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Early intramedullary nailing in an animal model of a heavily contaminated fracture of the tibia
Author(s) -
Hill P. F.,
Clasper J. C.,
Parker S. J.,
Watkins P. E.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
journal of orthopaedic research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.041
H-Index - 155
eISSN - 1554-527X
pISSN - 0736-0266
DOI - 10.1016/s0736-0266(01)00163-2
Subject(s) - intramedullary rod , medicine , debridement (dental) , surgery , tibia , osteotomy , implant , contamination , biology , ecology
An ovine model was developed to study the outcome following intramedullary nailing of a heavily contaminated fracture. Animals in the control group received no treatment directed at controlling infection, whereas those in the treatment group received wound debridement, lavage and the use of appropriate systemic antibiotics. Despite this, infection developed at the osteotomy site and along the entire length of the implant in all animals in both groups. It was felt that standard methods of wound management might be inadequate when applied at the time of intramedullary nailing since the spread of contamination following the use of reamers was demonstrated in all animals. Results from this study support the clinical impression that heavily contaminated fractures should not be treated by primary intramedullary nailing. © 2002 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.