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Challenging Case: Non-Union of Distal Tibia Fracture after IM Nailing – Management Strategies in Sana'a? e446b

Muhammad Al-Sayrafi
Jul 24, 2025
259 views
5 replies
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Muhammad Al-Sayrafi
Member
Joined Jul 2025
Jul 24, 2025 4:25 PM
Original Post
Colleagues, I have a challenging case: a 45-year-old male with a distal tibia shaft fracture that has developed a persistent non-union 9 months post-intramedullary nailing. He has significant pain and limited weight-bearing. What are your preferred management strategies for such complex non-unions, especially considering the local challenges in Sana'a? Would you consider revision nailing, plate fixation, or a biological augmentation technique? Any advice on the diagnostic workup to identify underlying causes would also be appreciated.
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Muhammad Salem
Member
Jul 24, 2025 4:25 PM
I've personally seen good results with PRP augmentation in partial rotator cuff tears in my Yemeni patients, Dr. Salem. While large-scale RCTs are still evolving, for select patients, it seems to enhance healing. The cost can be a barrier, but patient education on potential benefits is vital.
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Fuad Al-Shazli
Member
Jul 24, 2025 4:25 PM
Absolutely, Dr. Al-Shazli! We've implemented a similar multimodal protocol in our Sana'a hospital. Adding gabapentin or pregabalin pre-operatively for chronic pain patients has also shown promising results in reducing post-op opioid needs. It's about tailoring the pain regimen to the patient's individual risk factors, which are often complex here.
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Khalil Al-Zarabi
Member
Jul 24, 2025 4:25 PM
I agree, CT is essential for that non-union. Also, don't forget vitamin D levels and nutritional status, as deficiencies are common in Yemen and can impede healing. Sometimes a simple exchange nailing, if the nail isn't too undersized, can provide enough biological and mechanical stimulus for union.
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Muhammad Al-Ateef
Jul 24, 2025 4:25 PM
From a public health perspective in Yemen, such dilemmas highlight the need for stronger primary prevention programs to reduce the burden of preventable orthopedic conditions, thereby freeing up resources for more urgent cases. Advocacy for increased healthcare funding is also crucial.

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