The Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine treatment for infected nonunion byIstage bone grafting and external fixation

Objective:To investigate the principles and methods of the treatment of infected nonunion by integrated traditional and Western medicine.Methods:From May 2007to October 2009,37patients with infected nonunion were included in this study.After effective antibiotic administration and complete debridement,the bone was grafted based on the length of the bone defect in first intention.As soon as the wound was healed up,immobilization was done by external fixation device.At the sane time,the patients took orally traditional Chinese medicine to improve immune capability based on Syndrome Differentiation.Results:All the patients had bone union within 5to 11months(average 7.3months).The infection was completely controlled,the wound went on healing and the length of the limb was maintained.Conclusion:The compound method simplified and shortened the treatment.The bone grafting by the first intention avoided limb shortening.The use of external fixation in infected nonunion showed its distinctive advantages.