创伤后感染性胫骨骨不连的骨外固定治疗

１９８２－１９９５年，应用半环槽式外固定器成功的了２１例外伤后感染性胫骨骨不连，并对６例肢体短缩才重建了肢体长度。２１例均采用骨外固定器行骨断端加压固定，所有病便均行腓骨截骨术。合并肢体短缩者６例于同期或二期行胫呈下干骺端截骨延长术，以达到肢体长度的均衡。虽有再骨折、针道感染、钢针松动等并发症，但所有骨不连最终均达到愈合，创面感染快速得到控制。骨愈合时间３－１１个月，平均５个半月。肢体短缩者６均例     

骨搬移治疗胫骨感染、骨缺损及软组织缺损

目的分析骨搬移治疗胫骨感染、缺损及软组织缺损的临床疗效。方法采用胫骨感染骨端清创、重建延长器外固定架及胫骨干骺端截骨骨搬移治疗胫骨感染、缺损及软组织缺损7例。结果 1例出现钉道感染,7例骨折均愈合,术后截骨端骨延长3.5~8.5 cm,平均4.5 cm,无血管和神经损伤的症状。结论采用Ilizarov骨搬移技术治疗胫骨感染、骨缺损及软组织缺损,可以一次性解决骨端感染、消灭皮肤缺损,且骨折断端不需要植骨即可达到骨性愈合。     

骨外固定技术治疗复杂骨不连与骨缺损

目的：改进合并广泛软组织瘢痕,感染,骨缺损及肢体短缩骨不连的治疗。方法：总结1982－1999年采用骨外固定技术治疗112例骨不连的体会。所有骨不连均采用半环槽式外固定器行骨断端加压固定,对合并骨缺损及肢体短缩的部分病例,根据局部是否感染,感染静止与否,及肢体短缩的幅度,同期或二期行干骺端截骨延长术,在骨不连加压固定的同时或骨不连愈合后,重建肢体长度。结果：112例骨不连最终均达到骨性愈合。34例感染性骨不连伤口感染得到控制。非感染性骨不连骨愈合时间3－7个月,平均5．2个月;感染性骨不连骨愈合时间5－11个月,平均5．5个月。伴有肢体短缩的骨缺损,骨不连11例同期,8例二期重建了肢体长度,达到了肢体长度均衡。结论：采用骨外固定技术和治疗此类骨不连,由于在远离病灶的部位穿针固定,加上避开瘢痕组织显露骨不连断端,对骨不连断端的血循环及成骨潜力干扰小;不切除硬化骨质,亦不凿通髓腔及骨断端适当的修整,可在增加骨折固定稳定性的同时进一步避免肢体短缩;加压外尤其采用细钢针交叉穿放的弹性固定有利于骨折愈事;同期或二期行干骺端截骨延长有效的重建了肢体长度,达到了肢体长度均衡。     

Ilizarov技术治疗胫骨干感染性骨不连

目的探讨应用Ilizarov技术治疗胫骨干感染性骨不连的临床效果。方法对22例骨创伤后胫骨感染性骨不连患者采取大段病灶切除+旷置并相应的干骺端截骨术。术后10 d以0.25 mm/6 h速度延长,经8～25周固定延长至骨缺损端会师,于骨缺损处两断端加压并继续维持外固定支架至骨愈合。结果 22例均获随访,时间12～24个月。骨延长6～18(9.5±4.5)cm,骨性感染全部治愈。带支架时间6.5～13个月。19例加压固定处及延长部位骨生长良好,达到了骨性愈合;3例断端骨接触后6个月无明显骨愈合,2例行自体髂骨植骨、1例拆除支架后行自体髂骨植骨内固定,4～6个月达到骨性愈合。截骨延长区及骨缺损对合处对位对线良好。结论 Ilizarov技术治疗胫骨感染性骨不连,术后感染控制良好,骨愈合率高。     

单边可延长外固定支架治疗GustiloⅢB/C型胫骨开放性骨折伴骨缺损

【摘要】〓目的〓探讨应用单边可延长外固定支架治疗GustiloⅢB、C型开放性胫骨骨折并骨缺损的临床疗效。方法 2011年6月至2014年6月,应用单边可延长外固定支架治疗GustiloⅢB/C型开放性胫骨骨折并骨缺损21例。主要方法:一期清创清除游离碎骨及严重污染的骨组织,修整骨折端整齐后短缩患肢对合、修复血管神经肌腱,安装单边可延长外固定支架,并在胫骨近端截骨;术后2周开始骨搬运延长,逐渐延长恢复短缩部分胫骨,恢复肢体长度,骨折愈合后拆除外固定支架。结果〓本组21例随访时间10个月~3年,平均18个月。17例均通过一期短缩肢体修复创面,3例通过局部旋转皮瓣修复创面,1例局部皮瓣部分坏死后通过植皮修复创面。所有骨折端及截骨端最终全部愈合,骨折愈合时间为5~13个月,平均时间8个月。结论〓应用单边可延长外固定支架治疗GustiloⅢB/C型开放性胫骨骨折伴骨缺损,通过急诊短缩患肢消灭创面,同时胫骨干骺端截骨延长的治疗方案,最终肢体长度恢复、骨折愈合。     

清创后同期骨延长治疗胫骨创伤后感染性骨不连

[目的]探讨清创后同期行外固定支架骨延长治疗胫骨创伤后感染性骨不连的疗效.[方法]回顾性研究2000年6月～2008年6月运用外固定支架行骨延长术治疗胫骨创伤后感染性骨不连患者35例,32例患者有活动性感染征象,术前患肢平均骨缺损长度3.5 cm(1.0～7.8 cm),患肢平均短缩4.4 cm (0～8.7 cm).[结果]平均随访72.5(35～106)个月,骨不连接处全部愈合,感染得到有效控制,骨延长区骨生长满意.平均外固定指数40.7(34.2～46.9) d/cm,骨延长长度平均7.9 (4.0～10.5) cm.依据Paley的评定标准,骨愈合情况评定:优28例,良5例,一般2例;功能评定:优30例,良4例,一般1例.[结论]彻底清创后同期行骨延长治疗伴骨缺损和肢体短缩的感染性骨不连是一种较为有效的方法.     

成人胫骨缺损新分型与骨搬移治疗策略:附58例报告

背景:胫骨缺损常合并软组织损伤、肢体畸形、不等长等问题。目前的临床分型并不能涵盖一些复杂胫骨缺损情况。目的:从Ilizarov骨搬移技术角度探讨成人非感染性胫骨缺损临床新分型及治疗策略。方法:分析2000年4月至2017年1月应用Ilizarov骨搬移技术治疗的58例成人无感染性胫骨缺损。依据胫骨缺损的长度、部位、是否合并畸形以及相应的Ilizarov骨搬移手段分为5个类型。Ⅰ型:1 cm<中下/上段骨缺损≤6 cm,无明显成角畸形。采用胫骨单节段截骨,向缺损端搬移。Ⅱ型:6 cm<中下/上段骨缺损≤10 cm,无明显成角畸形。采用双节段截骨同步向缺损端骨搬移。Ⅲ型:6 cm<中段骨缺损≤10 cm,无明显成角畸形,胫骨上、下双节段截骨,向心性骨搬移。Ⅳ型:6 cm<上、下两段缺损≤10 cm,中段残留活骨≥6 cm,无明显成角畸形。将胫骨中间残留的一段活骨2处截骨,成为3块骨,中间骨块固定作为两块骨搬移再生的"母骨"支点,上下两段骨块反向分离牵拉,一期修复上下2区骨缺损。Ⅴ型:胫骨缺损>10 cm,合并骨干>7°成角畸形。采用腓骨上下两处截骨,先纵向牵拉使胫骨缺损间隙加大、成角畸形矫正,再横向牵拉将腓骨中间段搬移至胫骨缺损处,使其腓骨胫骨化。观察5个临床分型组骨缺损修复骨愈合、畸形矫正、有无肢体短缩等并发症、汇合端愈合情况等。拆除外固定后随访,采用改良Paley骨不连评价标准进行评价。结果:55例患者获得随访,随访时间24~104个月,平均(32.0±21.4)个月。所有患者均实现骨缺损修复并最终骨性愈合,骨愈合指数35~60d/cm,平均(49.0±6.4)d/cm。1例Ⅳ型,4例Ⅴ型患者术后肢体短缩>2.5 cm(2.7~3.5 cm)。末次随访无>7°局部畸形病例。未发生1例深部感染、血管神经损伤等并发症。17例因汇合端骨愈合迟缓,二次手术取自体髂骨植骨。带外固定架时间5~28个月。治疗效果:优41例、良11例、可3例,优良率94.5%(52/55)。结论:成人胫骨缺损新分型既有利于病情评估亦利于制定合理的治疗方案。针对不同类型制定的个体化骨搬移重建方法,可一期手术修复骨缺损、矫正畸形、延长肢体,临床疗效显著,值得推广。     

骨外固定加压治疗胫骨干骨不连

目的 :通过观察半环槽式外固定器治疗胫骨骨不连的治疗效果 ,评价加压外固定对骨损伤修复的作用。方法 :采用半环槽式外固定器骨外加压固定治疗胫骨干骨不连 49例 (男 37例 ,女 12例 ) ,骨不连时间为 7～ 132个月。其中 7例感染性骨不连偏侧性骨缺损者 ,行病灶清除开放性植骨 ;5例感染性骨不连行病灶清除、内固定物取出、小腿皮瓣转位 ;10例骨不连、骨缺损伴伤肢短缩者 ,行胫骨干骺端截骨或骨骺牵伸延长。结果 :植骨全部成活 ,创面植皮获Ⅰ期愈合 ,肢体延长幅度 4.5～ 13 .5cm ,平均 7.5cm ,达到预期目标 ,49例患者均于术后 2 .5～ 10个月 ,获得骨愈合 ,平均 5 .4个月。结论 :骨外固定加压治疗胫骨干骨不连不仅具有确实的效果 ,而且有以下优点 :(1)方法简便、创伤小、局部血运干扰少 ;(2 )在局部感染的条件下仍可使用 ;(3)骨端始终保持有均匀的压应力和肢体功能锻炼时产生的生理应力刺激 ,有利于促进骨愈合 ;(4)可配合肢体延长联合使用 ,既治愈了骨不连 ,又均衡了双下肢长度 ,有利于肢体功能恢复。     

一期有轨加压延长治疗股骨骨不连伴骨短缩畸形

目的探讨一期有轨加压延长治疗骨不连伴骨短缩畸形的可行性及效果。方法对6例股骨骨不连伴短缩畸形(短缩:5~7 cm,平均5.6 cm)采用断端修整、加压,近端或远端截骨延长,髓内针与外固定架为加压及延长提供轨道和动力。结果 6例均获得随访平均11.8(8~18)个月,骨不连部位获得骨愈合,患肢恢复长度。平均外固定时间7.4(6~9)个月,外固定指数平均1.48(1.34~1.58)months/cm。结论一期行骨不连部位修整加压,另一部位截骨延长治疗骨不连伴骨短缩畸形是可行的,髓内针固定的同时使用外固定支架延长可以减少并发症,缩短戴架时间。     

二处截骨骨搬移治疗胫骨大段骨缺损合并软组织缺损

目的 探讨二处截骨骨搬移治疗胫骨大段骨缺损合并软组织缺损的疗效及其加速骨和软组织愈合的可能性.方法 2009年5月至2011年5月共收治6例胫骨大段骨缺损合并软组织缺损患者,均为男性;年龄20～51岁,平均34.5岁.致伤原因:交通伤5例,机器压砸伤1例.均为Gustilo ⅢB型开放性骨折.小腿胫前软组织缺损面积为8cm ×4cm～24cm×11 cm,胫骨缺损长度为8～18cm.清创后采用半环槽外固定支架固定,胫骨上、下干骺端截骨骨搬移治疗骨缺损和软组织缺损.术后每侧截骨端骨搬移速度为1 mm/d,直至搬移骨折端对合,本组患者搬移所需时间为40～100 d,平均66.6 d. 结果 6例患者术后获10 ～ 36个月(平均16个月)随访.小腿软组织缺损愈合,骨缺损均获重建,4例患者双下肢等长,2例患肢肢体长度较健侧短缩1.5 cm.软组织愈合时间为60 ～ 180 d,平均103 d;骨愈合时间为12 ～31个月,平均19.3个月.所有患者牵拉结束后,未发现骨不连和骨痂愈合过快而无法继续牵拉成骨的现象,均不需要植骨. 结论 二处截骨骨搬移不但可有效治疗胫骨大段骨缺损合并软组织缺损,而且可加快骨搬移和软组织愈合的速度.     

Outcome of limb reconstruction system in open tibial diaphyseal fractures

Background:Management of open tibial diaphyseal fractures with bone loss is a matter of debate. The treatment options range from external fixators, nailing, ring fixators or grafting with or without plastic reconstruction. All the procedures have their own set of complications, like acute docking problems, shortening, difficulty in soft tissue management, chronic infection, increased morbidity, multiple surgeries, longer hospital stay, mal union, nonunion and higher patient dissatisfaction. We evaluated the outcome of the limb reconstruction system (LRS) in the treatment of open fractures of tibial diaphysis with bone loss as a definative mode of treatment to achieve union, as well as limb lengthening, simultaneously.Results:Mean followup period was 15 months. The mean bone loss was 5.5 cm (range 4-9 cm). The mean duration of bone transport was 13 weeks (range 8-30 weeks) with a mean time for LRS in place was 44 weeks (range 24-51 weeks). The mean implant index was 56.4 days/cm. Mean union time was 52 weeks (range 31-60 weeks) with mean union index of 74.5 days/cm. Bony results as per the ASAMI scoring were excellent in 76% (19/25), good in 12% (3/25) and fair in 4% (1/25) with union in all except 2 patients, which showed poor results (8%) with only 2 patients having leg length discrepancy more than 2.5 cm. Functional results were excellent in 84% (21/25), good in 8% (2/25), fair in 8% (2/25). Pin tract infection was seen in 5 cases, out of which 4 being superficial, which healed to dressings and antibiotics. One patient had a deep infection which required frame removal.Conclusion:Limb reconstruction system proved to be an effective modality of treatment in cases of open fractures of the tibia with bone loss as definite modality of treatment for damage control as well as for achieving union and lengthening, simultaneously, with the advantage of early union with attainment of limb length, simple surgical technique, minimal invasive, high patient compliance, easy wound management, lesser hospitalization and the lower rate of complications like infection, deformity or shortening.     

微创Ilizarov外固定架治疗胫骨感染性骨不连

目的评价Ilizarov外固定架下采用骨延长技术治疗胫骨感染性骨不连的临床结果及功能情况。方法22例胫骨感染性骨不连患者感染端进行清创后骨缺损的长度为4．1～12．6（6．72±2．42）cm。其中21例为小面积软组织缺损者,采用局部皮瓣转移覆盖,1例大面积软组织缺损者（8cm×5cm）,采用腓肠肌皮瓣转移术覆盖创面,22例均采用Ilizarov外固定架进行骨延长治疗。结果22例均获得随访,时间12～24（17．64±3．84）个月。骨不连均获得愈合,愈合时间7～19（9．86±3．01）个月,感染均得到控制。10例在延长过程中有局部针道渗液,治疗后愈合。牵引成骨的长度为4．1～12．6（6．72±2．42）cm。根据Paley骨折愈合评分标准：优13例,良7例,中2例。结论对于胫骨感染性骨不连,使用Ilizarov外固定架进行骨延长治疗临床结果及功能恢复满意。     

单臂外固定架下骨内移位技术治疗胫骨感染性骨不连

目的评价单臂外固定延长支架下采用骨内移位技术治疗胫骨感染性骨不连的临床结果及功能情况。方法回顾性分析了2003年6月至2005年10月28例胫骨感染性骨不连患者的临床资料。其中23例开放性胫骨骨折,ⅢA型5例,ⅢB型11例,ⅢC型7例;内固定后感染5例。根据改良的ASAMI评定标准进行骨具体内容和功能结果评定。结果所有患者均获得随访,平均随访时间16个月。所有骨折获得初期愈合,感染均得到控制,骨折愈合时12例仍有局部窦道和渗液,治疗后软组织愈合。骨评定结果优14例,良9例,中等2例,差3例;功能评定结果优10例,良13例,中等2例,差3例。牵引成骨的平均形成长度为6．6cm,平均愈合所需时间为9个月。最常见的并发症为针道感染,2例在外固定支架拆除后对接点再骨折。结论对于胫骨感染性骨不连,使用单臂延长外固定支架通过骨内移位技术治疗是一种良好的方案。     

Acute compression and lengthening by the Ilizarov technique for infected nonunion of the tibia with large bone defects

PURPOSE. To assess the Ilizarov technique in treating large infected tibial defects by resection of the infected focus, its acute compression, and gradual distant site lengthening. METHODS. 27 men (mean age, 39 years) with infected nonunion and large bone defects of the tibia underwent complete resection of the nonunion site, debridement, sequestrectomy, lavage, and Ilizarov ring fixator application. Patients underwent acute compression of the defect site, followed by distant site metaphyseal corticotomy for simultaneous lengthening. The mean length of resection was 10 (range, 6-17) cm. The mean follow-up was 27 (range, 25-39) months. RESULTS. The mean lengthening achieved was 10 cm, mean union time 6.3 months, and mean duration of consolidation 10.2 months. Functional results were excellent in 19 patients and good in 5. The union time was longer in older patients. CONCLUSION. Acute compression and simultaneous lengthening can be used safely for treatment of large bone defects in the tibia. This avoids secondary operations at the docking site and reduces the duration of treatment.     

Ilizarov bone transport for massive tibial bone defects

This article reports the treatment of massive tibial bone defects by bone transport using the Ilizarov external fixator. Fifteen patients were treated using this technique (3 females and 12 males). The defect size ranged between 7 and 22 cm (average: 10.6 cm). Etiology was infected nonunion in 9 patients, nonunion in 5 patients, and recurrent giant-cell tumor in 1 patient. The affected site was the tibial diaphysis in 10 patients, the lower tibial metaphysis in 4, and the upper tibial epiphysis in 1 patient. The external fixation time ranged from 9 months to 17 months (average: 12.27 months). External fixation index ranged from 21.8 to 42.5 day/cm (average: 35.7 day/cm). There was no recurrence of infection, no recurrence of the tumor, nor fractures after frame removal. We had to graft the docking site in 2 patients for delayed union and 2 patients developed equinus deformity and had tenoplasty for the Achilles tendon at the time of frame removal. Four patients had pin tract infection at > or =1 of the wires and this was successfully treated by antibiotic injection at the wire site. This study suggests that Ilizarov bone transport is a reliable method to fill massive bone defects.     

Nailing treatment in bone transport complications

A series of cases of reamed intramedullary nailings carried out after complications in regenerated bone and docking site had occurred in bone transport is presented here. Nine patients (femur = 5; tibia = 4) had treatment with resection after open fractures or infection and underwent bone transport. The mean length of regenerated bone was 9.5 cm (range 6–18 cm). After bone transport, the fixator remained in place for a mean period of 12.8 months (range 8–24 months). In six cases (femur 4; tibia 2), the thickness of the cortical wall of the regenerate column was insufficient, and in two of these, there was, in addition, nonunion of the docking site. In the two tibial cases, nailing was carried out shortly after the fixator had been removed and after refracture of the regenerated bone had occurred due to insufficient cortical thickness. In one femur, nailing was carried out for nonunion of the docking site. Follow-up involved clinical and X-ray checks. The mean follow-up was 3.9 years (range 2–6 years). In all cases, union and with complete corticalization of the regenerate column was observed at an average 6 months after nailing (range 4–11 months). Infection occurred in one tibia 4 months after nailing. The infection was treated with antibiotics, and the nail was subsequently removed. We conclude that nailing is a potential solution for regenerated bone and docking site problems but, if used after prolonged periods of external fixation, may necessitate antibiotic therapy for at least 10 days after the fixator has been removed.     

Augmentative Ilizarov external fixation after failure of diaphyseal union with intramedullary nailing

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the use of the Ilizarov circular fixator and nail retention in treating diaphyseal nonunion following previous intramedullary nailing. DESIGN: Retrospectively reviewed, consecutive series. Mean duration of follow-up after achieving bone union: 19.2 months (range 6 to 33 months). SETTING: A tertiary referral center for nonunion surgery. PATIENTS: Nine patients (two femoral, three tibial, and four humeral nonunions) were included in the study. All patients were referred from other centers after failure to achieve union with intramedullary nailing. Patients who had nonunion with other fixation devices in situ, those with active infection and nonunion following nonoperative treatment, were excluded from the study. The patients had undergone an average of 2.4 operations (range 1 to 5 operations) before application of the Ilizarov fixator. All patients completed the study. INTERVENTION: The circular fixator was used to compress the nonunion site from without, retaining the intramedullary nail in each case. We excluded a patient who had his nonunion site explored followed by bone excision and transport. The mean duration of fixator treatment was 6.2 months (3 to 11 months). MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Clinical and x-ray evidence of bone union, infection, residual deformity, shortening, and assessment of functional outcome. RESULTS: Bone union was achieved in all nine patients using the circular fixator over the nail. The bone results were graded as six excellent, one good, and two fair. All patients reported a reduction in pain and satisfaction with their final outcome. CONCLUSIONS: There is a role for the use of the Ilizarov fixator with nail retention in resistant long bone diaphyseal nonunion in carefully selected patients. This method can achieve high union rates where other treatment methods have failed.     

Bone transport for the treatment of infected forearm nonunion

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment of infected forearm nonunion by bone transport.Materials and methodsWe retrospectively reviewed 16 patients with infected forearm nonunion treated by bone transport. Our study included 10 males and 6 females with a mean of age 38.25 years. The site of bone defects involved 9 radius and 7 ulna. The average length of the bone defects after radical debridement was 3.81 cm (range 2.2–7.5 cm).ResultsThe mean follow-up after removal of the frame was 39.63 months (range 26–55 months). No patient was lost to follow-up. All the patients had bone union and no recurrence of infection was observed. The mean external fixation time was 6.19 months (range 3–10 months), and the mean external fixation index was 1.63 months/cm (range 1.14–2.00 months/cm). The mean degrees of wrist flexion were 49.69° (range 45–55°), and the mean degrees of wrist extension were 50.63° (range 40–60°). The mean degrees of elbow flexion were 143.12° (range 135–150°), and the mean degrees of elbow extension were 4.69° (range 0–20°). The mean degrees of forearm pronation were 82.50° (range 70–90°), and the mean degrees of forearm supination were 83.75° (range 75–90°).ConclusionOur study suggested that bone transport in the treatment of infected forearm nonunion acquired satisfied functional results. Radical debridement is the key step to control bone infection.     

Simultaneous treatment of tibial bone and soft-tissue defects with the Ilizarov method

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the potential for limb salvage using the Ilizarov method to simultaneously treat bone and soft-tissue defects of the leg without flap coverage. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: Level I trauma centers at 4 academic university medical centers. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-five patients with bone and soft-tissue defects associated with tibial fractures and nonunions. The average soft-tissue and bone defect after debridement was 10.1 (range, 2-25) cm and 6 (range, 2-14) cm respectively. Patients were not candidates for flap coverage and the treatment was a preamputation limb salvage undertaking in all cases. INTERVENTION: Ilizarov and Taylor Spatial Frames used to gradually close the bone and soft-tissue defects simultaneously by using monofocal shortening or bifocal or trifocal bone transport. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Bone union, soft-tissue closure, resolution or prevention of infection, restoration of leg length equality, alignment, limb salvage. RESULTS: The average time of compression and distraction was 19.7 (range, 5-70) weeks, and time to soft-tissue closure was 14.7 (range, 3-41) weeks. Bony union occurred in 24 patients (96%). The average time in the frame was 43.2 (range, 10-82) weeks. Lengthening at another site was performed in 15 patients. The average amount of bone lengthening was 5.6 (range, 2-11) cm. Final leg length discrepancy (LLD) averaged 1.2 (range, 0-5) cm. Use of the trifocal approach resulted in less time in the frame for treatment of large bone and soft-tissue defects. There were no recurrences of osteomyelitis at the nonunion site. All wounds were closed. There were no amputations. All limbs were salvaged. CONCLUSIONS: The Ilizarov method can be successfully used to reconstruct the leg with tibial bone loss and an accompanying soft-tissue defect. This limb salvage method can be used in patients who are not believed to be candidates for flap coverage. One also may consider using this technique to avoid the need for a flap. Gradual closure of the defect is accomplished resulting in bony union and soft-tissue closure. Lengthening can be performed at another site. A trifocal approach should be considered for large defects (>6 cm). Advances in technique and frame design should help prevent residual deformity.     

The treatment of infected nonunion of the tibia following intramedullary nailing by the Ilizarov method

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the effectiveness of the Ilizarov method and circular external fixator in order to eradicate the infection and restore bone union, limb anatomy and functionality in cases with infected nonunion of the tibia following intramedullary nailing.During 7 years nine patients suffering from infected nonunion of the tibia after intramedullary nailing were treated in our department. The series comprised seven men and two women with an average age of 39.7 years (range 21-75 years). The patients had previously undergone an average of 4.8 operations (range 3-6 operations). Active purulent bone infection occurred in all nine patients. Bone defect was present in all patients with a mean size of 5 cm (range 2-12 cm). In three cases with bone defect less than 2 cm, monofocal compression osteosynthesis technique was used. In the rest cases where bone defect exceeded 2 cm, bifocal consecutive distraction-compression osteosynthesis technique was applied. Three patients required a local gastrocnemius flap. The mean follow-up period was 26.6 months (range 13-42 months). Results were evaluated using Paley's functional and radiological scoring system.Bone union was achieved in all nine patients without recurrence of infection during the follow-up period. Bone results were graded as excellent in five cases and good in the rest four cases. Functional results were graded as excellent in three cases, good in four and fare in two cases. Mean external fixation time was 187.4 days (range 89-412 days) and mean lengthening index was 32 days/cm (range 27-39 days/cm). Complications observed included eight grade II pin tract infections, axial deformity at the lengthening site in two cases and at the nonunion site in another two cases. Ankle joint stiffness was detected in five cases.The Ilizarov method may be an effective method in infected nonunions of the tibia following intramedullary nailing.