Diagnosis and treatment of chronic infection after internal fixation for long bone fractures in children: a report of 6 cases

Objective

: To analyze the diagnosis and treatment of infection following internal fixation for long bone fractures in children. Methods: From January 2022 to 2024, 6 children with chronic infection following internal fixation for long bone fractures were admitted to the Department of Trauma. All the cases showed chronic infection with nonunion of the fracture, including 4 males and 2 females, 4 cases of falling from height, 1 case of traffic accident and 1 case of falling injury. The patients were treated with repeated debridement, antibiotic calcium sulfate filling, bone grafting, and intravenous antibioticsstable. The patients were followed up for at least 3 months after discharge, the symptoms, signs, and imaging changes were observed, and the Paley Fracture Healing Score.1 was recorded at the last follow-up. Results: All patients on admission showed different degrees of fracture nonunion or thinning of the fracture on X-rays, but the internal fixation was stable and the infection site was covered by soft tissue. All patients retained their implants and were treated 2-5 vacuum sealing drainage (VSD), antibiotic calcium sulfate combined with bone graft local anti-infection treatment. Secondly, Linezolid was the main antibiotic used in the perioperative and postoperative period, and Rifampicin (RFP) was added to 3 cases. Bacterial culture showed that 3 cases were Gram-positive bacteria (G+), 1 case was Serratia marcescens, and Sulperazon were added, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella variicola (Gram-negative bacteria, G-) were isolated from the 2 cases, and Meropenem and Imipenem (IPM) were added to increase the antimicrobial spectrum, respectively. All patients were followed up for 4-14 months, with an average of 7.8 months and achieved clinical healing without recurrence of infection. According to the Paley Fracture Healing Score1, the results were excellent in 5 patients and good in 1 patient. Conclusion: In 6 children with chronic infection after internal fixation of fracture, imaging showed nonunion of fracture. In order to avoid secondary internal fixation of fracture or later orthopedic surgery, careful retention of internal fixation, thorough debridement, local antibiotic filling and release of anti-infection, combined with systemic antibiotic treatment for a sufficient period, and constant monitoring of inflammatory indicators were performed. Infection control and fracture healing can be achieved clinically.

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