[Application of plasma-mediated bipolar radiofrequency ablation debridement in treatment with retention of internal fixation for early postoperative infection of fractures of extremities].

Objective: To explore the effectiveness of plasma-mediated bipolar radiofrequency ablation debridement (Coblation debridement) in treatment with retention of internal fixation for early postoperative infection of fractures of extremities.

Methods: Between January 2012 and May 2015, 16 patients (12 males and 4 females) with early postoperative infection of internal fixation for extremity fracture were treated, with an average age of 41.6 years (range, 19-61 years). The fractures included tibia and fibula fracture in 5 cases, femoral fractures in 5 cases, distal humeral fractures in 3 cases, ulna and radius fractures in 2 cases, and patellar fracture in 1 case. Two cases were open fractures and 14 cases were closed fractures. All fractures were fixed non-intramedullarily. Postoperative infection occurred at 5-10 days (mean, 7 days) after operation, with bacteria cultured from wound secretion in all cases. Type EIC5872 70 Coblation knife and Coblator Ⅱ plasma surgery system were conducted to debride the foci of infection in ablating pattern with sterile saline used as the conductive fluid and the magnitude of power from 6 to 9. After pulse irrigating with sterile saline, irrigating tube and draining tube were placed beside the fixation. Postoperative continuous irrigation and drainage and systemic antibiotic therapy would be conducted. The effectiveness was evaluated by bone infection effectiveness evaluation criteria.

Results: All the 16 patients were followed up 12-36 months (mean, 15 months) after operation. All the infected wounds were cured and healed by first intention without recurrence in all the patients, and the fracture healing time was 3-7 months (mean, 4.8 months) without limb dysfunction or nonunion. Internal fixation was removed at 1-2 years after operation in 4 cases, whom with good fracture healing and without recurrence of infection after operation.

Conclusion: The effectiveness of Coblation debridement in treatment with retention of internal fixation for early postoperative infection of extremity fractures are satisfactory, which can avoid the second stage operation, infectious nonunion, and osteomyelitis.