Tibial fractures. The Ilizarov alternative.

Between February 1988 and May 1989, 17 consecutive patients with 18 tibial fractures were treated using the Ilizarov method and apparatus. Injuries included four closed fractures and 14 open fractures. There were three Grade I open, four Grade II open, and seven Grade III open tibial fractures. Indications for application of the Ilizarov frame included fractures that were determined to need surgical management primarily, or fractures that had failed to heal by other treatment methods, either operative or nonoperative. Patients averaged 17.7 months of follow-up treatment. One patient was lost to follow-up treatment after the fracture healed and the device was removed. To date, all fractures are healed. There was one delayed union, which subsequently healed with a second application of the device. Complications included two late wound infections, both in Grade III open fractures. These occurred after removal of the Ilizarov apparatus. The average time from application of the device to complete fracture healing was 5.6 months, with a range of 3.25 to 13 months. This compares favorably with the results described for other treatment modalities. These results indicate that the Ilizarov method is indeed a useful adjunct in the orthopedic armamentarium for the treatment of either open or closed tibial fractures. No practical contraindications to the use of the Ilizarov device in the management of tibial fractures were encountered.     

Causes of unsatisfactory results of the treatment of chronic ischemia of the lower limbs using G. A. Ilizarov's method

The G. A. Ilizarov's method was used for the treatment of 46 patients with occlusion of the arteries of the lower extremities at stages III and IV of ischemia. The treatment has proved to be ineffective in 10 patients. The use of a method in active aggravation of the inflammatory-necrotic process, postoperative arterial spasm and thrombosis, excess in the permissible rate of the bone split distraction, wrong choice of the level of osteotomy were the main causes of unsatisfactory outcomes.     

Fracture reduction and deformity correction with the hexapod Ilizarov fixator.

A configuration for the Ilizarov external fixator with six distractors and 12 ball joints in the form of a hexapod was developed. The system allows for six degrees of freedom bone fragment displacement by controlling the distractors. Using this assembly, universal three-dimensional corrections or reductions are possible without the need for complicated joint mechanisms. The device was used in 16 patients: five had displaced tibial fractures with severe soft tissue damage, 10 had deformities or pseudarthroses subsequent to treatment of tibial fractures, and one had an axis deviation in the course of tibial lengthening. Translational (to 40 mm) and rotational deformities (to 33 degrees) were corrected. Final radiographic examinations after the correction procedure was complete showed median residual deformities of 3.5 mm (range, 0-5 mm) and 1 degree (range, 0 degree-4 degrees) in the anteroposterior projection and of 1.5 mm (range, 0-6 mm) and less than 1 degree (range, 0 degree-9 degrees) in the lateral projection. The construction is a useful and important addition to the Ilizarov fixator system. As a bone fixation device it is unique in that its optimal use depends on the availability of computer software.     

Management of childhood chronic tibial osteomyelitis with the Ilizarov method

The efficacy of the Ilizarov method in the management of the long bone defect is well established. There have been rare reports about the use of the Ilizarov method in the bone defect caused from childhood osteomyelitis. In this article, the authors present results of seven patients with childhood chronic hematogenous osteomyelitis of the tibia who were treated with the Ilizarov method. The treatment protocol also included sequestrectomy and debridement, appropriate antibiotic therapy, and bifocal treatment with the Ilizarov method. The mean age was 7.2 years old (range 6-8). After sequestrectomy and debridement, all cases were classified as B1 infected pseudoarthrosis according to Paley's criteria. All patients had active infection at the beginning of the treatment. The mean bone defect was 7.4 cm (range 3.5-12). Follow-up time was 4.6 years (range 2.7-5.8). At the time of fixator extraction, complete consolidation was obtained in all the patients. Healing index was 32.3 days/cm (range 28-44). Bone grafting was not required at the docking site in any of the patients. Functional and radiologic results were judged excellent according to Paley's criteria in all patients at the last follow-up. This study indicates that the bifocal method of the Ilizarov treatment is the best alternative for the bone defect caused by chronic hematogenous osteomyelitis in children.     

Treatment of traumatic forearm bone loss with Ilizarov ring fixation and bone transport

Bone loss in the forearm results from high-energy trauma or follows non-union with infection. Ilizarov methodology provides stable fixation without implantation of permanent foreign bodies while permitting wrist and elbow movement. We are reporting our experience using distraction osteogenesis in the treatment of traumatic bone loss in the forearm. From 1991 to 2000, 11 consecutive patients with traumatic forearm bone loss were treated with Ilizarov ring fixation. Records were reviewed retrospectively. All patients were contacted 2-10 years after surgery at the Ilizarov Clinic in Lecco, Italy. Eleven atrophic non-unions with bone loss were treated. The time from injury to Ilizarov treatment averaged 2.1 years. Follow-up averaged 6.2 years. The union rate with Ilizarov treatment alone was 64%. Thirty-six percent of the patients were converted to a hypertrophic non-union and underwent compression plating. The overall rate of union was 100%. There were four unplanned reoperations and no refractures, neurovascular injuries or deep infections. Three patients had significant limitations of wrist function. Nine patients described their function as excellent. Ilizarov fixation with bone transport is a viable treatment option for atrophic forearm non-unions with bone loss. Treatment resulted in ablation of infection, healing of atrophic non-unions with minimal complications and early extremity use.     

Infected nonunion of the tibia

The treatment of infected nonunited fractures of the tibia using the techniques of Ilizarov was compared with autogenous cancellous bone graft application under a well vascularized soft tissue envelope. There were 10 patients in the Ilizarov group and 17 in the bone graft group. Soft tissue coverage with a free vascularized or a rotational muscle flap was used more frequently among the patients having bone graft (71%) than the Ilizarov group (30%). All 27 patients had bony defects (average, 3.7 cm; range, 1-18 cm). At an average followup of 6 years, 26 patients had a functional limb, and one patient (Ilizarov group) ultimately required a below knee amputation. Three patients in each group required a second plate and bone graft procedure to gain union. Infection persisted in four patients (all in the Ilizarov group). If a well vascularized soft tissue envelope is present (particularly after flap coverage), bone grafting procedures are safe and efficacious. The Ilizarov technique may be best suited for the treatment of very proximal or distal metaphyseal nonunions and nonunions associated with large leg length discrepancies.     

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.     

Knee arthrodesis with simultaneous lengthening using the Ilizarov method

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether knee arthrodesis with simultaneous lengthening using the Ilizarov method for a nonreconstructable knee joint with bone loss and infection is a successful salvage procedure. DESIGN: Retrospective review of patients. SETTING: University hospital-based orthopaedic practice. PATIENTS: From 1999 to 2001, 4 consecutive patients with a nonreconstructable knee joint, bone loss, and infection after trauma underwent knee arthrodesis with simultaneous lengthening. INTERVENTION: Arthrodesis of the knee with simultaneous limb lengthening through an osteotomy of the tibia and/or femur and the use of an Ilizarov frame. External bone stimulation was used at the knee arthrodesis site and the lengthening sites. Application of this device began during the early distraction phase and continued until frame removal. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Bony union at the arthrodesis and bone lengthening sites, alignment of the lower extremity, limb length discrepancy, infection, pain, and outcome scales (SF-36 scores and American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons lower limb modules). RESULTS: Bony union of the knee arthrodesis and lengthening sites and good alignment were achieved in all 4 patients. Mean amount of lengthening was 5.4 cm (range 2.5-11.5 cm). Average time in frame was 11 months (range 6-17 months). Limb length discrepancy after treatment averaged 1.8 cm (range 0.6-3.7 cm). Mean duration of follow-up after frame removal was 35 months (range 28-48 months). At follow-up, infection had not recurred, pain was not present, and assistive devices were not needed for ambulation. Average SF-36 scores improved in all 8 categories, and the average American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons lower limb modules improved from a mean of 33 (range 11-37) to a mean of 68 (range 51-76). CONCLUSION: Knee arthrodesis with simultaneous lengthening can be performed successfully using the Ilizarov method. It enables surgeons to optimize limb length during knee arthrodesis. The use of external fixation and the avoidance of internal implants may be advantageous in the presence of or history of infection. The Ilizarov frame provides stability that allows weight bearing during treatment.     

Modification of the Ilizarov external fixator for aseptic hypertrophic nonunion of the clavicle: an option for treatment

OBJECTIVE: To assess the results of treatment of aseptic hypertrophic nonunion of the clavicle by external fixation using a modified Ilizarov apparatus. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: A consecutive series of 12 patients from 2 specialized orthopaedic institutions, treated by the 3 senior authors. PATIENTS: Twelve patients (5 females) with a mean age of 38.7 +/- 12.4 (range, 18-50) years with an aseptic hypertrophic nonunion of the clavicle were treated operatively during the period 1994 to 1998. Ten patients had previously been treated nonoperatively, whereas 2 had been treated surgically; the treatment in all had failed. All patients had pain with shoulder stiffness. INTERVENTION: Patients were treated using the Ilizarov external fixation technique. The operation was performed under general anesthesia and an Ilizarov external fixator was applied percutaneously under fluoroscopic control, without a skin incision or bone grafting. The patients were then monitored clinically and radiologically for 24 to 96 (mean, 45.4) months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Radiologic evaluation and clinical assessment by the Constant numerical score. RESULTS: The mean Constant preoperative score was 30.4 +/- 9 (range, 18-44). Healing of the nonunion occurred in all patients treated by the Ilizarov technique. Nine patients had pain relief and gained unlimited range of motion, whereas 3 patients had mild pain during elevation of the arm. A mean period of 75.4 (range, 50-95) days was needed for gradual bone reduction and union. The mean Constant outcome score was 68.8 +/- 14.7 (range, 46-85). Complications: 2 patients had superficial pin infections that cleared with local therapy and antibiotics, and 1 patient had a reoperation for a nonunion after a fall onto the floor. CONCLUSIONS: Ilizarov fixation seems to be an effective method in the treatment of aseptic hypertrophic clavicle nonunions, even in patients where previous surgery has failed.     

多种技术联用治疗难治性骨髓炎的疗效分析

目的探讨应用Ilizarov骨搬移技术联合抗生素骨水泥片技术、Masquelet技术(膜诱导技术)等技术治疗长骨慢性骨髓炎的临床疗效。 方法回顾性分析2012年6月至2016年10月,新疆军区总医院创伤骨科联合应用病灶清除、Ilizarov技术、抗生素骨水泥片填充技术、膜诱导成骨技术、远端缓慢回缩技术等技术治疗的20例股骨、胫骨慢性骨髓炎和感染性骨不连患者。纳入标准：慢性骨髓炎合并骨不连或骨缺损的患者;经常规治疗效果差的患者;无影响治疗的合并症;病例资料完整的患者。排除标准：不符合疾病的纳入标准;存在活动性结核、肿瘤等疾病的患者;依从性差、不能按照医生要求调整外固定架的患者。记录上述患者是否需行皮瓣转移手术、带外固定架时间、全负重时间及是否出现复发情况。 结果所有患者均得到随访,随访时间平均(29.2±1.8)个月。均获得了良好的骨性愈合,所治疗患者感染均得到一期愈合,创面无需皮瓣转移或植皮均得到良好闭合,骨搬移结合处愈合良好。患者骨搬移长度平均(7.3±1.8)cm。所有患者未出现神经损伤,其中有两例患者术前存在腓总神经损伤,术后在骨搬移过程中出现不同程度的神经功能恢复。 结论应用Ilizarov的骨搬移和骨延长技术能有效治疗彻底清创后的骨缺损或肢体短缩问题,保证彻底清创、促进局部血运改善、不需要皮瓣覆盖也能愈合创面;抗生素骨水泥片起到占位器和膜诱导作用促进成骨;远端缓慢回缩有利于骨端愈合;多种方法联合应用,有效地提高了难治性骨髓炎的治愈率,是一种安全有效的治疗方法。     

腓骨横向搬移治疗胫骨大段骨缺损

目的 探讨应用腓骨横向搬移术治疗胫骨大段骨缺损的方法与疗效.方法 2004年4月至2009年10月收治4例胫骨大段骨缺损患者,男3例,女1例;年龄14～62岁,平均27岁.胫骨缺损长度为13～25 cm.采用环形外同定支架固定,腓骨远、近端分别截骨后用2根橄榄针穿过腓骨固定于牵引器上,术后逐渐牵拉腓骨至胫骨骨缺损区,并于断端取髂骨植骨.结果 所有患者术后获12～60个月(平均34.6个月)随访.4例患者应用腓骨横向搬移修复胫骨大段骨缺损均获成功,治疗时间(安装外固定支架至拆除外固定支架时间)为12～26个月,平均19个月.全部患者伤口愈合良好,无感染复发,牵引过程中无神经损伤等并发症发生.2例患者有针道感染,均为表浅软组织感染,无需特殊处理,拔除牵引针后愈合.随着负重行走等功能锻炼,腓骨逐渐增粗,未发生再骨折.患肢功能恢复良好,均能完全负重行走.结论应用Ilizarov外固定支架进行腓骨横向搬移是治疗胫骨大段骨缺损的有效方法.

Abstract：

Objective To explore the therapeutic effects of ipsilateral fibular transport with an Ilizarov frame for treatment of massive tibial bone loss. Methods From April 2004 to October 2009, 4 cases of massive tibial bone loss were treated with an Ilizarov frame and ipsilateral fibular transport. They were 3 men and one woman, aged from 14 to 62 years (average, 27 years). Their tibial losses ranged from 13 to 25 cm. The whole tibia was first fixed with an external Ilizarov ring frame. Osteotomy was then performed at both distal and proximal parts of the fibula, before the isolated fibula was fixed to the Ilizarov frame with 2 olive wires. Next, the isolated fibula was gradually distracted to the site of tibial bone loss at a speed of one mm per day. Bone grafts were transplanted where and when the isolated fibula touched the tibia at last. Results The 4 patients were followed up for an average duration of 34. 6 months (range, 12 to 60 months). The external fixation time ranged from 12 to 26 months, (average, 19 months). Two patients had superficial pin site infection during fibular transport and healed spontaneously after removal of the pins. All the wounds were completely healed and no wound infection recurred. No nerve injury occurred during the fibular distraction.After full-weight bearing exercise, the isolated fibula became thicker gradually and no refracture happened.All patients regained good walking with full weight-bearing. Conclusion Gradual ipsilateral fibular transport with an Ilizarov frame is a reasonable and effective therapeutic method for patients with massive tibial bone loss.     

Treatment of malunion and nonunion at the site of an ankle fusion with the Ilizarov apparatus

BACKGROUND: Malunion and nonunion of an ankle fusion site are associated with pain, osteomyelitis, limb-length discrepancy, and deformity. The Ilizarov reconstruction has been used to treat these challenging problems. METHODS: We reviewed the results in twenty-one ankles that had undergone a revision of a failed fusion, with simultaneous treatment of coexisting pathologic conditions, with use of the Ilizarov technique. Eight patients had undergone ankle fusion only, eleven had undergone ankle and subtalar fusion, and two had undergone pantalar fusion. Eighteen patients with an average limb-length discrepancy of 4 cm underwent limb lengthening simultaneously with the revision surgery. The average patient age was forty years. Indications for treatment were malunion (eleven patients), aseptic nonunion (eight patients), and infected nonunion (two patients). Clinical, subjective, objective, gait, and radiographic analyses were performed after an average duration of follow-up of 83.4 months. RESULTS: Solid union was achieved in all ankles. The functional result was excellent for fifteen patients, good for three, fair for two, and poor for one. The bone result was excellent for ten ankles, good for nine, fair for one, and poor for one. All eighteen patients who underwent gait analysis had a heel-to-toe progression gait, and twelve achieved normal walking velocity with their shoes on. A plantigrade foot was achieved in each case, and only two patients had >5 degrees of residual deformity. During the Ilizarov treatment, forty-one minor complications (treated conservatively) and twenty major complications (treated surgically) occurred. After removal of the circular frame, seven other complications, which required four additional operations, occurred. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with a failed ankle fusion, infection, limb-length discrepancy, and foot deformity can be addressed simultaneously with use of the Ilizarov apparatus to achieve a solid union and a plantigrade foot, usually with a clinically satisfactory result.     

Management of shotgun-induced fractures of the humerus with Ilizarov external fixator

Abstract We retrospectively reviewed 11 shotgun-induced open humeral fractures treated with immediate application of Ilizarov type ring external fixation. Eight patients had grade III A and three had grade III B open fractures. No patient had associated neurovascular injury. All fractures were stabilized with Ilizarov external fixator immediately after meticulous debridement and irrigation under emergent conditions. Complete bony union occurred in all patients in 14–44 weeks (mean, 21 weeks). One patient required a second intervention to adjust the external fixator rings. Two patients required a rotational fasciocutaneous flap to handle the soft tissue coverage problem. Superficial pin tract infection was present in eight patients; however none of them had deep infection or osteomyelitis. A good to excellent result was achieved in 10 patients according to the rating system of Smith and Cooney. Immediate Ilizarov external fixation is a safe method of obtaining a functional limb in the treatment of shotgun-induced open humeral fractures with severe soft tissue damage.     

Residual challenges after healing of congenital pseudarthrosis in the tibia

The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the clinical results of the Ilizarov bone transport method in the treatment of congenital pseudarthrosis in the tibia. In seven patients operated on between 2.6 and 7.8 years of age, primary healing of the pseudarthrosis was achieved in all patients (after additional bone grafting in two patients). Within a followup of 6 to 8 years, major complications occurred in all patients. Five refractures occurred, and in one patient the refracture did not heal. At the last followup, axial deformities and an abnormal malalignment test with lateral mechanical axis deviation of 10 mm or greater was found in all patients. Three patients had leg length inequality of 20 mm or more. The Ilizarov bone transport method is useful in achieving primary healing in congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia, but residual challenges with secondary reconstructive surgery caused by refracture and postoperative deformities must be expected.     

International recognition of the Ilizarov bone reconstruction techniques: Current practice and research(dedicated to 100~(th) birthday of G. A. Ilizarov)

The Ilizarov method is one of the current methods used in bone reconstruction. It originated in the middle of the past century and comprises a number of bone reconstruction techniques executed with a ring external fixator developed by Ilizarov GA. Its main merits are viable new bone formation through distraction osteogenesis, high union rates and functional use of the limb throughout the course of treatment. The study of the phenomenon of distraction osteogenesis induced by tension stress with the Ilizarov apparatus was the impetus for advancement in bone reconstruction surgery. Since then, the original method has been used along with a number of its modifications developed due to emergence of new fixation devices and techniques of their application such as hexapod external fixators and motorized intramedullary lengthening nails. They gave rise to a relatively new orthopedic subspecialty termed "limb lengthening and reconstruction surgery". Based on a comprehensive literature search, we summarized the recent clinical practice and research in bone reconstruction by the Ilizarov method with a special focus on its modification and recognition by the world orthopedic community. The international influence of the Ilizarov method was reviewed in regard to the origin country of the authors and journal's rating. The Ilizarov method and other techniques based on distraction osteogenesis have been used in many countries and on all populated continents. It proves its international significance and confirms the greatest contribution of Ilizarov GA to bone reconstruction surgery.     

Prophylaxis for heterotopic bone formation after total hip arthroplasty using low-dose radiation in high-risk patients.

Fifteen consecutive total hip arthroplasties (THAs) in 14 patients considered at risk for developing significant heterotopic ossification (HO) were treated postoperatively with 7.5 Gy of external beam radiation in three fractions. Eight hips in eight of the patients (Group I) had developed previous Brooker Class III or IV HO after THA and were radiated after having excision of HO in conjunction with a revision THA. Three additional hips in three patients (Group II) were radiated after primary THA, because they developed significant HO on the contralateral hip after a previous THA. The remaining four hips in three patients (Group III) were radiated after primary THA because they had bilateral hypertrophic arthritis. Precision shielding was employed to minimize the volume of tissue in the radiation field and to protect the bone-implant interface around porous-coated components and the trochanteric osteotomy sites. Of the eight hips in which Class III or IV bone was excised during revision THA (Group I), no new bone formed in five hips and in the other three hips, only Class I bone formed. No heterotopic bone formed in the remaining seven hips of Groups II and III. All six trochanteric osteotomies healed. There were no wound healing problems. There were no significant radiolucencies around any of the components and there was no radiographic evidence of implant instability. This regimen using 7.5 Gy over three fractions minimizes the radiobiologic impact, whereas the use of precision shielding minimizes the total volume of tissue treated. This regimen is an effective means of preventing significant HO after THA in high-risk patients while minimizing radiation exposure.     

一期缩短二期Ilizarov延长技术治疗小腿GustiloⅢC型高能量损伤

目的探讨一期缩短二期Ilizarov延长技术治疗小腿GustiloⅢC型高能量损伤的临床疗效。方法对15例小腿GustiloⅢC型极高能量损伤应用一期缩短二期Ilizarov肢体延长技术治疗。结果术后14例获平均36．5（27～72）个月随访,随访患者均骨性愈合且已去除延长外固定架,恢复了行走功能,外形满意。有1例因糖尿病合并静脉回流危象,早期行截肢术。本组术后无感染,延长过程中无血管、神经损伤。结论一期缩短二期nizamv延长技术是小腿GustiloⅢC型高能量损伤的一种有效的治疗方法,其操作方便;但术前应精心设计,选择恰当的适应证．并且治疗时间相对较长．     

Ilizarov treatment of tibial nonunions results in 16 cases

Treatment with the Ilizarov technique was performed in 16 patients with complex tibial nonunions. Two years post treatment the functional stage and patient satisfaction were recorded. There were 4 hypertrophic, 3 atrophic and 9 infected nonunions. Eleven patients had segmental bone loss. Fifteen nonunions united, and limb length discrepancy was reduced within 1.5 cm of the contralateral leg. Average time in the frame was 182 days. Fifteen of the 16 patients were satisfied with the treatment. One patient demanded an amputation after 3 months of treatment, despite good signs of healing. There were no refractures or recurrent infections. In conclusion the Ilizarov technique for complex nonunions has a high rate of success in achieving union and eradicating infection, bone loss and malalignment. The treatment is demanding both to the surgeon and to the patient, but we strongly recommend the Ilizarov treatment for tibial nonunion, especially in cases with chronic infection and severe bone loss.     

Ilizarov bone transport treatment for tibial defects

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the results and complications of Ilizarov bone transport in the treatment of tibial bone defects. DESIGN: Retrospectively reviewed consecutive series. METHODS: Nineteen patients with tibial bone defects were treated by the Ilizarov bone transport method. The mean bone defect was ten centimeters, and there were eight soft-tissue defects. The mean external fixation time was sixteen months. Ten patients required debridement of the bone ends and/or bone grafting of the docking site at the end of transport. RESULTS: Union was achieved in all cases. One refracture of the docking site required retreatment with the Ilizarov apparatus to achieve union. There was one residual leg length discrepancy greater than 2.5 centimeters and two angular deformities greater than 5 degrees. There were no recurrent or residual infections. Seven of the eight soft-tissue defects were closed by soft-tissue transport; the eighth required a free-vascularized flap. The bone results were graded as fifteen excellent, three good, and one fair. The functional results were graded as twelve excellent, six good, and one poor. There were twenty-two minor complications, sixteen major complications without residual sequelae, and three major complications with residual sequelae. To treat the bone defect and the complications, a mean of 2.9 operations per patient was required. CONCLUSIONS: Our results compare favorably with those for other methods of bone grafting as well as with those from other published accounts of the Ilizarov method, especially considering the large defect size in this series. The main disadvantage of the Ilizarov method is the lengthy external fixation time.     

Ilizarov bone transport using an intramedullary cable transportation system in the treatment of tibial bone defects

IntroductionSegmental tibia defects remain challenging for orthopedic surgeons to treat. The aim of this study was to demonstrate bone-related and functional outcomes after treatment of complex tibial bone defects using Ilizarov bone transport with a modified intramedullary cable transportation system (CTS).Patients and MethodsWe conducted a single-center, retrospective study including all 42 patients treated for tibial bone loss via Ilizarov bone transport with CTS between 2005 and 2018. Bone-related and functional results were evaluated according to the Association for the Study and Application of Methods of Ilizarov (ASAMI) scoring system. Complication and failure rates were determined by the patients’ medical files.ResultsPatients had a mean age of 45.5 ± 15.1 years. The mean bone defect size was 7.7 ± 3.4 cm, the average nonunion scoring system (NUSS) score was 59 ± 9.5 points, and the mean follow-up was 40.8 ± 24.4 months (range, 13-139 months). Complete bone and soft tissue healing occurred in 32/42 patients (76.2%). These patients had excellent (10), good (17), fair (2), and poor (3) results based on the ASAMI functional score. Regarding bone stock, 19 patients had excellent, 10 good, and 3 fair results. In total, 37 minor complications and 62 major complications occurred during the study. In 7 patients, bone and soft tissue healing occurred after CTS failure with either an induced membrane technique or classic bone transport; 3 patients underwent lower leg amputation. Patients with treatment failure were significantly older (57.6 vs. 41.8 years; p = 0.003). Charlson score and treatment failure had a positive correlation (Spearman's rho 0.43; p = 0.004).ConclusionBone transport using both intramedullary CTS and Ilizarov ring fixation is viable for treating patients with bone loss of the tibia and complex infection or soft tissue conditions. However, a high number of complications and surgical revisions are associated with the treatment of this severe clinical entity and should be taken into account.