Accordion maneuver with Ilizarov placed plate in situ, in a case of femoral shaft non-union and refracture with quiescent infection, discussion on treatment strategies: a case report

Abstract

Introduction: Aim of this study to evaluate the clinical efficacy and highlight their relevance in present orthopedics practice where multiple newer choices have been become famous. Accordion maneuver design with modified Ilizarov apparatus, a single stage procedure in femoral shaft non-union and re-fracture with quiescent infection place dynamic compression plate (DCP) in situ. Femoral shaft fractures (FSFs) are frequently occurring injury due to RTA. Infection (0.4%) and non-union (1.1 - 14%) are the morbid complications of femur fractures. The healing rate for femora shaft non-unions is too high (90%).1 Accordion Maneuver (AM) is the “Bloodless Stimulation” of bone healing described by Professor G. A. Ilizarov. It comprises of alternate compression and distraction which produce stress in living tissue and also convert biologically inactive scar tissue at non-union site into tissue capable of neo-osteogenesis.2 The suggested treatment for quiescent type of infected non-union is a single stage procedure with minimal or no debridement and if implant is provide sufficient stability it placed in situ.3 Case Report: In the case, a 26 years man treated by DCP with MIPO for his Gustilo type – Ⅰ open, comminuted fracture of mid femoral shaft (Left) following RTA. Post-operative infection occurred within 2 weeks of operation. Infection controlled by exploration and surgical toileting with antibiotic. After four (4) months later he was sustained re-fractured with bending plate due to fall again. Finally he was diagnosed as H. Rosen`s type 3 Quiescent infected non-union (Oligotrophic) and Romano stage -1 post-implant infection with re-fracture mid shaft of left femur. Then he was treated following accordion principles with modified Ilizarov frame. AM was applied according to protocol of Baruah and Patowary of non-union treatment. Result: After complete union and consolidation, substantiated by radiological evidence Ilizarov apparatus was dispelled six (6) months later of installation without removal of plate and four (4) months of that finally plate was removed. After one (1) year and four (4) months of mounted Ilizarov frame, the patient was in full free movement of knee and hip. He had no problem during walking even running. Conclusion: We pursue for the treatment, accordion maneuver with Ilizarov apparatus, a single stage procedure in femoral shaft non-union and re-fracture with quiescent infection kept plate in situ. Few authors reported, Accordion Maneuver (AM) techniques with Ilizarov apply over intramedullary nail (IMN) in situ for aseptic non-union of femur. In this study, we discussed the role of this tool (AM) for the treatment of femoral shaft non-union and re-fracture with quiescent infection place plate (DCP) in situ.