Fracture of tibia with pinned fixation.
Object numberGC.12120
TitleFracture of tibia with pinned fixation.
DescriptionFracture of tibia with pinned fixation.
Clinical history:
Resected part of the tibia and fibula in October 1937 following three attempts at manipulative reduction. The fracture was plated by Sir Henry Wade. In October 1960 the patient developed pain and swelling at the site of the old fracture. The patient was admitted to hospital for removal of the plate. At operation the plate was displayed. The surrounding bone and tissues were infiltrated with particles of rust. Around the screws inflammatory changes were evident. The upper 3 screws were readily removed but the lower screws were fixed and it was necessary to remove a complete block of bone.
Description of specimen:
The specimen consists of a bone plate with three separate screws The bone plate has fractured some considerable time previously (the fracture ends are corroded). To one fragment of the plate. The fragment of the bone remains firmly adherent. This bone is markedly congested but the screws are firmly embedded and there is no signs of absorption. The plate and screws which are black in colour show superficial erosion,
Microscopical report:
The specimen consists essentially of fragments of bone, some necrotic, and densely collagenised fibro cellular tissue. The latter shows multiple deposits of brown granular material (presumably the metal referred to) and there is little infiltration by histiocytes or macrophages. Similarly, foreign body giant cells reaction is absent, suggesting that the material has been relatively well tolerated by the tissues.
Production date 1960-10 - 1960-10
Production periodTwentieth century
Object nameBONE, tibia
Object categoryAnatomical, specimen