Abstract

Chronic osteomyelitis is a complication of open fractures in children especially in rural areas. It is difficult to treat, and it may lead to infected non-union. We present a case of an open fracture Gustillo-Anderson grade IIIa complicated with chronic osteomyelitis. He presented with non-union six months post-trauma after the initial surgical debridement and bone resection. He was subsequently treated successfully with a temporary 3.5mm locking plate and synthetic bone graft. A temporary locking plate can stabilize the fracture site and provide additional advantage in terms of wound management and earlier joint motion in comparison with external fixation and cast.

Keywords: Infected non-union; Osteomyelitis; Locking plate; Bone graft substitute