The result of treatment of sixty-four patients with infected ununited
fractures of long bone by debridement of soft tissue and bone and open
suction-irrigation drainage, followed by rigid stabilization of the
non-union and cancellous bone-grafting when indicated, was bone union in
sixty cases, even in the presence of infection. The late results five to
twenty-one years later showed good function despite the fact that prolonged
periods of hospitalization were often required. The importance of local
treatment of the infection prior to stabilizing the fracture fragments, and
the use of cancellous bone grafts when necessary, are emphasized.