Limb Reconstruction System for Infected Nonunion: A Retrospective Study

Introduction: Infected non-union of long bones is a complex orthopedic challenge, leading to prolonged disability and healthcare burden. The limb reconstruction system (LRS) offers advantages over the Ilizarov technique, including early weight-bearing, minimal invasiveness, and improved functional o...

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Main Authors: Indrajeet Kumar, Nishant Kashyap, Wasim Ahmed, Santosh Kumar, Janki Sharan Bhadani, Ritesh Runu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Indian Orthopaedic Research Group 2025-04-01
Series:Journal of Orthopaedic Case Reports
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Online Access:https://jocr.co.in/wp/2025/04/01/limb-reconstruction-system-for-infected-nonunion-a-retrospective-study/
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author Indrajeet Kumar
Nishant Kashyap
Wasim Ahmed
Santosh Kumar
Janki Sharan Bhadani
Ritesh Runu
author_facet Indrajeet Kumar
Nishant Kashyap
Wasim Ahmed
Santosh Kumar
Janki Sharan Bhadani
Ritesh Runu
author_sort Indrajeet Kumar
collection DOAJ
description Introduction: Infected non-union of long bones is a complex orthopedic challenge, leading to prolonged disability and healthcare burden. The limb reconstruction system (LRS) offers advantages over the Ilizarov technique, including early weight-bearing, minimal invasiveness, and improved functional outcomes. This study evaluates the clinical and functional outcomes of infected nonunion treated with LRS. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary care center in eastern India from January 2019 to June 2023, including a pandemic-affected period. Thirty patients (18–68 years) with infected nonunion of the femur, tibia, and humerus were included. Data on demographics, infection characteristics, prior surgeries, and hematological parameters were recorded. All patients underwent surgical debridement followed by LRS application. Outcomes were assessed using the Association for the Study and Application of the Method of Ilizarov scoring system. Results: Of 30 patients, 16 had femoral nonunion, 11 tibial, and 3 humeral. Union was achieved in 83.33% (25 cases), and infection eradication in 93.33% (28 cases). The mean time to union was 9.1 months. Complications included joint stiffness (26.67%), pin tract infection (23.33%), and limb length discrepancy (40%). No amputations were required, and re-fracture rates were low. Conclusion: LRS is a reliable and effective treatment for infected nonunion, enabling early mobilization and good functional outcomes. It provides a stable alternative to Ilizarov fixation with low complication rates.
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spelling doaj-art-0d367eb9cf2b47a8a0f9f16cf39fd17e2025-08-20T02:08:00ZengIndian Orthopaedic Research GroupJournal of Orthopaedic Case Reports2250-06852321-38172025-04-0115431331910.13107/jocr.2025.v15.i04.5530Limb Reconstruction System for Infected Nonunion: A Retrospective StudyIndrajeet KumarNishant KashyapWasim AhmedSantosh KumarJanki Sharan BhadaniRitesh RunuIntroduction: Infected non-union of long bones is a complex orthopedic challenge, leading to prolonged disability and healthcare burden. The limb reconstruction system (LRS) offers advantages over the Ilizarov technique, including early weight-bearing, minimal invasiveness, and improved functional outcomes. This study evaluates the clinical and functional outcomes of infected nonunion treated with LRS. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary care center in eastern India from January 2019 to June 2023, including a pandemic-affected period. Thirty patients (18–68 years) with infected nonunion of the femur, tibia, and humerus were included. Data on demographics, infection characteristics, prior surgeries, and hematological parameters were recorded. All patients underwent surgical debridement followed by LRS application. Outcomes were assessed using the Association for the Study and Application of the Method of Ilizarov scoring system. Results: Of 30 patients, 16 had femoral nonunion, 11 tibial, and 3 humeral. Union was achieved in 83.33% (25 cases), and infection eradication in 93.33% (28 cases). The mean time to union was 9.1 months. Complications included joint stiffness (26.67%), pin tract infection (23.33%), and limb length discrepancy (40%). No amputations were required, and re-fracture rates were low. Conclusion: LRS is a reliable and effective treatment for infected nonunion, enabling early mobilization and good functional outcomes. It provides a stable alternative to Ilizarov fixation with low complication rates.https://jocr.co.in/wp/2025/04/01/limb-reconstruction-system-for-infected-nonunion-a-retrospective-study/infected nonunionlimb reconstruction systemexternal fixationbone unionorthopedic infectionilizarov technique
spellingShingle Indrajeet Kumar
Nishant Kashyap
Wasim Ahmed
Santosh Kumar
Janki Sharan Bhadani
Ritesh Runu
Limb Reconstruction System for Infected Nonunion: A Retrospective Study
Journal of Orthopaedic Case Reports
infected nonunion
limb reconstruction system
external fixation
bone union
orthopedic infection
ilizarov technique
title Limb Reconstruction System for Infected Nonunion: A Retrospective Study
title_full Limb Reconstruction System for Infected Nonunion: A Retrospective Study
title_fullStr Limb Reconstruction System for Infected Nonunion: A Retrospective Study
title_full_unstemmed Limb Reconstruction System for Infected Nonunion: A Retrospective Study
title_short Limb Reconstruction System for Infected Nonunion: A Retrospective Study
title_sort limb reconstruction system for infected nonunion a retrospective study
topic infected nonunion
limb reconstruction system
external fixation
bone union
orthopedic infection
ilizarov technique
url https://jocr.co.in/wp/2025/04/01/limb-reconstruction-system-for-infected-nonunion-a-retrospective-study/
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AT santoshkumar limbreconstructionsystemforinfectednonunionaretrospectivestudy
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