Acute shortening versus bone transport for the treatment of infected femur non-unions with bone defects

BackgroundThe bone transport technique has been a well-known method in the treatment of osteomyelitis of the long bones with large segmental bone defects. However, one of the major drawbacks with this traditional technique is the long-lasting consolidation period, which may entail infectious and non-infectious complications. To overcome this drawback, several techniques were developed, one of which is acute shortening and re-lengthening. The aims of this study were: 1) to present our experience with a new modified technique of acute shortening and re-lengthening using a monolateral external fixator combined with a retrograde intramedullary nail, and 2) to compare its results with the classic Ilizarov bone transport method in the management of infected non-unions of the distal femur with bone loss.MethodsThis retrospective study compared these two techniques. 17 patients were treated using our modified technique of acute shortening and re-lengthening (Group A); 15 patients were treated using segmental bone transport (Group B). The average follow-up was 66 months (range: 24–180) in Group A and 70 months (range: 24–240) in Group B. The mean bone loss was 5.5 cm (range: 3–10) in Group A and 5.9 cm (range: 3–10) in Group B. The primary outcome of the present study was to compare the external fixator time (EFT) and external fixation index (EFI) between the two groups. The bone and functional status were also assessed.ResultsThe mean EFI was lower in Group A (mean: 31.8 days/cm; range: 24–50) than in Group B (mean 48.7 days/cm; range: 40–100) (p = 0.02). The mean EFT was shorter in Group A (mean: 120 days; range: 100–150) than in Group B (mean: 290 days; range: 100–400) (p = 0.0003). With respect to the bone and functional results, no difference was observed.ConclusionsAlthough both techniques could be employed safely in the treatment of infected non-union of the distal femur with size defects ranging between 3 cm and 10 cm, our modified technique of acute shortening and re-lengthening may confer greater patient satisfaction because of shorter EFI.     

Ilizarov external fixator: acute shortening and lengthening versus bone transport in the management of tibial non-unions

Eighteen patients with tibial shaft non-unions were treated by the Ilizarov method between March 1995 and September 2001 by the senior author. Three subgroups of six patients each were treated by either acute shortening and lengthening, bone transport or simple stabilisation with a frame. All aspects of non-union, infection, shortening, deformity and bone loss were addressed by using Ilizarov principles. There were 10 cases of infected non-unions in the entire series. Bone resection in the shortening group was between 3 and 6 cm (median 4.6) compared to 3-7.5 cm (median 5.9) in the bone transport group. Union was achieved in all the patients with the average time to union at 12.1 months, 17.2 months and 8.0 months, respectively. The bone transport group required additional bone grafting in five patients (83.3%) prior to union compared to one (16.7%) in the acute shortening group.     

Reconstruction of defects following bone tumor resections by distraction osteogenesis

Introduction The authors present the results of nine patients (two females, seven males) who had bone tumors that were treated with en bloc resection and distraction osteogenesis between 1991–2000.Materials and methods The average age of the patients was 19.3 years (14–42 years). The histological diagnosis was osteosarcoma in four cases, Ewings sarcoma in two, giant cell tumor in one, osteofibrous dysplasia in one and osteoblastoma in one. A uniplanar external fixator was applied to one case and circular external fixator to the other eight cases.Results The average follow-up period was 59.1 months (27–129 months). The external fixator was removed at an average of 18.1 months (range, 4–19 months). The average bone defect after resection was 14 cm (8–24 cm) and the average external fixation index, distraction index, and maturation index were 31.5 (18.7–40.0), 11.2 (10.9–11.2) and 17.8 (7.5–32.7), respectively. The function of the affected leg was excellent in four patients, good in three, fair in one and poor in one according to the Enneking scoring system. We did not observe any early consolidation or osseous binding in the defect area in any patient. Frequent complications were pin tract infection and non-union at the docking site.Conclusion Our results indicate that the Ilizarov method allows effective restoration of bone defects in the treatment of bone tumors despite various disadvantages.This revised version was published online in April 2005 with corrections to the order of the figures.     

胫骨近端与远端截骨搬运在胫骨骨髓炎治疗中的效果比较

目的比较胫骨近端截骨搬运与胫骨远端截骨搬运在治疗胫骨骨髓炎清创所致大段骨缺损时对搬运区骨生长矿化情况及足踝功能的影响。方法回顾性分析2012年7月至2017年7月南方医科大学南方医院骨科采用骨髓炎清创及骨搬运手术治疗的42例慢性胫骨骨髓炎患者资料。根据慢性骨髓炎Cierny-Mader分型:42例患者均为弥散型(Ⅳ型)胫骨骨髓炎。根据搬运部位不同分为2组:32例采用胫骨近端截骨搬运(近端组),男27例,女5例;年龄为17~65岁;左20例,右12例。10例采用胫骨远端截骨搬运(远端组),均为男性;年龄25~63岁;左6例,右4例。比较两组患者术后对合端手术干预数、外固定指数(EFI)和美国足踝外科协会(AOFAS)踝-后足功能评分。结果两组患者性别、年龄、骨髓炎部位等一般资料差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。两组患者均获完整随访,近端组与远端组随访时间为(590.1±287.3)、(615.6±130.6)d,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。搬运后近端组与远端组分别有3例、2例出现足部马蹄内翻畸形,均需手术干预;术后近端组与远端组分别16、3例对合端需手术干预19例;近端组与远端组EFI分别为(76.2±50.0)、(84.3±59.9)d/cm,以上项目两组间比较差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。近端组与远端组AOFAS踝-后足功能评分分别为(81.4±10.1)、(60.0±5.9)分,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论运用骨搬运治疗胫骨骨髓炎清创所致的骨缺损时,胫骨近端骨搬运与胫骨远端骨搬运对搬运区骨生长及对合端骨愈合无明显影响,但胫骨近端骨搬运对足踝功能的不利影响较小。     

Preliminary experience with motorized distraction for tibial lengthening

Limb lengthening by callus distraction is commonly performed with the use of external fixation. Lengthening is routinely performed by the patient through small increments throughout the course of a day. Ilizarov has shown that both the rate and frequency of distraction are important factors in the quality of osteogenesis. We report the effect of motorized high frequency distraction for tibial lengthening in comparison with manual low-frequency distraction at the same rate. Manual distraction (0.25 mm four times a day) in a group containing 43 tibiae was compared with motorized distraction (1/1,440 mm 1,400 times a day) in a group containing 27 tibiae. There was no significant difference in time to union or in the incidence of complications.     

Bone transport through an induced membrane in the management of tibial bone defects resulting from chronic osteomyelitis

Wide resection of infected bone improves the odds of achieving remission of infection in patients with chronic osteomyelitis. Aggressive debridement is followed by the creation of large bone defects. The use of antibiotic-impregnated PMMA spacers, as a customized dead space management tool, has grown in popularity. In addition to certain biological advantages, the spacer offers a therapeutic benefit by serving as a vehicle for delivery of local adjuvant antibiotics. In this study, we investigate the efficacy of physician-directed antibiotic-impregnated PMMA spacers in achieving remission of chronic tibial osteomyelitis. This retrospective case series involves eight patients with chronic osteomyelitis of the tibial diaphysis managed with bone transport through an induced membrane using circular external fixation. All patients were treated according to a standardized treatment protocol. A review of the anatomical nature of the disease, the physiological status of the host and the outcome of treatment in terms of remission of infection, time to union and the complications that occurred was carried out. Seven patients, with a mean bone defect of 7 cm (range 5–8 cm), were included in the study. At a mean follow-up of 28 months (range 18–45 months), clinical eradication of osteomyelitis was achieved in all patients without the need for further reoperation. The mean total external fixation time was 77 weeks (range 52–104 weeks), which equated to a mean external fixation index of 81 days/cm (range 45–107). Failure of the skeletal reconstruction occurred in one patient who was not prepared to continue with further reconstructive surgery and requested amputation. Four major and four minor complications occurred. The temporary insertion of antibiotic-impregnated PMMA appears to be a useful dead space management technique in the treatment of post-infective tibial bone defects. Although the technique does not appear to offer an advantage in terms of the external fixation index, it may serve as a useful adjunct in order to achieve resolution of infection.     

Distraction osteogenesis for segmental bone defect. Physeal change after acute bone shortening followed by gradual lengthening in a rabbit tibia model

We investigated physeal change after acute bone shortening followed by distraction osteogenesis in a rabbit tibia model. Distraction osteogenesis was performed on acutely shortened right rabbit tibia after removing a diaphyseal segment until distraction reached the length of the excised segment. Sixty animals were divided into three groups (n = 20) according to the amount of shortening (20, 30, and 40% of original length) and radiographic, immunohistochemical, and histomorphometric analyses were performed to evaluate the physeal activity. The results showed no differences between groups and all animals could recover the original length without growth retardation. There was no notable venous congestion or lymphatic kinking associated with acute shortening. These results suggest that distraction osteogenesis at the primary site of shortening may have little adverse effects on the growth plate, when the shortening can provide sufficient soft tissue without vascular compromise and the amount of lengthening does not exceed that of shortening.     

Treatment of tibial defect and bone nonunion with limb shortening with external fixator and reconstituted bone xenograft

Objective: To explore the effect of external fixator and reconstituted bone xenograft (RBX) in the treatment of tibial bone defect, tibial bone nonunion and congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia with limb shortening. Methods : Twenty patients ( 13 males and 7 females)with tibial bone defect, tibial bone nonunion or congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia with limb shortening were treated with external fixation, Two kinds of external fixators were used: a half ring sulcated external fixator used in 13 patients and a combined external fixator in 7 patients.Foot-drop was corrected at the same time with external fixation in 4 patients. The shortened length of the tibia was in the range of 2-9 cm, with an average of 4.8 cm. For bone grafting, RBX was used in 12 patients, autogenous ilium was used in 3 patients and autogenous fibula was implanted as a bone plug into the medullary canal in 1 case,and no bone graft was used in 4 patients. Results: All the 20 patients were followed-up for 8 months to 7 years, averaging 51 months. Satisfactory function of the affected extremities was obtained. All the shortened extremities were lengthened to the expected length. For all the lengthening area and the fracture sites,bone union was obtained at the last. The average healing time of 12 patients treated with RBX was 4.8 months. Conclusions: Both the half ring sulcated external fixator and the combined external fixator have the advantages of small trauma, simple operation, elastic fixation without stress shielding and non-limitation from local soft tissue conditions, and there is satisfactory functional recovery of affected extremities in the treatment of tibial bone defects, tibial bone nonunion and congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia combined with limb shortening.RBX has good biocompatibility and does not cause immunological rejections. It can also be safely used in treatment of bone nonunion and has reliable effect to promote bone healing.     

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.     

Ilizarov技术骨短缩-延长治疗无血管损伤的胫骨与软组织缺损

目的探讨Ilizarov技术骨短缩-延长治疗无血管损伤的胫骨与软组织缺损的疗效。方法回顾性分析2007年1月至2017年10月无锡市第九人民医院骨科采用Ilizarov技术骨短缩-延长治疗的28例无血管损伤的胫骨与软组织缺损患者资料。男20例,女8例;年龄18~69岁,平均36.4岁。均为创伤性骨折,GustiloⅡ型5例,ⅢA型6例,ⅢB型17例。17例合并感染。清创或扩创后创面皮缺损范围4 cm×3 cm^16 cm×5 cm,骨缺损长度4.5~11.0 cm(平均6.9 cm)。急性短缩3~7 cm后直接缝合或局部皮瓣转移或游离植皮,或术后逐渐短缩创口延迟闭合。术后观察创口愈合、骨愈合、下肢功能恢复和并发症等情况。骨愈合和下肢功能恢复分级按照Ilizarov技术研究与应用学会(ASAMI)标准分别评定。Ilizarov手术相关并发症按照Paley标准分为主要和次要并发症。结果创口愈合时间13~35 d(平均21.9 d),缺损端靠拢时间为0~75 d(平均21.8 d)。所有患者术后获12~45个月(平均20.5个月)随访。延长段骨愈合时间6~12个月(平均8.9个月);缺损端1例骨不连,骨愈合时间6~11个月(平均8.3个月)。ASAMI骨愈合分级优良率为100%(28/28),ASAMI下肢功能恢复优良率为89.3%(25/28)。Ilizarov术后主要并发症发生率为14.3%(4/28),次要并发症发生率为57.1%(16/28),总体并发症发生率为60.7%(17/28),并发症人次平均为1.7个/例。结论Ilizarov技术骨短缩-延长治疗无血管损伤的胫骨与软组织缺损,可以解决皮肤等软组织缺损修复困难难题,具有简化创口闭合、骨缺损端骨愈合较快、愈合率较高、并发症相对较少和肢体功能恢复满意等特点。     

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.     

Acute treatment of segmental tibial fractures with the Ilizarov method

Objectives

We evaluated the results of acute application of the Ilizarov external fixator for segmental tibial fractures and also examined the experience with these special type fractures.

Methods

Twenty-four patients (19 males, 5 females) with a mean age of 37.8 years (range 22-66) with segmental tibial fractures were treated with the use of an Ilizarov type circular fixator. According to the categorisation of Melis et al., the fractures were types I, II, III and IV in seven, nine, five and three patients, respectively. Seven fractures were closed and 17 were open (9 grade IIIa, 5 grade IIIb, 2 grade II, 1 grade I according to the Gustilo classification). The mean time from the injury to surgery was 14 h (range 4-36). Eight patients with partial-thickness soft-tissue defects with no bone exposure were managed by split thickness skin grafting. Flap procedures were performed in four patients. All patients had good lower leg viability with a MESS score 6 and below. No patients had bone defects of 3 cm or more at the fracture level. Functional and bone results were made using the criteria proposed by ASAMI. The mean follow-up 28 months (range 12-70).

Results

We obtained excellent results in 20 and good results in 4 patients in terms of bone assessment. Functional results were excellent in 19 and good in 5 patients. All radiological evaluations showed normal alignment except in two patients. Both united with a residual procurvatum deformity. No rotational deformity was seen. Bone grafting was performed in one patient with a distal fracture. Complete union was achieved in all patients. None of the patients required amputation. There were no refractures after frame removal. Pin-tract infection occurred in 13 of the 24 patients. There were no incidents of chronic osteomyelitis secondary to pin-tract infection. The mean time for proximal fracture union was 36.4 weeks (range 10-78) and 39.8 weeks (range 12-80) for the distal fractures (p > 0.05). Callus and consolidation occurred earlier posterolaterally. There were no implant failures.

Conclusion

Ilizarov external fixator is a successful method in the acute management of segmental tibial fractures. This method is particularly effective in the treatment of distal segmental fractures of the tibia when the distal segment is short. This method allows for control of complications by decreasing the need for new operations even in the presence of infection.     

Bone transport using the Ilizarov method: a review of complications in 100 consecutive cases

We present the results of treatment of 100 patients (72 men, 28 women) by the Ilizarov method of bone transport using circular (55) and monolateral external fixators (45). A total of 26 femurs (18 monolateral, 8 circular) and 74 tibias (49 circular, 25 monolateral) was examined. There were no significant differences between the circular fixator and the monolateral fixator with regard to treatment time, complications in the treated bone segments or compliance with the presence of the fixator. The main complications (pseudoarthrosis at bone contact points after transport, insufficient ossification of lengthened bone, knee stiffness) were resolved with further treatment for all patients with the exception of one case which continued with repeated infections. The circular fixator allows for deformity corrections during bone transport but the monolateral fixator is tolerated better by patients, especially in those with femoral defects.     

Bone transport and compression-distraction in the treatment of bone loss of the lower limbs

A clinical series of 17 adult patients operated due to significant by bone loss of the long bones of the lower extremity (3 femurs and 11 tibias), is presented. Their management consisted of 6 bone transports (6 tibias) and 11 compression distraction procedures (3 femurs and 8 tibiae) using monolateral external fixators. Bone loss ranged from 3.9 cm to 14.7 cm. Mean healing time was 301 days with a mean healing index of 45.6 days for cm of lengthening achieved.The clinical and radiological results were excellent in 9, good in 6 and fair in 2 patients according to the utilised criteria of assessment. Consolidation was achieved in all but one patient who developed an aseptic stiff non-union. Two patients developed residual limb-length discrepancy less than 1.5 cm, three tibias ended up with less than 5° of valgus deviation. In two cases the half-pins were re-inserted due to early loosening. In two cases reoperation was needed for late bending of the callus after fixator removal. Three cases of bone transport and 1 case of compression distraction needed bone grafting at the docking site.Bone transport and compression-distraction are effective methods for treating bone loss in the lower extremity. It is suggested that the compression-distraction technique is preferable, since this is associated with a lower incidence of complications than bone transport procedures. The deciding factor, however, is the actual extent of the bone loss.     

Outcome of oscillating saw open osteotomy in two-stage lower extremity bone transport with monolateral frame

IntroductionBone transport techniques have been widely used to solve massive bone defects due to trauma, osteomyelitis or bone tumors. The technique of bone interruption to achieve better new bone formation is a subject of debate. Low-energy osteotomy (LEO) techniques have been proposed as the gold standard. Some authors reject open osteotomy with an oscillating saw (OOS osteotomy), based on the danger of bone tissue thermal necrosis and periosteal damage. To date, however, there is no strong clinical evidence to discourage this high-energy (HEO) bone interruption technique.MethodsThe aim of this study was to determine outcomes in using OOS osteotomy in a series of patients, where monolateral-frame bone transport has been used to resolve segmental bone defects of the lower extremity. The minimum accepted follow-up was 1 year. The primary endpoints were radiographic evidence of regenerated bone quality (Li classification) and final outcome (Cattaneo clinical system assessment). Further, we analyzed associated complications, and compared results with other published series. We hypothesized that OOS osteotomy produces results no less favorable than those achieved with other, low-energy techniques.ResultsA total of 54 patients, with an average bone defect of 8.58 cm (CI95% 7.01–10.16), were enrolled in the study. In terms of regeneration quality, 84% of the regenerated segment shapes were associated with good outcomes; only 16% exhibited a shape (hypotrophic) predictive of a poor outcome. Regarding functional assessment, following the Cattaneo system, we found a total of 90% good or excellent results. Finally, the Bone Healing Index (BHI) in our series averaged 21.09 days per cm. The main complication observed was pin-track infection, occurring in 45% of the cases.ConclusionAccording our data, the superiority of an LEO technique over HEO techniques is yet to be confirmed; it appears that any open osteotomy is effective, performed well and in a proper clinical setting, and that many factors other than choice of osteotomy technique must play important roles.     

External fixation reconstruction of the residual problems of benign bone tumours

The mechanical features of and biologic response to using distraction osteogenesis with the circular external fixator are the unique aspects of Ilizarov’s contribution that allows deformity correction and reconstruction of bone defects. We present a retrospective study of 20 patients who suffered from a variety of benign tumours for which external fixators (EF) were used to treat deformity, bone loss, and limb-length discrepancy. A total of 26 bony segments in twenty patients (10 males, 10 females; mean age 17 years; range 7–58 years) were treated with EF for residual problems from the tumour itself (primary treatment) in 8 patients and for complications related to the primary surgery (secondary treatment) in 12 patients. Histological diagnoses were Ollier’s disease (n = 4), Fibrous Dysplasia (n = 5), Congenital multiple exostosis (n = 5), giant cell tumour (n = 2) and one case for chondromyxoid fibroma, desmoid fibroma, chondroma and unicameral bone cyst. Various types of external fixators used to treat these problems. These were Ilizarov, unilateral fixator, multiaxial correction frame (Biomet, Parsippany, NJ), Taylor spatial frame (Memphis, TN) and smart correction multiaxial frame. The mean follow-up time was 69.5 months (range 35–108 months). The mean external fixation time was 159.5 days (range 27–300 days). The mean external fixation index was 67.4 days/cm (12–610) in 26 limbs who underwent distraction osteogenesis. The mean length of distraction was 4.9 cm (range 0.2–14 cm). At final follow-up, all patients had returned to normal activities. Complications were in the form of knee arthrodesis in one patient, pin tract infection in six and residual shortening in eight patients. The use of EF and the principles of distraction osteogenesis, in the management of problems associated with benign bone tumours and related surgery yields successful results especially in young patients. With this approach, the risk for recurrence of shortening and deformity may be minimized with overcorrection or over-lengthening as dictated by preoperative planning.     

Ilizarov bone transport combined with the Masquelet technique for bone defects of various etiologies (preliminary results)

BACKGROUNDThe Ilizarov bone transport (IBT) and the Masquelet induced membrane technique (IMT) have specific merits and shortcomings, but numerous studies have shown their efficacy in the management of extensive long-bone defects of various etiologies, including congenital deficiencies. Combining their strong benefits seems a promising strategy to enhance bone regeneration and reduce the risk of refractures in the management of post-traumatic and congenital defects and nonunion that failed to respond to other treatments.AIMTo combine IBT and IMT for the management of severe tibial defects and pseudarthrosis, and present preliminary results of this technological solution. METHODSSeven adults with post-traumatic tibial defects (subgroup A) and nine children (subgroup B) with congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia (CPT) were treated with the combination of IMT and IBT after the failure of previous treatments. The mean number of previous surgeries was 2.0 ± 0.2 in subgroup A and 3.3 ± 0.7 in subgroup B. Step 1 included Ilizarov frame placement and spacer introduction into the defect to generate the induced membrane which remained in the interfragmental gap after spacer removal. Step 2 was an osteotomy and bone transport of the fragment through the tunnel in the induced membrane, its compression and docking for consolidation without grafting. The outcomes were retrospectively studied after a mean follow-up of 20.8 ± 2.7 mo in subgroup A and 25.3 ± 2.3 mo in subgroup B. RESULTSThe “true defect” after resection was 13.3 ± 1.7% in subgroup A and 31.0 ± 3.0% in subgroup B relative to the contralateral limb. Upon completion of treatment, defects were filled by 75.4 ± 10.6% and 34.6 ± 4.2%, respectively. Total duration of external fixation was 397 ± 9.2 and 270.1 ± 16.3 d, including spacer retention time of 42.4 ± 4.5 and 55.8 ± 6.6 d, in subgroups A and B, respectively. Bone infection was not observed. Postoperative complications were several cases of pin-tract infection and regenerate deformity in both subgroups. Ischemic regeneration was observed in two cases of subgroup B. Complications were corrected during the course of treatment. Bone union was achieved in all patients of subgroup A and in seven patients of subgroup B. One non-united CPT case was further treated with the Ilizarov compression method only and achieved union. After a follow-up period of two to three years, refractures occurred in four cases of united CPT. CONCLUSIONThe combination of IMT and IBT provides good outcomes in post-traumatic tibial defects after previous treatment failure but external fixation is longer due to spacer retention. Refractures may occur in severe CPT.     

Masquelet technique versus Ilizarov bone transport for reconstruction of lower extremity bone defects following posttraumatic osteomyelitis

ObjectiveThis study was to compare the effectiveness of Masquelet technique versus Ilizarov bone transport in the treatment of lower extremity bone defects following posttraumatic osteomyelitis.Patients and methodsWe retrospectively reviewed 39 patients who had been treated at our department for lower extremity bone defects following posttraumatic osteomyelitis. They were 30 males and 9 females with a mean age of 39.18 (range, 12–63 years). The infected bone defects involved 26 tibias and 13 femurs. The mean length of the bone defects after radical debridement was 6.76 cm (range, 2.7–15.7 cm). Masquelet technique (MT, group A) was used in 20 patients and Ilizarov bone transport (IBT, group B) in 19 ones. The measurements were bone outcomes (union, deformity, infection and leg-length discrepancy) and functional outcomes (significant limping, joint contracture, soft tissue dystrophy, pain and inactivity).ResultsThe mean follow-up after removal of the apparatus was 25.26 months (range, 14–51 months). The mean finite fixator time was 10.15 months (range, 8–14 months) in group A versus 17.21 months (range, 11–24 months) in group B. The bone outcomes were similar between groups A and B [excellent (5 vs. 7), good (10 vs.9), fair (4 vs. 2) and poor (1 vs. 1)]; group A showed better functional outcomes than group B [excellent (8 vs. 3), good (9 vs. 6), fair (3 vs. 8) and poor (0 vs. 2)].ConclusionsIn the treatment of segmental lower extremity bone defects following posttraumatic osteomyelitis, both IBT and MT can lead to satisfactory bone results while MT had better functional results, especially in femoral cases. IBT should be preferred in cases of limb deformity and MT may be a better choice in cases of periarticular bone defects.