The primary aim of multidisciplinary management of diabetic foot disease is limb savage. Difficulty in eradication of infection with systemic antibiotics and obliteration of dead space created by debridement, are two major stumbling blocks in achieving this. Antibiotic loaded bio composites help achieve both these objectives. The aim of this study is to report the early results of antibiotic loaded bio composites in diabetic foot disease We present early results of 16 patients with diabetic foot disease and osteomyelitis in whom we used antibiotic loaded bio composite (CERAMENT G Bone Support, Lund, Sweden) for local antibiotic delivery and dead space eradication. A multidisciplinary team managed all patients. We performed magnetic resonance and vascular imaging preoperatively and adhered to a strict protocol involving debridement, culture specific systemic antibiotics and dead space obliteration with antibiotic loaded bio composite. The wound was managed with negative pressure wound therapy and all patients were kept non-weight bearing with a plaster back slab or walking boot. Skin cover where required was undertaken by our plastic surgeons.Aim
Method
Hybrid fixation is now an established modality of treatment for articular fractures of the proximal and distal tibia. However, there is a lack of consensus over the management of non-articular metaphyseal fractures extending into the diaphysis. Despite sophisticated techniques, intramedullary nailing remains difficult and has relatively high rates of malunion and nonunion. Plate fixation may produce satisfactory results, but its use is limited where there is major extension into the diaphysis or where the soft tissues are compromised. Since 1995, we have used hybrid external fixation in the treatment of such fractures in 24 male and 16 female patients of mean age 54 years (15 to 92). Mostly sustained in road traffic accidents, there were 26 closed and 14 open fractures, seven of which were Gustillo type IIIB. There were 26 distal tibial, seven proximal and seven tibial shaft fractures. Metaphyseal fixation consisted of two rings with tension wires, diaphyseal fixation of screws. We used additional rings in segmental diaphyseal fractures or used olive compression wires across the fracture when additional stability was required. Hybrid fixation was the primary procedure in 25 patients and a secondary procedure, performed within eight weeks of injury, in 15. All patients went on to union in a mean of 45 weeks, but 10 required additional procedures such as bone-grafting, additional insertion of olive wire and soft-tissue procedures. Residual malunion in six patients required adjustment with frame fixation, with minimal clinical significance. We had three pin-tract infections and one deep infection, which resolved after sequestrectomy. When choosing a fixation system, it must be taken into account that high-energy tibial fractures may be slow to unite and that deep infection is related to the degree of soft-tissue injury. We believe hybrid fixation is a safe and minimally invasive treatment option. Careful attention to reduction and soft-tissue management, followed by early functional rehabilitation, can reduce healing times.
