Combined Bone Transportation and Lengthening Techniques for the Treatment of Septic Nonunion of the Forearm Followed by Tendon Transfer

Case Rep Orthop. 2017:2017:9672126. doi: 10.1155/2017/9672126. Epub 2017 Jul 20.

Abstract

Infected nonunion of a forearm fracture complicated by a considerable skin-muscle defect poses a great challenge to orthopaedic surgeons. The treatment strategy comprises eradication of the infection, ensuring bony union and soft tissue coverage along with functional restoration. We report a case of a 23-year-old man with an open Gustilo-Anderson IIIb fracture complicated by infected nonunion after internal fixation. After thorough surgical debridement, a considerable soft tissue defect, extensor muscle loss, and posterior interosseous nerve laceration had to be addressed. He was finally treated with bone transportation and bone lengthening followed by tendon transfers.

Publication types

  • Case Reports