This retrospective study evaluated the outcome of treatment for unhealed fracture-related infections (FRI). We identified a consecutive, single-centre cohort of patients having treatment for an FRI Consensus confirmed FRI. All fractures were unhealed at the time of treatment. Patients were followed up for at least one year. Successful outcome was a healed fracture without recurrent infection. Lack of union, persistent infection and/or unplanned reoperation defined failure.Aim
Methods
This is the first study to directly compare the clinical outcome of debridement, antimicrobials and implant retention (DAIR) with stabilization using new internal fixation after debridement, for patients with Fracture-related Infection (FRI). Consecutive patients with FRI Consensus confirmed FRI had single-stage surgery with tissue sampling, debridement, stabilization, antimicrobial therapy and skin closure. All cases had FRIs which were unhealed at surgery. When existing implants were stable, the implant was retained but loose implants or fractures with poor reduction had implant removal and refixation with new implants. All patients had the same empiric and definitive antibiotics, the same diagnostic criteria and outcome assessment at least one year after surgery. Failure was defined as infection recurrence, reoperation or lack of fracture consolidation at one year.Aim
Method
To report outcomes of soft tissue reconstruction using free tissue transfer for the treatment of tibial osteomyelitis as part of a single-stage, ortho-plastic procedure. Patients who underwent ortho-plastic reconstructive surgery to excise tibial osteomyelitis in combination with free tissue transfer in one stage were included. Patients underwent surgery between 2015 and 2024 in a single specialist centre within the UK. Baseline patient information, demographics, and infection information was recorded. Adverse outcomes were defined as (i) flap salvage required, (ii) flap failure and (iii) recurrence of infection. Patient reported quality of life was measured using the EuroQol EQ-5D-5L index score. Pre-operative QoL was compared to QoL at 1 year with a control group of 53 similar patients who underwent surgical treatment for tibial osteomyelitis without a free flap (local flap or primary closure).Aim
Method
