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23 Feb 2023
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Infected non union of the distal humerus


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Clinical Details

Clinical and radiological findings:  43-year-old woman with inability to use her left upper limb since 8 months. She was apparently well till 8 months back when she had a fall on out her stretched hand and sustained Isolated closed injury to her elbow. She underwent ORIF and her post operative period was uneventful. On clinical examination the surgical scar healthy, and there were no sinuses. She had stress tenderness at the distal humerus, ROM flexion 20-80 deg with pain and there was no distal neurovascular deficit. Shoulder and wrist -ok. Previous X-rays were not available Investigations: Hb 8.9 GM% Creatinine 0.81 mg% HBA1 C 5.5 % Vitamin D 10 ng/ml ESR 45mm/hr, CRP 6.15 mg/L

Preoperative Plan

Planning remarks:  1stage - removal of implants, radical debridement, 5 deep tissue cultures from the bone implant interface, implants for signification, biopsy , request the microbiologist for extended culture, immobilisation on a above elbow POP slab. Infectious diseases consult for appropriate antimicrobial therapy. To proceed with 2nd stage once the blood markers are normal and after completion of appropriate antimicrobial therapy. 2nd stage- ORIF with autogenous iliac crest bone grafting

Surgical Discussion

Patient positioning:  Lateral position

Anatomical surgical approach:  Para tricepital approach

Operative remarks: 

1 st stage - there were signs of infection intraoperatively

2nd stage- acute docking of the non union site, stabilisation with parallel distal humerus anatomically pre contoured LCP and autogenous iliac crest bone grafting.

Postoperative protocol:   Post 2nd stage Active elbow ROM exercises

Orthopaedic implants used:   Depuy-synthes

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  • Area of Specialty - General Trauma
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