Twenty-three patients with severe open tibial fractures complicated by established deep infection and delay or failure of union were treated with posterior tibial bone-grafting. This was followed by immediate ambulation in a plaster cast. Tibial union was achieved in all twenty-three patients. Drainage ceased prior to or simultaneously with union in twenty-one patients, including twelve of fourteen patients who had indolent drainage from the anterior compartment of the leg at the time of posterior tibial bone-grafting.
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