Abstract
Objective This study aims to analyze outcomes and clinical and epidemiological data of infected
tibial pseudarthrosis using the Ilizarov method and the Orr dressing.
Methods Data from n = 43 patients diagnosed with infected tibial pseudarthrosis were analyzed
by descriptive and inferential statistical methods. In addition, Paley's assessment
criteria evaluated bone and functional outcomes. Qualitative variables were presented
as the distribution of absolute and relative frequencies. The presentation of quantitative
variables followed the D'Agostino-Pearson test.
Results Thirty-seven (86.04%) subjects were males, and six (13.95%) were females. The most
frequent age group among patients was 50 to 59 years old (25.6%), with a p-value = 0.8610.
The treatment time was longer for the trifocal treatment (23.8 months) when compared
to the bifocal treatment (15.6 months), with a p-value = 0.0010* (highly significant).
Excellent bone outcomes represented 72.09% of the sample; 23.25% of outcomes were
good. Functional outcomes were excellent in 55.81%, good in 6.97%, and regular in
27.90% of subjects. The Orr dressing (using Vaseline gauze) proved effective, achieving
wound healing with soft tissue coverage in all patients evaluated.
Conclusions The Ilizarov method resulted in a substantial change in the treatment of bone infections,
especially infected pseudarthrosis. The versatility of this method has turned it into
an effective tool, allowing the healing of the infectious process and the correction
of potential deformities and shortening.
Keywords
Ilizarov technique - pseudoarthrosis - tibia - treatment outcome
