DOI: 10.2106/jbjs.cc.26.00173 ISSN: 2160-3251

Chronic Osteomyelitis With Pathologic Tibia Fracture: Debridement and Fibular Tibialization in a Developing Country

G. Dillon Graham, Ainsley Bloomer, Johnson Mbise, Octavian Shirima, Reginal Shoo, Virginia Casey
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Case:

A 22-month-old previously healthy woman developed chronic tibial osteomyelitis. Debridement uncovered a 10-cm wound with necrotic tibia, and cultures grew Proteus mirabilis . Intravenous antibiotics transitioned to 6 weeks of oral therapy. Fibular tibialization was performed with K-wire fixation, followed by 2 weeks of postoperative antibiotics. Six-week radiographs showed early callus formation, and K-wires were removed. At the 1-year follow-up, she was fully healed with full knee and ankle range of motion and no pain.

Conclusion:

Fibular tibialization is a viable salvage option for significant tibial bone loss when grafting or transport is unfeasible.

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