Fig. 3

Example of an infection after intramedullary osteosynthesis for a tibial shaft fracture (AO42-C2). 1 At presentation at the emergency department. 2 After nailing, the fracture was accompanied by a compartment syndrome treated with fasciotomy. 3 Patient presented on the emergency department with redness, swelling, and elevated CRP and leukocytes 7 months after initial osteosynthesis. The patient was admitted, and a thorough surgical debridement was performed immediately, the nail was left in situ. Intraoperative tissue cultures were obtained, and empirical antibiotic combination therapy was started. 4 Six months later, the fracture showed bridging of three cortices on X-ray and all signs and symptoms of infection were diminished. The patient visited the outpatient clinic 2 years later for an unrelated issue. The leg was entirely healed without pain with full weight bearing and full range of motion. The nail was never removed