Antibiotic Impregnated Cement Coated Intramedullary Nailing in the Management of Infected Fractures and Chronic Osteomyelitis of Long Bones

Background: In the era of modern transportation there is an increased incidence of compound fractures especially of long bones. As the skin barrier is broken, the bacteria from dirt, other contaminants can colonize at the wound site and thus can cause infection. Healing at the fracture site and that of soft tissues can be severely compromised by infection. So, treating the infection first followed by definitive fixation of fracture will nearly take 4-6 weeks. The antibiotic nailing technique can thus achieve both the targets in a short time. Local delivery of drug controls the infection and the fixation achieves stability. This even reduces the side effects due to over use of systemic and oral antibiotics. Osteomyelitis is also very common which can be hematogenous or post traumatic. This can weaken the bone and can cause fractures with trivial trauma. Discharging sinuses may also be accompanying. So even in this scenario long term use of antibiotics systemically may be required causing side effects. Antibiotic nailing can be very useful in this scenario. Methods: This is a prospective observational study. 20 patients above age of 20 years who were admitted or on follow up during the period of 2 years were considered for study. The patients with infected fractures with or without implant in situ and patients with chronic osteomyelitis with discharging sinuses were included. ASAMI Criteria: The final outcome is graded based on ASAMI criteria proposed by Paley et al. This was usually developed for determining the outcome after treatment of nonunion with Ilizarov ring fixator. It was applied in our study with some modification. Results: The average duration for achieving bony union was around 5 months (20 weeks). Minimum duration for bony union was around 4 months (16 weeks). Maximum duration for bony union was around 7 months (28 weeks) Average duration for control of infection in case of chronic osteomyelitis was around 4 months. Minimum duration for control of symptoms was 5 months. Maximum duration for control of symptoms was 7 months. Conclusion: Antibiotic impregnated cement coated intramedullary nailing is a very good and effective treatment for infected nonunion and chronic osteomyelitis long bones with bone defect less than 2 cm. In case of infected nonunion, as the bone ends will be sclerosed, freshening of ends and bone grafting is needed.