Bone transport using an intramedullary magnetic nail in a femur with chronic osteomyelitis after a car bomb attack in Somalia: A case report

Abstract

Background: Bone loss resulting from high energy trauma, infections or resection after tumours is certainly a challenge. In this case, not only did the patient suffer from high energy trauma but also chronic osteomyelitis was present, which made the management even more challenging. Case report: A 29-year-old woman was admitted to the emergency department due to complains of pain and leakage on her right upper lower limb. The treatment plan consisted of three large operations to eliminate osteomyelitis and to achieve bone transport with the use of an intramedullary magnetic nail. Conclusion: The combination of bone loss and osteomyelitis is an issue that requires long-term therapeutic interventions and determination from the patient. The use of an intramedullary magnetic nail for bone transport is a pioneer method with limited literature, but with sufficient results.

Keywords

• Bone transport
• Intramedullary magnetic nail
• Femur
• Chronic osteomyelitis