Treatment of Septic Nonunion Following Intramedullary Nailing of a Multisegmental Humerus Fracture with Ilizarov Ring FixationA Case of Successful Limb Salvage

Abstract

The case of a 68-year-old patient with septic nonunion of a segmental humerus fracture and associated septic shoulder joint following failed intramedullary fracture treatment is presented. After surgical debridement and 17 weeks of external ring fixation, the infection was successfully treated and osseous union achieved, allowing removal of the fixator. The presented case illustrates how certain difficult fractures complicated by sepsis, osteoporosis, or poor soft tissue coverage can be effectively and reliably treated with Ilizarov ring fixation as a salvage alternative to possible amputation.