Results of Antibiotic-Impregnated Cement/Polymer-Coated Intramedullary Nails in the Management of Infected Nonunion and Open Fractures of Long Bones

Abstract

Background Fractures of long bones can sometimes lead to complications such as infection or nonunion, resulting in significant patient morbidity. Surgical intervention and antibiotics are often necessary to treat these complications. Antibiotic-impregnated cement/polymer-coated intramedullary nails have emerged as an effective surgical treatment for infected nonunion and open fractures. These implants elude high concentrations of antibiotics at the infection site while stabilizing the fracture. Extensive research has shown promising results, with success rates ranging from 60% to 100%. Benefits of these implants include stable fracture fixation, early weight-bearing, and reduced need for prolonged antibiotic therapy. However, concerns remain regarding antibiotic resistance and potential toxicity. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of these implants in managing infected nonunion and open fractures of the femur and tibia. Methods This prospective hospital-based study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of antibiotic-impregnated cement/polymer-coated intramedullary nails for managing infected nonunion and open fractures of the femur and tibia. The study included patients aged 18 or older who received treatment with these implants between January 1, 2021 and December 31, 2022. Patients allergic to vancomycin or teicoplanin, with gap nonunion >2 cm, or lost to follow-up were excluded. Data on demographics, fracture details, previous treatment, surgery, antibiotics, and outcomes were collected using a structured proforma. Surgeries involved implant removal, debridement, culture testing, reaming, fracture reduction, and stabilization with an antibiotic-impregnated cement/polymer-coated intramedullary nail. Postoperatively, patients received antibiotics, had wound inspections, and were gradually allowed weight-bearing. Follow-up appointments and radiographic/laboratory assessments were conducted at regular intervals. The primary outcome was successful bone union, and secondary outcomes included time to union, infection rate, nonunion rate, and revision surgery. Results The majority of participants were male, with a mean age of 39.76 years. Most fractures were Gustilo-Anderson grade 3 (46.7%) and involved the tibia (73.3%). The mean bone gap after debridement was 1.3 cm. The median follow-up period was 8.21 months. Infection was controlled in 93.3% of patients, with the tibia being the most common site (70.0%). Successful bone union was achieved in 90.0% of patients, with a mean union rate of 22.13 weeks for tibial fractures and 17.21 weeks for femoral fractures. Among patients with bone union, 60.0% did not require additional procedures. Most patients had excellent bony (76.7%) and functional (70.0%) outcomes. The most common complications were the persistence of bone nonunion, impingement of proximal nail, and debonding of nail cement, each occurring in 10.0% of patients. Conclusion The study concluded that antibiotic...