Globally, it is estimated that more than 50% of antibiotics are obtained without a prescription. The main purpose of this study is to determine the knowledge and practice of primary caregivers about self-medication in children with antibiotics, as studies on self-medication is lacking in India, also, it will help is assessing parents’ knowledge and attitude towards self medication. This cross-sectional study conducted in the urban community of Shastri Nagar, Patna, aimed to evaluated antibiotic use in children aged 0-12. From January 2023 to March 2023, 173 caregivers were randomly selected through house visits. Data collection used a pre-tested questionnaire, ensuring confidentiality. In this study of 173 participants, caregivers in an urban community demonstrated varying knowledge regarding antibiotic use in children. Mothers and postgraduates possessed better awareness of antibiotic consequences. Fathers exhibited better understanding of side effects. Knowledge on antibiotics’ action was seen among mothers, those aged 30-39, with family income of Rs. 20,000-40,000 and those with family members in medical field. Fathers had more incorrect beliefs about antibiotics treating viral infections. Common conditions for self-medication included cough/cold, fever and diarrhea, with hospitals being the primary source of antibiotics. Majority obtained information from pharmacies but awareness about antibiotic course completion and versatility was limited. Caregivers’ antibiotic knowledge varied; mothers and postgraduates were more aware, while fathers understood side effects better.

OBJECTIVETo present our experience in treatment of difficult ununited long bone fractures with locking plate.

METHODSRetrospective evaluation of locking plate fixation in 10 difficult nonunions of long bone fractures was done. Fixation was done with locking plate for femoral shaft fracture (3 patients), supracondylar fracture of femur (gap nonunion), fracture of clavicle, fracture of both forearm bones (radius and ulna) fracture of ulna, fracture of shaft of humerus, fracture of tibial diaphysis and supracondylar fracture of humerus (one patient each). Five fractures had more than one previous failed internal fixation. One patient had infected nonunion which was managed by debridement with cast immobilization followed by fixation with locking plate at six weeks. Seven fractures were atrophic, two were oligotrophic, and one was hypertrophic. Fibular autograft was used in 2 cases and iliac crest cancellous bone graft used in all the patients.

RESULTSMinimum follow-up was 6 months (range, 6 months to 2.5 years). Average time for union was 3.4 months (range 2.5 to 6 months). None of the patients had plate-related complications or postoperative wound infections.

CONCLUSIONAlong with achieving stability with locking compression plate, meticulous soft tissue dissection, acceptable reduction, good fixation technique and bone grafting can help achieve union in difficult nonunion cases. Though locking plate does not by itself ensure bony union, we have found it to be another useful addition to our armamentarium for treating difficult fracture nonunions.

Adult ; Bone Plates ; Child ; Female ; Fractures, Ununited ; therapy ; Humans ; Male ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome