Abstract
Introduction
Fracture related infections (FRI) following intramedullary nailing for tibial shaft fractures remain challenging to treat with associated high patient morbidity and healthcare costs. Recently, antibiotic-coated nails have been introduced as a strategy to reduce implant related infection rates in high-risk patients. We present the largest single-centre case series on ETN PROtect® outcomes reporting on fracture union, infection rates and treatment complications.
Materials and Methods
56 adult patients underwent surgery with ETN PROtect® between 01/09/17 and 31/12/20. Indications consisted of acute open fractures and complex revision cases (FRI, non-union surgery and re-fracture) with a mean of 3 prior surgical interventions. 51 patients had an open fracture as their index injury. We report on patient characteristics and outcomes including radiological/clinical union and deep infection. The one-year minimum follow-up rate was 87.5%.
Results
One (1.8%) patient developed a deep surgical infection and associated non-union requiring further surgery. In addition, we identified three cases (5.4%) of aseptic non-union following facture treatment with ETN PROtect®. Of the 5 patients who underwent staged complex revision surgery for established FRI with ETN PROtect®, all had treatment failure with ongoing symptoms of deep infection requiring further treatment.
Conclusions
Use of the ETN PROtect® nail in high-risk patients in the acute trauma setting demonstrates promising outcomes in the prevention of implant-related infection. In our limited series we have failed to observe any benefit over uncoated nails, when used in treating cases of established FRI/osteomyelitis and would therefore advise caution in their use, especially in view of the high cost.
