Abstract

Exchange plating in the management of infected dynamic hip screw fixation

Author(s): Mr Mohamed El Sayad,Mr Rahul Kotwal,Mr Albert Chikate,Mr Ian Smith

The dynamic hip screw (DHS) is the most commonly used implant for internal fixation of intertrochanteric femoral fractures and basicervical fractures of the neck of femur. One of its postoperative complications is infection, which is associated with a high degree of morbidity and occasionally mortality. This paper presents a technical method for the management of deepseated infection following a DHS fixation. Our tip has successfully helped manage a case of postoperative infection, following a DHS fixation, which was otherwise failing to resolve with the regular methods of wound washouts and intravenous antibiotics. We believe that in these complex cases of deep-seated infection, we have provided a technical tip that will help the surgeon in subsequent management, as well as avoiding destabilizing the fracture and excision arthroplasty.