Vol. 1, Issue 1, Part G (2014)

Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted at the Department of Orthopedics, Madha Medical College and Hospital, Chennai, India, between February 2013 and January 2014. Thirty adult patients with implant-associated NF were enrolled. Demographic data, comorbidities, microbiological findings, and surgical interventions were recorded. Patients were grouped based on whether implants were retained or removed. Outcomes were compared using appropriate statistical methods.

Results: The mean age was 54.2±11.8 years, with 70% male predominance. Diabetes (60%) and hypertension (36.7%) were the most common comorbidities. Internal fixators were the most frequent implants involved (56.7%). Polymicrobial infection was observed in 40% of cases. Implant removal was necessary in 63.3%, while 36.7% were managed with implant retention. Limb salvage rate was 90%, with an overall mortality of 10%. Patients with retained implants had significantly shorter hospital stays (10.3±3.2 vs. 15.6±4.9 days; p = 0.002) and fewer re-debridements (18.2% vs. 57.9%; p = 0.038).