ABSTRACT
An infected fracture non-union is a disastrous complication. Management is difficult, prolonged and not always successful. It is important to determine whether the infection is still active, to identify the organism, and to determine whether the non-union is atrophic or hypertrophic and whether there is any sequestrated dead bone. When these factors have been determined, definitive management can be planned. Thirty per cent of nonunions are infected and 70% follow open fractures. The most common site is the tibia (~ 60% of cases). Staphylococcus aureus is isolated in 75% of cases.
