Papineau debridement, Ilizarov bone transport, and negative-pressure wound closure for septic bone defects of the tibia.

PURPOSE: Ilizarov pioneered bone transport using a circular external fixator. Papineau described a staged technique for the treatment for infected pseudarthrosis of the long bones. This article presents a single-stage Papineau technique and Ilizarov bone transport, and postoperative negative-pressure wound dressing changes for septic bone defects of the tibia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied the files of seven patients (mean age, 32 years) with septic bone defects of the tibia treated with a Papineau technique and Ilizarov bone transport in a single stage, followed by postoperative negative-pressure wound dressing changes. All patients had septic pseudarthrosis and skin necrosis of the tibia. The technique included a single-stage extensive surgical debridement of necrotic bone, open bone grafting with cancellous bone autograft and bone transport, and postoperative negative-pressure wound dressing changes for wound closure. The mean time from the initial injury was 6 months (range, 4-8 months). The mean follow-up was 14 months (range, 10-17 months).

RESULTS: All patients experienced successful wound healing at a mean of 29 days. Six patients experienced successful bone regeneration and union at the docking side at a mean of 6 months. One patient experienced delayed union at the docking site, which was treated with autologous cancellous bone grafting. Two patients experienced pin track infection, which was successfully treated with antibiotics and pin site dressing changes. All patients were able to return to their work and previous levels of activity, except one patient who had a stiff ankle joint and had to change his job. No patient experienced recurrence of infection, or fracture of the regenerated or transported bone segment until the period of this study.

CONCLUSION: The combined Papineau and Ilizarov bone transport technique with negative-pressure wound closure provides for successful eradication of the infection, reconstruction of the bone defect, and soft-tissue closure. A single-stage surgical treatment is feasible, without any complications.