"101340"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13141022/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147843156","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Trauma Case ReportsPub Date : 2026-04-25eCollection Date: 2026-04-01DOI: 10.1016/j.tcr.2026.101344
Binyam Dagnaw Mengistu, Gemechis Regassa Idosa
{"title":"Removal of broken solid intramedullary nail of femur: A case report on removal technique in a resource-limited setup.","authors":"Binyam Dagnaw Mengistu, Gemechis Regassa Idosa","doi":"10.1016/j.tcr.2026.101344","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tcr.2026.101344","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Intramedullary nail is the mainstay of treatment for femur shaft fracture. One of the potential complications of intramedullary nailing is nail breakage, which can occur due to trauma or nonunion at any part of the nail. Removal of the distal end of a solid nail, which is away from the fracture or nonunion site, is a difficult procedure that requires special extraction devices.</p><p><strong>Case presentation: </strong>60-year-old male who sustained a road traffic injury 12 years back and was treated for a right floating knee injury (femur shaft fracture, patellar and tibial plateau fracture) managed with retrograde nail of femur, tension band wiring for patella, and plating for tibial plateau fracture. Currently presented with knee and distal thigh pain with decreased range of motion. Imaging shows right femur shaft nonunion with a broken intramedullary nail and interlocking screw at the level of the proximal dynamic hole. We removed the proximal part with a SIGN nail extraction system and the distal part of the solid nail was removed by pushing it upward to the piriformis using another broken nail after an entry hole was made over the piriformis.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Broken nails far from the previous fracture or nonunion site are quite difficult to remove at the distal end. It is a technically demanding procedure that requires different techniques and special extraction tools. Several techniques have been described, mostly for cannulated nails, including widening the canal, development of bony windows, and pushing or pulling using various instruments. Our technique can be done without special extraction devices with decreased operative time and also obviates the need for a large cortical window and opening of fracture or nonunion site.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The broken distal end of a solid retrograde nail in a resource-limited setup can be removed by pushing with the tip of another broken nail to the piriformis or from the piriformis to the knee after an entry hole was made in the proximal or distal femur, respectively. Nail removal should be performed with meticulous preoperative planning and preparation of different extraction devices.</p>","PeriodicalId":23291,"journal":{"name":"Trauma Case Reports","volume":"62 ","pages":"101344"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13137898/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147843456","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Trauma Case ReportsPub Date : 2026-04-25eCollection Date: 2026-05-01DOI: 10.1016/j.tcr.2026.101346
Marlon M Mencia, Shamir O Cawich, Dave Harnanan, Robbie Rampersad, Andrew Mike, Thivy Kuruvilla, Sheeva Mungroo
{"title":"External iliac artery entrapment associated with pelvic fracture. A case report.","authors":"Marlon M Mencia, Shamir O Cawich, Dave Harnanan, Robbie Rampersad, Andrew Mike, Thivy Kuruvilla, Sheeva Mungroo","doi":"10.1016/j.tcr.2026.101346","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tcr.2026.101346","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>We report the case of a 64-year-old male cyclist who sustained a complex pelvic fracture after a fall. Initial imaging revealed an unusual finding: entrapment of the left external iliac artery within the pelvic fracture site, although distal perfusion remained intact. A multidisciplinary surgical approach was undertaken. The vascular team first freed the entrapped artery followed by stabilisation of the pelvic fracture using reconstruction plates by the orthopaedic team. Notably, no arterial injury was observed, though the vessel appeared tortuous and was at risk for compression or thrombosis. The patient's early postoperative course was uneventful, however at the one-year follow up radiographs show significant post-traumatic osteoarthritis and he has been advised to consider total hip arthroplasty. To our knowledge, this represents the first reported case of external iliac artery entrapment by a pelvic fracture. The case underscores the importance of early surgical exploration when arterial entrapment is suspected, even in the absence of bleeding or pulse deficit. Delay in intervention can result in thrombosis or ischemia. Clinicians should also be aware of underlying vascular anomalies, such as tortuous arteries, which may predispose patients to entrapment and complicate surgical management.</p>","PeriodicalId":23291,"journal":{"name":"Trauma Case Reports","volume":"63 ","pages":"101346"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13141033/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147843152","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Trauma Case ReportsPub Date : 2026-04-25eCollection Date: 2026-05-01DOI: 10.1016/j.tcr.2026.101342
Edgar Barros Prieto, Carlos Ballesteros Ponce, Carlos Eduardo Noboa Freile, Carlos Peñaherrera Carrillo, Francisco Endara, Paul Santiago Vaca, Diego Michilena, Alejandro Xavier Barros Castro
{"title":"Distal third diaphyseal humeral fractures treated with posterior minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO).","authors":"Edgar Barros Prieto, Carlos Ballesteros Ponce, Carlos Eduardo Noboa Freile, Carlos Peñaherrera Carrillo, Francisco Endara, Paul Santiago Vaca, Diego Michilena, Alejandro Xavier Barros Castro","doi":"10.1016/j.tcr.2026.101342","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tcr.2026.101342","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To describe the technique, safety, and clinical outcomes of posterior minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) in patients with distal third diaphyseal humeral fractures, highlighting its advantages over traditional approaches.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This retrospective case series included four patients with distal third diaphyseal humeral fractures (AO/OTA 1.2.A-c and 1.2.B-c) treated using posterior MIPO. Patients aged 18-70 years, without prior radial nerve injuries, were included. The procedure involved two small longitudinal incisions, nerve protection, and submuscular plate placement with indirect reduction techniques. Functional outcomes were assessed using VAS, DASH, Constant Score, and MEPI at 1 month, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively. Radiographic alignment and complications were also evaluated.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Four patients (mean age 45 years) were treated. The average surgical time was 1 h 30 min. No infections or cases of nonunion were observed. Only one patient developed transient radial nerve paresthesia, which resolved completely within 4 weeks. Functional outcomes were excellent at final follow-up (12-36 months): <b>VAS</b>: 0-2;<b>DASH</b>: 0-5; <b>Constant Score</b>: 95-100; <b>MEPI</b>: 90-100. Radiographs demonstrated fracture union at an average of 4 months, with residual varus angulation between 0° and 5° without functional impact.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Posterior MIPO is a safe and effective technique for distal third diaphyseal humeral fractures, offering excellent functional outcomes, low complication rates, and reduced soft tissue disruption. Proper identification and protection of the radial nerve are critical to success.</p>","PeriodicalId":23291,"journal":{"name":"Trauma Case Reports","volume":"63 ","pages":"101342"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13141028/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147843145","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Trauma Case ReportsPub Date : 2026-04-25eCollection Date: 2026-04-01DOI: 10.1016/j.tcr.2026.101341
Igor Lurin, Eduard Khoroshun, Vitalii Makarov, Volodymyr Nehoduiko, Serhii Shypilov, Maksym Gorobeiko, Andrii Dinets
{"title":"A utility of video-assisted thoracoscopy (VATS) for management of gunshot injury to the esophagus in Role 2 hospital: case report from Russia-Ukraine war.","authors":"Igor Lurin, Eduard Khoroshun, Vitalii Makarov, Volodymyr Nehoduiko, Serhii Shypilov, Maksym Gorobeiko, Andrii Dinets","doi":"10.1016/j.tcr.2026.101341","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tcr.2026.101341","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Importance: </strong>The Russo-Ukrainian war is associated severe gunshot injuries to various locations. The gunshot injury to the esophagus is rare condition requiring differential clinical approach.The aim of the study was to demonstrate the specific features of a management of combat patient with penetrating gunshot shrapnel wound to the chest with the injury to the esophagus in the ongoing war in Ukraine.</p><p><strong>Case presentation: </strong>A 46 years old male patient was wounded by artillery shelling in East Ukraine. CT scan showed presence of a metal density foreign body 22 × 7 mm in the mediastinum between the trachea and the esophagus. The video-assisted thoracoscopy (VATS) was applied followed by mobilization of the esophagus in the area of its damage and a metal fragment of 22 × 7 mm was identified within the esophageal wall and removed by endoscopic tool. The patient was discharged on the 12th post-operative day.</p><p><strong>Clinical discussion: </strong>In this study we demonstrated a rare case of war-related gunshot injury to the chest with damage to the esophagus, that was managed by using VATS. Penetrating gunshot wounds to the chest with esophagus injuries are a rare and its management is difficult task.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>To summarize, the gunshot injury in the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war is severe with presentation of rare injuries to chest with damage to the esophagus. The whole-body CT scan is important diagnostic tool to identified all injuries, including rarely damage to esophagus. The application of VATS might be applied for gunshot wounds to the esophagus in combat settings for selected patients in Role 3 and 4 deployed hospitals.</p>","PeriodicalId":23291,"journal":{"name":"Trauma Case Reports","volume":"62 ","pages":"101341"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13141782/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147843394","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Trauma Case ReportsPub Date : 2026-04-25eCollection Date: 2026-08-01DOI: 10.1016/j.tcr.2026.101343
Khazar Adibmoradi Langaroudi, Mohamad Ghazanfari Hashemi, Mohammad Niroomand, Sahand Adib Moradi, Mohammad Javanbakht, Babak Otoukesh
{"title":"A rare case of heterotopic ossification after an ankle sprain.","authors":"Khazar Adibmoradi Langaroudi, Mohamad Ghazanfari Hashemi, Mohammad Niroomand, Sahand Adib Moradi, Mohammad Javanbakht, Babak Otoukesh","doi":"10.1016/j.tcr.2026.101343","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tcr.2026.101343","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Heterotopic ossification is defined as a spectrum of pathologies which results in ectopic osteogenesis in soft tissue around the joints. Hip and elbow are the most common regions of involvement in heterotopic ossification. Nonetheless, ankle is an unusual site of occurrence.</p><p><strong>Case presentation: </strong>A 33-year-old professional soccer player with a history of ankle sprain and chief complaint of ankle pain and limited range of motion was recruited for investigation. After performing radiological assessments as well as physical examination, with the impression of heterotopic ossification, the patient underwent surgical excision. The histopathologic study confirmed the diagnosis. Following postoperative rehabilitation program, the patient progressed noticeably with no complaint of pain or stiffness. Finally, significant improvement in patient's athletic function was observed.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Despite low incidence, heterotopic ossification of the ankle joint should be kept in mind as one of the differential diagnoses, if clinically suspected.</p>","PeriodicalId":23291,"journal":{"name":"Trauma Case Reports","volume":"64 ","pages":"101343"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13253072/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148228386","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Trauma Case ReportsPub Date : 2026-04-22eCollection Date: 2026-04-01DOI: 10.1016/j.tcr.2026.101331
Yassine Ben Bouzid, Moulay Omar Lamrani
{"title":"Rotating-hinge arthroplasty for chronic posterolateral knee fracture-dislocation.","authors":"Yassine Ben Bouzid, Moulay Omar Lamrani","doi":"10.1016/j.tcr.2026.101331","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tcr.2026.101331","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Chronic knee fracture-dislocation is an exceptionally rare and disabling condition, most often resulting from neglected trauma. In elderly patients with degenerative changes and extensive ligamentous insufficiency, total knee arthroplasty (TKA) may represent a reliable salvage procedure to restore alignment, stability, and function.</p><p><strong>Case presentation: </strong>A 76-year-old woman with hypertension and type 2 diabetes presented four months after a fall with a chronic posterolateral dislocation of the left knee. Clinical examination revealed a fixed varus deformity and posterior tibial translation. Radiographs confirmed chronic fracture-dislocation with secondary osteoarthritic degeneration. Given the chronicity and poor soft-tissue quality, a rotating-hinge TKA was performed. Intraoperative findings included fibrosis, retracted cruciate ligaments, and posterior capsule shortening. After extensive soft-tissue release, the prosthesis was implanted with cemented stems.</p><p><strong>Outcome: </strong>At one-year follow-up, the patient achieved a painless and stable range of motion from 0° to 100°, with a Knee Society Score of 82, indicating excellent function.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Rotating-hinge TKA offers a valuable reconstructive option in chronic knee fracture-dislocations with severe ligament deficiency, providing stable, pain-free, and functional outcomes when anatomic reconstruction is not feasible.</p>","PeriodicalId":23291,"journal":{"name":"Trauma Case Reports","volume":"62 ","pages":"101331"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13137903/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147843475","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Trauma Case ReportsPub Date : 2026-04-22eCollection Date: 2026-05-01DOI: 10.1016/j.tcr.2026.101334
Kapil Soni, Nirav Gandhi, Alfred Adiamah, Meetal Shah, Talha Azam Tarrar, Lauren Blackburn, Adam Brooks
{"title":"Acalculous cholecystitis with gallbladder perforation in a critically ill trauma patient: An unexpected complication.","authors":"Kapil Soni, Nirav Gandhi, Alfred Adiamah, Meetal Shah, Talha Azam Tarrar, Lauren Blackburn, Adam Brooks","doi":"10.1016/j.tcr.2026.101334","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tcr.2026.101334","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Gallbladder perforation is a rare complication following blunt abdominal trauma, largely due to its anatomical protection within the liver parenchyma. We present the case of a male in his 50s who sustained multiple traumatic injuries following high-impact motor vehicle collision. He was initially admitted with haemodynamic compromise necessitating emergency trauma laparotomy, splenectomy and a traumatic diaphragmatic hernia repair. There was no evidence of gallbladder or liver injury in the preoperative abdominal CT scan or laparotomy. Despite this, he developed new RUQ pain, anaemia and early signs of sepsis on day 17 day after his initial presentation with repeat imaging confirming gallbladder perforation consistent with acalculous cholecystitis in the context of critical illness. This was managed radiologically with a percutaneous cholecystostomy drain. This case illustrates the diagnostic challenges and management of acalculous cholecystitis with perforation in critical illness, highlighting ischaemia, biliary stasis, and hypoperfusion mechanisms.</p>","PeriodicalId":23291,"journal":{"name":"Trauma Case Reports","volume":"63 ","pages":"101334"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13145363/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147842382","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Trauma Case ReportsPub Date : 2026-04-22eCollection Date: 2026-05-01DOI: 10.1016/j.tcr.2026.101335
Akifumi Honda, Yoshinobu Watanabe, Gen Sasaki, Natsumi Saka, Mari Nishizawa, Kunihiko Arakawa, Hirotaka Kawano
{"title":"Treatment of infected tibial nonunion with angular deformity and shortening using the Masquelet technique combined with the Ilizarov technique: A case report.","authors":"Akifumi Honda, Yoshinobu Watanabe, Gen Sasaki, Natsumi Saka, Mari Nishizawa, Kunihiko Arakawa, Hirotaka Kawano","doi":"10.1016/j.tcr.2026.101335","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tcr.2026.101335","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The induced membrane technique (Masquelet technique) combined with the Ilizarov technique may provide a novel strategy for managing infected nonunion with angular deformity and limb shortening within a relatively short treatment period. We report a 45-year-old male with a Gustilo-Anderson type IIIA open tibial fracture complicated by fracture-related infection, 33° valgus deformity, and 50-mm limb shortening. Treatment was performed in three stages: radical debridement with rapid soft-tissue lengthening at 3 mm/day using an Ilizarov external fixator; definitive fixation with an intramedullary nail and Masquelet technique; and cancellous bone grafting with beta-tricalcium phosphate, delayed to 10 months after the second stage due to psychiatric comorbidity. Bone healing was achieved uneventfully within 2 years, with a residual limb-length discrepancy of <1 cm and good functional recovery. This case illustrates that rapid soft-tissue lengthening can effectively correct limb shortening and malalignment, thereby reducing the duration of external fixation and its complications. Moreover, delayed bone grafting did not compromise bone healing, underscoring the robustness of the Masquelet technique combined with intramedullary nail fixation. Overall, this combined approach represents a promising strategy for complex infected nonunions, reducing patient burden while ensuring reliable bone reconstruction and functional recovery.</p>","PeriodicalId":23291,"journal":{"name":"Trauma Case Reports","volume":"63 ","pages":"101335"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13141035/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147843229","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}