Prevention of recurrent infection after removal of intramedullary metal of the infected femur and tibia.

Prevention of recurrence after consolidation of infected femur and tibia fractures and nonunions is based on two principles. First necrotic bone is eliminated with reaming and rinsing the intramedullary canal after metal removal. As missing inramedullary tissue granulates gradually, prevention of retention cavities is achieved by a drainage tube that is gradually removed in the direction of gravity. In chronic cases the method is combined with application of a Septopal chain. Since 1978 this method has been used in 39 cases of which 32 have been succesful.