Infected Non-Union Femur Surgery & Limb Reconstruction | Balanku Hospital
Infected Non-Union of the Femur
Advanced Limb Reconstruction & Trauma Care at Balanku Hospital
A femur fracture usually heals with proper treatment, but in some cases healing fails and is further complicated by infection. This condition, known as Infected Non-Union of the Femur, is a serious and challenging orthopedic problem that causes persistent pain, deformity, instability, and difficulty in walking.
At Balanku Hospital, our orthopedic trauma and limb reconstruction specialists are highly experienced in treating infected non-union femur cases using advanced surgical techniques, infection control protocols, and structured rehabilitation—aiming to eradicate infection, achieve bone healing, and restore limb function.
What Is Infected Non-Union of the Femur?
- Non-union: Failure of a fractured femur to heal even after an adequate period (usually 6–9 months).
- Infected non-union: Non-union complicated by ongoing bone and soft-tissue infection.
This condition requires staged and carefully planned treatment.
Causes
- Severe open (compound) femur fractures
- Post-surgical infection after fracture fixation
- Poor blood supply to bone
- Inadequate stabilization of fracture
- Smoking, diabetes, or poor nutrition
- Repeated surgeries or implant failure
Symptoms
- Persistent thigh pain and instability
- Swelling, redness, or warmth around the fracture site
- Discharging sinus or pus
- Fever (in some cases)
- Limb deformity or shortening
- Inability to bear weight
Diagnosis
Accurate evaluation includes:
- X-rays to assess non-union and implant status
- CT scan to evaluate bone healing
- Blood tests (ESR, CRP, CBC) to detect infection
- Pus/tissue culture to identify causative organisms
- MRI or bone scan in selected cases
Treatment of Infected Non-Union Femur
Management is complex and usually performed in stages, focusing first on infection control and then on bone healing.
Stage 1: Infection Control
- Removal of infected implants
- Aggressive surgical debridement (removal of infected bone and tissue)
- Placement of antibiotic-loaded cement spacers or beads
- Targeted intravenous and oral antibiotics based on culture reports
Stage 2: Definitive Bone Reconstruction
Once infection is controlled:
Surgical Options Include:
- Revision internal fixation with plates or intramedullary nail
- Bone grafting (autograft or allograft)
- Ilizarov or external fixation for complex cases
- Bone transport techniques for large bone defects
The choice depends on bone loss, infection severity, and patient condition.
Procedure Overview
| Procedure Name | Infected Non-Union Femur Surgery |
|---|---|
| Type of Surgery | Major Reconstructive Surgery |
| Type of Anesthesia | General or Regional |
| Procedure Duration | 2 to 4 hours (per stage) |
| Recovery Duration | Several months |
Recovery & Rehabilitation
- Prolonged treatment and follow-up required
- Gradual weight-bearing as advised
- Long-term antibiotics (if required)
- Physiotherapy to restore muscle strength and joint mobility
- Nutritional support to promote bone healing
Complete recovery may take 6 to 12 months or longer, depending on severity.
Possible Complications (If Untreated)
- Chronic infection (osteomyelitis)
- Persistent pain and deformity
- Limb shortening or disability
- Implant failure
- Amputation in severe neglected cases
Benefits of Treatment at Balanku Hospital
- Expertise in complex limb reconstruction
- Advanced infection control protocols
- Multidisciplinary team approach
- Modern fixation and bone regeneration techniques
- Personalized rehabilitation and long-term follow-up
At Balanku Hospital, we are committed to managing complex conditions like Infected Non-Union of the Femur with precision, patience, and expertise—helping patients regain stability, mobility, and quality of life.
