Masquelet Technique for Phalangeal Reconstruction and Osteomyelitis

Osteomyelitis of the finger presents a challenging problem. Although there are multiple treatments described in the literature, the infection often results in eventual amputation. The authors present a case of an open fracture of the index finger complicated by nonunion, infection, and osteomyelitis. This was successfully treated by the placement of an antibiotic cement spacer and subsequent reconstruction with iliac crest bone graft, after the 2-stage Masquelet technique, using intravenous and oral antibiotics. They show that this technique, although infrequently described in the hand and fingers, can be a successful option for the treatment of phalangeal osteomyelitis and phalangeal reconstruction.