Outcomes of post-traumatic tibial osteomyelitis treated with an Orthofix LRS versus an Ilizarov external fixator

ObjectiveTo compare the therapeutic effects of the Orthofix limb reconstruction system (LRS) versus the Ilizarov external fixator on osteomyelitis of a tibial bone defect.Materials and methodsAmong 153 patients hospitalized for bone lengthening therapy from January 1, 1996 to January 1, 2015, 129 patients were selected for a retrospective analysis. Forty-three of the candidate patients were treated using the Orthofix LRS and the other 86 were treated using an Ilizarov external fixator. The average follow-up was 96 months. We evaluated the patients at follow-up visits, and compared the length of time the patients wore the fixation devices. We also examined the scores of Activities of Daily Living (ADL) tests and a Self-rated Anxiety Scale (SAS), the range of motion, and the incidence of pin track infections.ResultsThe results indicated that both approaches were effective for treating the bone defect. Compared with the patients who wore an Ilizarov fixator for the treatment of post-traumatic osteomyelitis, those who wore an Orthofix LRS tended to be more satisfied with their quality of life and the outcome after the operation.ConclusionAlthough both approaches were effective for treating the bone defect, the overall patient outcomes were superior for the Orthofix LRS, suggesting that it should be considered as the first option in the treatment of traumatic osteomyelitis of the tibial diaphysis.     

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.     

髓内钉结合载抗生素硫酸钙辅助Ilizarov环形外固定架骨搬运治疗胫骨感染性骨缺损

目的 分析髓内钉结合载抗生素硫酸钙辅助Ilizarov环形外固定架骨搬运治疗胫骨感染性骨缺损患者的临床效果.方法 回顾性分析2018年1月-2020年1月于西安交通大学附属西安市红会医院创伤病院下肢病区治疗并接受手术的11例胫骨骨感染清创后存在骨缺损的患者的临床资料.其中男性7例,女性4例;年龄32～67岁,平均年龄(...     

The treatment of high tibial osteotomy non-union with the Ilizarov external fixator

To evaluate the results of the Ilizarov external fixator in the treatment of non-union post–high tibial osteotomy (HTO). Five non-unions, in four patients, following HTO were treated by Ilizarov fixation. Clinical outcome was assessed pre- and post-operatively by the Knee Society Clinical Rating System (KSCRS). Radiological analysis assessed bone healing pre- and post-operatively and measured proximal tibial alignment. All cases healed with a mean time of 25 ± 3 weeks (Mean ± SD) (range, 24–30 weeks) in the fixator. The clinical and radiological outcome improved in all cases. Four knees were initially in excessive varus and underwent correction of alignment, as measured by medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), from 75.5° ± 8.4° (mean ± SD) to 90.2° ±  2.7° (normal range, 85°–90°). One patient was in excessive valgus and had a correction of MPTA from 100° to 87°. The KSCRS knee score improved from 35.6 ± 10.8 to 86.6 ± 13.9 (mean ± SD) (normal score = 100) and the functional score from 37.8 ± 11.8 to 85.4 ± 10.5 (mean ± SD) (normal score = 100). The Ilizarov technique is a minimally invasive method that produces excellent clinical, radiological and functional outcomes.     

Ilizarov骨搬移技术在胫骨骨折术后骨感染骨缺损中的应用

目的探讨Ilizarov骨搬移技术治疗胫骨骨折术后骨感染骨缺损的临床疗效。方法回顾性分析自2010-06—2013-06应用Ilizarov骨搬移技术治疗27例胫骨骨折术后骨感染。结果 27例术后均获得平均28(16~50)个月随访。骨搬移长度平均7.9(5~12)cm,搬移时间平均78(55~160)d,骨搬移停止至拆除外固定架时间平均180(95~220)d。出现针道感染2例,停止搬移,静点抗生素、对症处理后感染控制;出现牵张成骨区成骨不全1例,植骨后愈合;拆除外架后发生牵张成骨区骨折1例,经内固定后骨愈合;骨搬移停止后,对15例断端进行去除嵌压组织、新鲜化处理后断端骨性愈合,9例无需进一步手术,通过断端加压后骨愈合,3例加压固定3个月后无明显愈合表现,按照骨不连处理方案,应用手风琴技术处理后顺利愈合。结论应用Ilizarov骨搬移技术治疗胫骨骨折术后骨感染骨缺损可以取得满意的疗效,骨搬移过程中的环形固定器有利于畸形矫正,但患者对单边固定器有更好的耐受性。严谨的术前设计、精细的术中操作、耐心细致的术后随访是治疗成功的必要保证。     

Clinical outcomes in the surgical management of ankle fractures: A systematic review and meta-analysis of fibular intramedullary nail fixation vs. open reduction and internal fixation in randomized controlled trials

BackgroundWhat level I evidence exists to support the use of FNF for surgical management of ankle fractures in high risk patients? The purpose of this study was to compare clinical outcomes following fibular intramedullary nail fixation (FNF) and open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of ankle fractures.MethodsA systematic review of the current literature was performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Certainty of evidence reported according to GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation). Our primary hypothesis was that patients undergoing FNF procedures to manage an ankle fracture would have significantly higher patient reported outcome scores (PROs) than patients undergoing ORIF. Primary study outcome measures were validated PROs. Secondary outcome measures included complication rate, secondary surgery rate, and bony union.ResultsThe primary outcome analysis revealed no evidence of a significant effect difference on Olerud and Molander Ankle Score (OMAS) PRO and no evidence of statistical heterogeneity. Secondary outcome analysis revealed a significant 0.30 (0.12–0.74 95CI) relative risk reduction for complications in FNF (P = 0.008). No evidence of an effect difference for bony union. The GRADE certainty of the evidence was rated as low for bone union. No evidence of reporting bias was appreciated. Sensitivity analyses did not significantly alter effect estimates.ConclusionThis systematic review and meta-analysis restricted to evidence derived from RCTs revealed that the quality of evidence is reasonably strong and likely sufficient to conclude: (1) there is likely no clinically important difference between FNF and ORIF up to 12 months post-operatively, as defined by OMS (moderate certainty); (2) surgeons may reasonably expect reduced complications in 14 out of every 100 patients treated with FNF (moderate certainty); (3) there is likely no difference in bony union (low certainty). Future studies should investigate more patient-centered outcomes and if short-term findings are durable over time if these findings apply to lower risk populations.Level of EvidenceSystematic review and meta-analysis of level I evidence     

Treatment of type IIIA open fractures of tibial shaft with Ilizarov external fixator versus unreamed tibial nailing

Introduction The aim of this study was to compare the radiographic results and clinical outcome of unreamed tibial nailing (UTN) and Ilizarov external fixation (IEF) for the treatment of type IIIA open fractures of the tibia. Materials and Methods Sixty-one patients with open type IIIA tibial shaft fractures were treated with an IEF (n = 32) or UTN (n = 29). Both groups were compared for union time, secondary outcomes of nonunion, infections, mechanical failure of the implant, and malunion. Results The average time-to-bone healing was 19 weeks (range 14–23 weeks) for IEF and 21 weeks (range 16–36 weeks) for UTN; it was significantly shorter in the IEF group (P = 0.039). One patient had refracture in the IEF group. Malunion occurred in four patients for each group. Posttraumatic osteomyelitis occurred in two patients in the IEF group and in three patients in the UTN group. In the IEF group, additional surgical procedures were indicated in three cases including sequestrectomy (n = 1), and pin replacement (n = 2). In the UTN group, seven patients needed additional surgery including bone grafting (n = 3), nail exchanged (n = 1), and posttraumatic osteomyelitis (n = 3). Conclusion The results of the current study showed that IEF technique had a notable incidence of pin-tract infection, joint contracture, and shorthening related to treatment of the delayed union. The UTN technique had the disadvantage of a posttraumatic osteomyelitis and delayed union requiring additional surgery. We believe that the decision to use IEF or UTN should be made on a case-by-case basis.     

Ilizarov外固定器结合病灶清除及植骨术在治疗感染性骨不连及慢性骨髓炎的应用

【摘要】〓目的〓探讨应用Ilizarov外固定器治疗骨感染和骨不连的技术和经验。方法〓2012年~2013年,对18例骨感染和骨不连病人接受治疗,其中感染性骨不连12例,骨髓炎6例。根据感染的部位和范围预先在患肢安装Ilizarov外固定器,将感染波及的骨干彻底整段切除后,再在缺损段的远或(和)近侧干骺端行一期截骨延长。结果〓16例患者一期伤口痊愈且无破溃,骨愈合良好,随访10个月无骨髓炎复发的表现。2例患者术后1个月再次伤口破溃流脓,提示感染复发,按上述方法重新治疗后愈合。随访12~18个月,所有患者均达到骨性愈合,肢体外观和功能效果令人满意。结论〓应用Ilizarov技术,采用大段病骨切除同时截骨延长的方法是治疗外伤后感染性骨不连与骨髓炎的有效方法,并同时恢复肢体长度和矫正马蹄足畸形。     

Modified Girdlestone arthroplasty and hip arthrodesis using the Ilizarov external fixator as a salvage method in the management of severely infected total hip replacement

Background:

Resection arthroplasty or hip arthrodesis after total hip replacement (THR) can be used to salvage the limb in case with deep infection and severe bone loss. The Ilizarov fixator provides stability, axial correction, weight-bearing and good fusion rates.

Materials and Methods:

We retrospectively assessed the outcomes of 37 patients with severe periprosthetic infection after THR treated between 1999 and 2011. The treatment included implant removal, debridement and a modified Girdestone arthroplasty (29 cases) or hip arthrodesis (seven cases) using the Ilizarov fixator. The Ilizarov fixation continued from 45 to 50 days in the modified arthroplasty group and 90 days in the arthrodesis group. One case was treated using the conventional resection arthroplasty bilaterally.

Results:

Eighteen months after treatment, infection control was seen in 97.3% cases. Six hips were fused as one patient died in this group. Limb length discrepancy (LLD) averaged 5.5 cm. The Harris hip score ranged from 35 to 92 points. Hip joint motion ranged from 10° to 30° in the modified arthroplasty group. All subjects could walk independently or using support aids. No subluxation or LLD progression was observed.

Conclusion:

The modified Girdlestone arthroplasty and hip arthrodesis using the Ilizarov apparatus results in sufficient ability for ambulation and good infection control in cases of failed THR associated with severe infection.     

Versatility of Ilizarov external fixator in management of foot and ankle deformity

Abstract Traditional methods of correcting foot deformities may be difficult to apply in some conditions, especially in presence of other lower limb problems. This study discusses the versatility of Ilizarov external fixator (IEF) in such cases. It was performed in 34 foot deformities in 33 patients, treated with IEF between 1997 and 1999. The average age of the patients was 15 years. The aetiology of foot deformity was recurrent congenital talipes equinovarus (n=10), neglected congenital talipes equinovarus (n=3), poliomyelitis (n=9), post-traumatic deformity (n=6), post-burn deformity (n=1), arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (n=2), and cerebral palsy, fibular hemimelia and tibial hemimelia (1 case each). Unconstrained IEF was applied for the foot in all cases. The leg construct was applied according to the target: foot deformity alone or associated with other leg problems. IEF construct was extended to the femur in cases with flexion knee deformity and hinges were added. Follow-up continued until overcorrection was maintained for the same period of correction followed by an appropriate cast for 8 weeks. The mean time for deformity correction and Ilizarov stabilisation was 16 weeks, and follow-up period was 23.1 months. The results were good in 31, fair in 2 and bad in 1. Additional procedures were performed, most often in the same operating time. Primary arthrodesis was done for 5 feet and for one revision of failed previous arthrodesis. Open corrective osteotomy for arthrodesis was performed in 2 cases. Two females were treated for flexion knee with bloodless technique. Wire-site infections, wire cut-through a calcaneum and metatarsals and fracture post-IEF removal were observed. Although it is technically difficult, IEF can be considered an effective and versatile way of treating foot and other associated lower limb problems through one-reconstruction attack.     

单边和环形外架在感染性胫骨骨不连治疗中的对比研究

目的:对比单边和环形外架在感染性胫骨骨不连中的治疗效果,探索成骨能力更好和并发症更少的外固定架构型。方法:回顾性纳入2010年1月至2014年12月治疗的150例感染性胫骨骨不连患者,符合纳入和排除标准的患者根据外固定类型分为单边组和环形组,收集两组患者的一般资料和围手术信息,通过像素比评价新生骨质量,通过并发症评估治疗效果,并根据并发症情况分析治疗注意事项。结果:共64例胫骨中段感染性骨不连患者纳入研究,单边组26例,环形组38例。两组患者一般资料比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。两组患者新生骨像素比分别为0.91~0.97(0.94±0.03)和0.93~0.97(0.95±0.02),差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。单边组外固定指数为34.1~50.6(42.3±8.3) d/cm,环形组为44.5~56.1(45.8±10.3) d/cm,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。单边组7例(26.9%)存在并发症,环形组5例(13.2%),组间比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),但单边组5例发生足下垂,通过后续治疗后缓解,环形组无此情况。单边组的下地时间比环形组晚(P<0.05)。结论:在治疗感染性骨不连时,单边和环形外架都能取得满意的骨愈合结果,且效果相当。对于骨质疏松严重,并发症多,需要早期下地的患者建议采用环形外架固定。如果选择单边外架,预期延长长度长、固定时间久的建议采用羟基磷灰石涂层螺钉固定,严密监测踝关节活动,防止足下垂畸形。     

髓内钉与微创经皮接骨板治疗胫骨远端骨折疗效的Meta分析北大核心CSCD

目的通过Meta分析比较髓内钉(IMN)与微创经皮接骨板(MIPPO)治疗胫骨远端骨折的疗效。方法计算机检索中国知网、万方数据库、中国生物医学文献数据库、Pubmed、Embase、Cochrane、Web of Science数据库2010年1月至2020年8月国内外正式刊物上公开发表的有关IMN与MIPPO治疗胫骨远端骨折的文献。纳入的研究由2名研究人员根据Cochrane偏倚风险标准进行评估。主要指标为手术时间、骨折愈合时间、浅表感染率、深部感染率、骨折畸形愈合率、骨折延迟愈合率或不愈合率、软组织刺激率,采用Review Manager 5.3软件进行数据分析。结果共纳入7项研究653例患者,其中IMN组325例,MIPPO组328例。Meta分析显示:IMN组手术时间短于MIPPO组(MD=-10.75,95%CI:-19.92~-1.58,P=0.02),IMN组的浅表感染率低于MIPPO组(RR=0.58,95%CI:0.39~0.88,P=0.01),IMN组的骨折畸形愈合率高于MIPPO组(RR=1.87,95%CI:1.15~3.04,P=0.01);软组织刺激率中,IMN组的膝前痛发生率高于MIPPO组(RR=16.98,95%CI:3.30~87.34,P=0.0007),而IMN组骨折处软组织刺激的发生率低于MIPPO组(RR=0.13,95%CI:0.04~0.40,P=0.0004),差异均有统计学意义。两组的骨折愈合时间、深部感染率、骨折延迟愈合率或不愈合率差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论IMN和MIPPO均是治疗胫骨远端骨折的优良方法,IMN在预防浅表组织感染表现得更为出色,但膝前痛发生概率较大,而MIPPO在防止骨折愈合畸形方面优于IMN,但骨折处软组织刺激可能性较大,建议胫前软组织条件良好时采用MIPPO,反之,则建议使用IMN来降低软组织感染率。     

Bone transport over an intramedullary nail for reconstruction of long bone defects in tibia

BACKGROUND: Although long bone defects may be treated by callus distraction, frequent complications arise from the long duration of external fixation. To reduce such complications, bone transport over an intramedullary nail (BTON) has been done for tibial bone defect. METHODS: In 12 patients (mean age, 46.1 years) of chronic osteomyelitis or bone defect, segmental transport was done using external fixator over an intramedullary nail. Prior to the index procedure, all patients had had serial debridements and five required myocutaneous or free flaps for covering of soft tissue defects. Using Mekhail's criteria, functional results were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean transported amount was 5.9 (range, 3.5-12) cm. The mean external fixation index was 26 days/cm, and healing index was 62.6 days/cm. The primary union of distraction and docking site was achieved in all, except for one failure in union at the docking site, which required another bone graft. Except for one patient with associated ankle injury, all had excellent or good functions. There was one recurrence of osteomyelitis and one procurvatum of the proximal tibia of 10 degrees . CONCLUSION: BTON may be a successful method in tibial reconstruction and allows patients to return to daily life earlier with relatively few complications.     

Treatment of intertrochanteric fractures in geriatric patients with a modified external fixator

Forty-two geriatric patients who had an intertrochanteric fracture were treated with a semicircular modification of the Ilizarov frame designed by Cattaneo and Catagni between January 1997 and September 2001. Twenty-five of the patients were female, 17 male. The average age of the patients was 77.5 years (range, 63-99). No intraoperative complication occurred. Deep pin-track infection was found in four patients and varus deformity was observed in two patients and shortening of less than 2 cm in 10 patients. Fixator removal was achieved in a mean time of 12 weeks (range, 10-18). No implant failure, refracture or stiffness of knee and hip joint movements was recorded. We concluded that the treatment of intertrochanteric fractures of the elderly patients with our modification provides significant advantages such as minimal operative and anaesthetic risks, no blood loss, early weight-bearing, short hospitalisation time and rapid union time.     

组合式外固定器治疗合并患肢短缩的足踝部畸形

背景：传统的足踝部畸形的矫正需要通过手术来完成,术后需要“静态”的维持。Ilizarov技术遵循的“张力-应力法则”和“牵拉组织再生技术”,在一定程度上打破了传统的矫形模式。目的：探讨Ilizarov技术治疗合并患肢短缩的足踝部畸形的临床疗效。方法：回顾分析2006年8月至2012年10月采用Ilizarov技术治疗的17例下肢及足踝部畸形患者的临床资料。其中男10例,女7例,年龄20~37岁,平均27.5岁。脊髓灰质炎后遗症导致患肢短缩合并足踝负重位外翻畸形患者5例,先天性马蹄内翻足合并患肢短缩7例,高弓足合并患肢短缩3例,跟腱挛缩、仰趾畸形合并患肢短缩2例。所有患者在有限手术重建足踝部软组织平衡或者截骨矫正畸形后安装Ilizarov组合式外固定支架,同时做胫骨的延长。结果：17例患者佩戴Ilizarov支架的时间是16~44周,足踝部矫形支架在3~6个月矫形满意、骨融合确实后单独拆除,骨延长支架根据需要继续佩戴。所有患者都获得随访,随访时间6~48个月,患肢延长2~6 cm,延长段骨矿化满意,足踝部矫形满意。足踝功能参照AOFAS评分：术前（43±5.1）分,术后（76±7.2）分。结论：对于各种原因导致的合并下肢短缩的足踝部畸形的矫治,Ilizarov技术灵活的器械组合可同时完成多方向的畸形矫正,在矫正畸形的同时实施骨延长术。     

外固定支架生物学固定在胫腓骨骨折中的应用

目的探讨胫腓骨外固定支架生物学固定的临床效果。方法20例胫腓骨开放性骨折患者行Bastiani外固定支架固定，2周拆线后开始微动，每2周复查X线至有大量骨痂停止微动，观察骨折愈合情况。结果术后6周已有少量骨痂生长，10～12周有较多骨痂生长，5个月已达临床骨愈合。结论外固定支架生物学固定胫腓骨骨折，能明显缩短骨愈合时间，提高骨折愈合质量，且操作方便，值得推广。     

Elastic stable intramedullary nailing of tibial shaft fractures in children

Purpose  

Tibial fractures in the skeletally immature patient are usually treated without surgery. Elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) is commonly used for other diaphyseal fracture locations. Its advantages are minimally invasive surgery with a short hospitalisation duration, primary bone union and early weight bearing. The purpose of this study was to assess the use of ESIN in displaced tibial fractures in children over 6 years old and in cases of polytrauma.     

Tosic external fixator in the management of proximal tibial fractures in adults.

This retrospective clinical study assessed proximal tibial fractures managed with the Tosic external fixator. Nineteen patients with 21 proximal tibial fractures treated with the Tosic external fixator between July 1997 and October 1998 comprised the study population. Eleven fractures were graded as 41A2, 3 fractures as 41 A3, 4 fractures as 41C1, and 3 fractures as 41 C2. Fourteen fractures were closed, and 7 fractures were open. Average time to healing was 1 7 weeks. No revision of fixation was needed. There were five cases of pin tract infection. Average range of knee motion was 2 degrees-135 degrees. These results indicate the Tosic external fixator is an efficient and simple way to treat proximal tibial metaphyseal fractures.     

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.