Infected subtrochanteric fracture

                   

Clinical particulars

35-year-old male involved in a road traffic accident, suffered multiple injuries and subtrochanteric fracture of left femur. This was nailed, however subsequently, he developed infection and drainage from both at proximal and distal locking screw area. He went to theatre multiple times and developed wound approx. 15cm on the proximal lateral thigh, which was treated with VAC. He presented a year later with discharging wound proximally and distally.  

Treatment

The femoral nail was removed followed by reaming of the femoral canal and wash-out procedure. 40cc of STIMULAN beads were placed in the intramedullary canal. Cultures revealed infection to be Staphylococcus aureus.  Antibiotics were administered to treat the infection.  

Outcome

2.5 months post-operatively x-rays showed almost complete absorption of the STIMULAN beads and at 7 months there was complete healing of the non-union. At 1 year follow-up the patient remains infection free, walking with no pain.   Note: See STIMULAN page for regulatory statements. MA0124R3