Figure 1

Consecutive x-rays of a 30-year-old male with tibial non-union and valgus malalignment following stabilization with external fixator for 6 months (Figures a,b). Postoperative findings after excision of necrotic tissue and re-osteosynthesis with a multidirectional locking plate (tifix®-tibia-plate, Litos, Hamburg, Germany) in combination with reconstruction of skeletal defects by implantation of autologous bone removed from the iliac crest (Figures c,d). Conventional and molecular bacteria detection methods were both negative.