Acute correction using focal dome osteotomy for deformity about knee joint

Background  Correction of deformities about knee joint may prevent or delay the onset of osteoarthritis or mitigate its effects. Accurate correction of such deformities without production of secondary deformities depends on precise localization and quantification of the deformities. Methods  We corrected deformities around the knee using acute correction with focal dome osteotomy in 21 segments (15 patients). Five segments underwent limb lengthening postoperatively. Results  The mean correction angle was 16.0°. We were able to correct all segments. In the five lengthening cases, the mean external fixation index (EFI) was 70.9 days/cm, which is much higher than the generally reported EFI. There were eight complications, all but one of which occurred in lengthening cases. Conclusions  We believe that acute correction with focal dome osteotomy is very useful for cases of alignment correction, but is not indicated for cases of alignment correction with lengthening, due to a high risk of complications related to poor callus formation.     

Deformity correction followed by lengthening with the Ilizarov method

Deformity combined with shortening of 18 lower limb segments of 17 patients was treated with the Ilizarov method. Limb lengthening was done at the same treatment (monofocal treatment) or a separate osteotomy (bifocal treatment) was done after acute or gradual correction of the deformity using the Ilizarov hinge system. The external fixation time, amount of deformity correction, length gained, and incidence of complications were examined. Results were compared between monofocal versus bifocal treatment groups and between femoral versus tibial procedures. The average deformity corrected was 22.3 degrees, and the average lengthening was 44.4 mm. The external fixation index was 49.3 days/cm on average, ranging from 24.4 to 90 days/cm, and the mean duration of external fixation was 198 days, ranging from 77 to 352 days. Major complications requiring surgical treatment, such as premature consolidation and fracture, were seen in four patients. There were no statistically significant differences between the results for monofocal and bifocal treatment or treatment indices for femoral and tibial operations. The Ilizarov method was very effective for treatment of limb deformity combined with shortening. Monofocal treatment might be better if the total amounts of lengthening required are short to reduce surgical invasion. Longer treatment indices for tibial operations could not be verified from the current study.     

Femoral supracondylar focal dome osteotomy with plate fixation for acute correction of frontal plane knee deformity

Focal dome osteotomy (FDO) allows deformity correction without secondary translational deformity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the degree of correction and knee functional outcome after correction of frontal knee deformity using femoral supracondylar FDO fixed with plate and screws. A prospective study included 12 consecutive cases of femoral frontal plane deformity that underwent correction using supracondylar focal osteotomy fixed by plate and screws. Average age was 27 years, while mean follow-up was 2.1 years. Functional assessment was done using the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee score. The HSS knee score improved from 85 to 96.8 points. Desired correction was achieved in all cases. Postoperative mechanical axis analysis on long film and scanogram showed no secondary deformity. The overall postoperative mechanical axis was at 3.2 mm medially (range 2–5 mm). Autogenous bone graft was not used in any case, and uneventful osteotomy union was achieved at a mean of 13.8 weeks. Minor complications were encountered in two cases. There were no implant failures or reoperations. Supracondylar FDO of the femur with plate fixation is a reproducible technique that can produce full correction of distal femoral frontal plane deformity, while avoiding creating a secondary deformity. Knee function was improved with good patient satisfaction.     

Corrective lower limb osteotomies in children using temporary external fixation and percutaneous locking plates

Background  We describe a new method for corrective osteotomy and the fixation of lower limb deformities in children. Methods  Following osteotomy, the desired position is obtained and temporarily stabilized using an external fixator. Definitive fixation is performed with a plate and locking screws inserted percutaneously under fluoroscopic guidance. The procedure was performed in 18 segments in 11 patients. Corrections were performed in all planes. Results  The mean follow up was 18 months (range 6–36 months). All patients were corrected to within 2° of that which was planned. Union was obtained in 16 segments in ten patients within 6–16 weeks. Conclusions  The method was found to be effective for the correction of deformity in the pediatric population. Advantages compared to conventional methods include minimal soft tissue dissection and the ability to adjust the position before definitive fixation. Level of evidence: Level IV. Retrospective case series.     

Treatment of lower limb deformities and limb-length discrepancies with the external fixator in Ollier's disease

Background In this study, we addressed two questions on the treatment for Ollier's disease: (1) how much callus formation occurs when an osteotomy is performed intralesionally and (2) how is the stability of the wires and half-pins that are inserted intralesionally. Methods Four children with Ollier's disease underwent treatment of 12 lower limb segments using distraction osteogenesis until completion of their growth. All osteotomies were performed at the centers of the deformities, resulting in a total of seven osteotomies performed intralesionally. Results Full correction of the deformity and full restoration of length were achieved in all cases, but a residual limb-length discrepancy of <10 mm remained. The mean external fixation index in the intralesional distraction osteogenesis group was 39.7 days/cm versus 30.8 days/cm in the extralesional distraction osteogenesis group. Conversion from abnormal cartilage to normal regenerate bone was seen in only one segment. Although approximately two-thirds of the wires and half-pins were inserted intralesionally, in all but one case (in which an iatrogenic fracture occurred) the wires and half-pins were well stabilized throughout the external fixation period. Conclusions Although deformity and limb-length discrepancies due to Ollier's disease were successfully resolved by distraction osteogenesis, enchondroma may arise in distracted calluses when osteotomized intralesionally. However, the stability of the external fixator was sufficient to lengthen limbs and correct deformities even when wires and half-pins were inserted intralesionally.     

The modified Mayo procedure combined with basal valgus osteotomy of the first metatarsal for severe hallux valgus

Summary The modified Mayo procedure corrects valgus deformity of the great toe secondary to osteoarthritis in the first metatarsophalangeal joint. Basal osteotomy of the first metatarsal to correct metatarsus primus varus and to maintain correction of the valgus deformity may be performed simultaneously. We retrospectively reviewed the results in 55 of 70 feet treated by this combined procedure. The average duration of follow-up was 4.2 years (range 0.5–6 years) and the average age at operation was 63 years (range 45–80 years). The results were either very good or good in 82%, moderate in 14%, and poor in 4%. Our technique of basal osteotomy of the first metatarsal is a simple and effective procedure to correct metatarsus primus varus and may restore the distal transverse arch. It should be considered as a possible method of treatment when the intermetatarsal angle is greater than 10°.     

Deformity correction for vitamin D-resistant hypophosphatemic rickets of adults

We performed correction for bowing deformity of the lower extremities due to vitamin D-resistant hypophosphatemic rickets of three adults, six segments. The operative method was gradual correction and lengthening using distraction osteogenesis by Ilizarov external fixator or Heidelberg external fixator. The orders of the corrections were simultaneous correction of the bilateral femur for one patient, simultaneous correction of the ipsilateral leg for one patient, and diagonal correction of the bilateral leg for one patient. The mean correction angle was 30.5°. The mean external fixation period was 146 days. Each orders of the corrections had its merits and demerits. All patients obtained a physiological alignment and good bone formation by taking Vitamin D and oral phosphate supplements even an adult patient. All the patients had articular pain, such as hip, knee, and ankle, however, these pains healed up. All the patients were satisfied with the outcomes at the time of the final follow-up interview in terms of their cosmetic improvement. Distraction osteogenesis for bowing deformity of the lower extremities due to vitamin D-resistant hypophosphatemic rickets was very effective method and could be applied to adult patients. However, the order of the corrections should be considered carefully depending on each patient.     

A comparison of two osteotomy techniques for tibial lengthening

Introduction There are various methods of long bone lengthening. The quality of the regenerated bone depends on stable external fixation, low energy corticotomy, latency period, optimum lengthening rate and rhythm, and functional use of the limb. Percutaneous corticotomy and ostetomy with multiple drill holes yield the best results for the quality of the regenerated bone. An alternative low energy osteotomy, which respects the periosteum, is the Afghan percutaneous osteotomy. The purpose of the current study was to compare a percutaneous multiple drill hole osteotomy with a Gigli saw osteotomy in terms of the healing index (HI).Materials and methods Forty-four tibias of 41 patients were lengthened at our institution between 1995 and 2000. All patients underwent limb lengthening without any deformity correction by the Ilizarov device. The etiology of the limb length discrepancy was sequelae to poliomyelitis in 16 tibias, idiopathic hypoplasia in 17 tibias, posttraumatic discrepancy in 5 tibias, bilateral tibial lengthening in achondroplastic dwarfism in 3 patients. Patients with metabolic bone diseases were not included in this series.Results The mean amount of length discrepancy was 5.7 cm (range 2–12 cm). The mean HI of the whole group was 1.65 month/cm (range 1.1–2.4 month/cm). When comparing the osteotomy methods without taking the etiology into consideration, the percutaneous, multiple drill hole group yielded a mean HI of 1.98 month/cm (range 1.4–2.4 month/cm), while the Gigli saw group yielded a mean HI of 1.37 month/cm (range 1.1–1.8 month/cm). There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups (p=0.022). The Gigli saw patients with poliomyelitis had a significantly better HI compared with patients who underwent lengthening by the other form of osteotomy (1.1 vs 1.9 month/cm; p=0.027).Conclusion Our results confirm the biologic superiority of the Gigli saw technique.     

Die Korrektur posttraumatischer Deformitäten am Unterschenkel mit dem „Taylor Spatial Frame“

Objective

Correction of posttraumatic lower leg deformities using percutaneous osteotomy, external fixation with a ring fixator, and computer-assisted gradual correction with the Taylor Spatial Frame (TSF).

Indications

Posttraumatic lower leg deformities not suitable for acute correction and internal fixation or deformities that are suitable but have a significantly increased risk for complications: deformities with poor soft tissue coverage, rigid deformities that require gradual correction, complex mulitplanar deformities, deformities with shortening, and periarticular juvenile deformities.

Contraindications

Posttraumatic lower leg deformities which are suitable for acute correction and internal fixation are also suitable for deformity correction using the TSF. In these cases, however, we recommend acute correction and internal fixation in order to improve the patient comfort. Lack of patient compliance for self-contained correction and pin care.

Surgical technique

Percutaneous fixation of the TSF rings to the main fragments using transosseous K-wires and half pins (hybrid fixation). Percutaneous osteotomy of the tibia either by drilling across both cortices and completion of the osteotomy using an osteotome (DeBastiani method) or by using the Gigli saw with preservation of the periostal envelope. Connection of both rings with six oblique telescopic struts via universal joints (hexapod platform). Computer-assisted planning of the correction.

Postoperative management

Gradual postoperative correction of the deformity by changing the strut lengths according to the correction plan. Strut changes, if required. Osseous consolidation of the osteotomy site with the TSF or revision to internal fixation.

Results

The correction of posttraumatic lower leg deformities using the TSF was performed in 6 cases. The mean deformity was 15° (12–22°) in the frontal plane and 6° (4–8°) in the sagittal plane. The correction time was 19 days (14–22 days). The deviation between planned and achieved correction was 0–3° in the frontal plane and 0–2° in the sagittal plane. The osseous consolidation of the osteotomy site was carried out in the TSF in 5 cases with a mean external fixation time of 112 days (94–134 days). In one case, the TSF was removed after the correction and the osteotomy site was fixed using an intramedullary nail. Pin site infections were observed in 3 cases. There were no further complications. The treatment goal was achieved in all cases. The examination at final follow-up was performed after 1 year. All patients were able to walk without walking aids and with no pain at that time. They were able to perform all of their activities of the daily life and their leisure activities without limitations.     

Angular deformities of lower limb in children: Correction for whom,when and how?

Angular deformities are common presentations in childhood and adolescent age group. It is important to differentiate a true deformity from a physiological deformity, this requires measurement of the intercondylar and intermalleolar distance. Once a true deformity is diagnosed, the apex of the deformity requires to be established. Lower limb frontal plane deformities are evaluated with a true AP standing radiographs of the entire lower limb from hip to ankle. Mechanical or anatomical axis calculation gives the apex (CORA) as well as the magnitude of deformity. Frontal plane deformities require surgical intervention. In younger children, growth modulation surgery allows correction of the deformity with minimal morbidity and without the need for osteotomy. Older children, adolescents and adults require corrective osteotomy. The corrective osteotomy can be closed wedge, open wedge, or a dome osteotomy. The osteotomy may be stabilized with internal fixation with plate and screws or an intramedullary implant as is dictated by the level of osteotomy and the local bony anatomy. External fixators allow gradual and precise correction of the deformity.     

Deformity correction and lengthening of lower legs with an external fixator

Deformities combined with shortening in 34 lower limb segments of 28 patients were treated with an Ilizarov external fixator or a Taylor spatial frame at the same level as the osteotomy. We compared an acute correction group (A) with a gradual correction group (G) in patients undergoing deformity correction followed by lengthening. We retrospectively examined the amount of deformity correction, length gained, distraction index, maturation index, and external fixation index in both groups. The mean age of subjects was 12.9 years for A, 17.9 years for G. The mean deformity correction was 17.8° for A, 25.1° for G. Mean lengthening was 5.5 cm for A, 5.0 cm for G. Mean distraction index was 16.4 days/cm for A, 10.6 days/cm for G (P<0.05). Mean maturation index was 40.5 days/cm for A, 29.5 days/cm for G (P=0.081). Mean external fixation index was 58.6 days/cm for A, 42.5 days/cm for G (P<0.05). The distraction index and external fixation index differences between the two groups were statistically significant. Gradual correction may represent a better approach than acute correction with the use of external fixators to treat deformity combined with shortening.

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Résumé Des déformations associées au raccourcissement de 34 membres inférieurs chez 28 patients étaient traités, au niveau de l’ostéotomie, avec un fixateur externe d’Ilizarof ou un cadre de Taylor. Nous avons comparés un groupe avec une correction instantanée (A) et un autre avec une correction progressive (G) de la déformation suivie de l’allongement. Nous avons mesuré rétrospectivement l’importance de la correction, le gain de longueur, les index de distraction, de maturation et de fixation externe dans les deux groupes. L’age moyen des patients était de 12,9 ans pour le groupe A et de 17,9 ans pour le groupe G.. La correction moyenne de déformation était de 17,8° pour le groupe A et de 25,1° pour le G.. L’allongement moyen était de 5,5 cm pour le A et de 5,0 cm pour le G.. L’index de distraction était de 16,4 jours/cm pour le A et de 10,6 jours/cm pour le G. L’index de maturation était de 40,5 jours/cm pour le A et de 29,5 jours/cm pour le G. L’index de fixation externe était de 58,6 jours/cm pour le A et de 42,5 jours /cm pour le G.. La différence entre les index de distraction et de fixation externe étaient significative. La correction progressive est préférable à la correction instantanée pour traiter des déformations combinées au raccourcissement.

     

Focal dome osteotomy for the correction of tibial deformity in children

Tibial deformity in childhood often combines torsional and angular malalignment. A focal dome osteotomy was performed, proximally or distally, in 39 tibiae in 31 patients. In 33 limbs, the primary deformity was varus (with internal torsion). The osteotomy was held with K-wires and a plaster cast. The mean age at surgery was 10.25 years and the minimum follow-up 24 months. All osteotomies united and no compartment syndrome occurred. Postoperatively, two patients (5%) had temporary neurological deficits. Thirty of 31 patients had good clinical and radiological correction of alignment. Recurrent deformity was seen in one patient with hypophosphataemic rickets.     

Computer-Assisted Total Knee Arthroplasty for Arthritis With Extra-articular Deformity

Forty extra-articular deformities (22 femoral and 18 tibial) in 34 patients (mean age, 63.1 years) were studied. Mean coronal extra-articular deformity was 9.3°; mean preoperative limb alignment was 166.7°. Three limbs underwent simultaneous corrective osteotomy; the rest were treated with intra-articular correction during computer-assisted total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Mean postoperative limb alignment was 179.1°. At a mean follow-up of 26.4 months, the Knee Society knee score improved from a mean preoperative score of 49.7 to 90.4 points postoperatively; function score improved from 47.3 to 84.9 points. Computer-assisted TKA is a useful alternative to conventional TKA for knee arthritis with extra-articular deformity where accurate restoration of limb alignment may be challenging because of the presence of a deformed tibia or femur or in the presence of hardware.     

Bone realignment with use of temporary external fixation for distal femoral valgus and varus deformities

BACKGROUND: Correction of a distal femoral deformity may prevent or delay the onset of osteoarthritis or mitigate its effects. Accurate correction of deformity without production of a secondary deformity depends on precise localization and quantification of the deformity. We report a technique to correct distal femoral deformities in the coronal plane. METHODS: Fourteen femora in thirteen skeletally mature patients with a distal femoral deformity underwent operative reconstruction. The preoperative deviation of the mechanical axis ranged from 90 mm laterally (genu valgus) to 120 mm medially (genu varus). The mechanical lateral distal femoral angle was abnormal in all fourteen knees. The technique consisted of application of an external fixator, performance of a percutaneous distal femoral dome osteotomy, correction of the deformity, and locking of the external fixator. A statically locked retrograde intramedullary nail was inserted following reaming, and the external fixator was removed. The mean duration of follow-up was thirty-three months (range, six to forty-seven months). RESULTS: The mean time until healing was thirteen weeks (range, six to thirty-nine weeks). Nine of the thirteen patients reported an improvement in walking, and none needed an assistive device. All nine patients with preoperative knee pain were free of tibiofemoral pain at the most recent follow-up evaluation. The mechanical lateral distal femoral angle was within the normal range in twelve of the fourteen knees. The mechanical axis was within the normal range in ten lower extremities. In three of the four remaining limbs, the residual abnormal deviation of the mechanical axis was due to a residual tibial deformity. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous dome osteotomy combined with temporary external fixation and insertion of an intramedullary nail can correct distal valgus and varus femoral deformities. We attributed the early mobilization of patients and the rapid bone-healing to the limited soft-tissue dissection, the low-energy corticotomy, and the use of intramedullary fixation in our surgical technique.     

A technique of percutaneous multidrilling osteotomy for limb lengthening and deformity correction

We have recently developed a technique of per-cutaneous multidrilling osteotomy for limb lengthening and deformity correction. The bone is drilled percutaneously, using a special drill guide, and osteotomy is accomplished by connecting the multiple drill holes with a small chisel. The bone segments are subjected to slow progressive distraction with an external fixation device. We have lengthened 33 limbs in 22 patients with congenital or post-traumatic limb shortening and/or bone deformities. All the patients underwent the proposed lengthening and/or correction of the bone deformities through a single-treatment procedure. None of the lengthened segments resulted in nonunion. This technique can prevent undesirable bone cracks and preserve soft tissue around the osteotomy site, and is also applicable to other fields of orthopedic surgery. Received for publication on June 9, 1999; accepted on Sept. 17, 1999     

Korrekturosteotomien des distalen Femur mit retrogradem Marknagel

Deformities of the distal femur are usually corrected by supracondylar osteotomy. In the "classical" procedure the bone cut is performed with an oscillating saw, and internally fixed using a plate. This technique is hampered first by an invasive approach and second by limited corrective options in case of complex deformities. A supracondylar bone cut by focal dome osteotomy or drill osteoclasis in combination with internal fixation by retrograde intramedullary nailing (RN) might be a promising alternative procedure. 12 patients with multidimensional post-traumatic deformities of the distal femur were prospectively enrolled in a study to investigate this new minimal-invasive technique. In all patients a meticulous analysis of leg geometry was done pre- and postoperatively. Details of operative planning, osteotomy and fixation procedure are given as well as the postoperative treatment. 7 corrective osteotomies were one-step procedures, in 5 patients additional lengthening over the RN was performed using unilateral external fixation. The mean follow-up was 15 (range 7-27) months. All of the osteotomies healed in a normal expected time frame. All patients had important functional benefits. In 11 patients the goal of deformity correction was achieved. In one patient the correction in the frontal plane remained insufficient. 6 months after the completion of femoral lengthening osteomyelitis developed in one patient, probably due to a pin-track infection. The infection subsided after early removal of the RN. No further complications were observed. The presented technique is demanding concerning pre-operative planning and surgical realization but it offers a minimal-invasive and promising approach for the correction of multidimensional femoral deformities.     

Acute correction of proximal tibial deformities in adolescents using Ilizarov external fixator: focal-dome versus straight-cut osteotomy

Straight-cut osteotomy was compared with focal-dome osteotomy in two similar groups of patients with proximal tibial deformities. Acute correction of deformity was carried out for 27 patients with a total of 36 bone segments. Ilizarov external fixator was used in all cases. No significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of bone healing, external fixation time and stability of osteotomy. The follow-up ranged from 24 to 63 months. In this study, the focal-dome osteotomy was not found to be superior to straight-cut osteotomy, which is simpler to perform and more versatile for deformity correction.     

Limb lengthening and correction of deformity in the lower limbs of children with osteogenesis imperfecta

We performed limb lengthening and correction of deformity of nine long bones of the lower limb in six children (mean age, 14.7 years) with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). All had femoral lengthening and three also had ipsilateral tibial lengthening. Angular deformities were corrected simultaneously. Five limb segments were treated using a monolateral external fixator and four with the Ilizarov frame. In three children, lengthening was done over previously inserted femoral intramedullary rods. The mean lengthening achieved was 6.26 cm (mean healing index, 33.25 days/cm). Significant complications included one deep infection, one fracture of the femur and one anterior angulation deformity of the tibia. The abnormal bone of OI tolerated the external fixators throughout the period of lengthening without any episodes of migration of wires or pins through the soft bone. The regenerate bone formed within the time which is normally expected in limb-lengthening procedures performed for other conditions. We conclude that despite the abnormal bone characteristics, distraction osteogenesis to correct limb-length discrepancy and angular deformity can be performed safely in children with OI.     

Predicting translational deformity following opening-wedge osteotomy for lower limb realignment

An opening-wedge osteotomy is well recognised for the management of limb deformity and requires an understanding of the principles of geometry. Translation at the osteotomy is needed when the osteotomy is performed away from the centre of rotation of angulation (CORA), but the amount of translation varies with the distance from the CORA. This translation enables proximal and distal axes on either side of the proposed osteotomy to realign. We have developed two experimental models to establish whether the amount of translation required (based on the translation deformity created) can be predicted based upon simple trigonometry. A predictive algorithm was derived where translational deformity was predicted as 2(tan α × d), where α represents 50 % of the desired angular correction, and d is the distance of the desired osteotomy site from the CORA. A simulated model was developed using TraumaCad online digital software suite (Brainlab AG, Germany). Osteotomies were simulated in the distal femur, proximal tibia and distal tibia for nine sets of lower limb scanograms at incremental distances from the CORA and the resulting translational deformity recorded. There was strong correlation between the distance of the osteotomy from the CORA and simulated translation deformity for distal femoral deformities (correlation coefficient 0.99, p < 0.0001), proximal tibial deformities (correlation coefficient 0.93–0.99, p < 0.0001) and distal tibial deformities (correlation coefficient 0.99, p < 0.0001). There was excellent agreement between the predictive algorithm and simulated translational deformity for all nine simulations (correlation coefficient 0.93–0.99, p < 0.0001). Translational deformity following corrective osteotomy for lower limb deformity can be anticipated and predicted based upon the angular correction and the distance between the planned osteotomy site and the CORA.     

Single stage correction with external fixation of the ulcerated foot in individuals with Charcot neuroarthropathy

The ulcerated foot in individuals with Charcot neuroarthropathy presents a complex problem when correction of the deformity is necessary but the presence of infection precludes the use of internal fixation. We reviewed 11 patients with midfoot Charcot neuroarthropathy, collapse, and ulceration who were at risk for amputation. These patients underwent operative debridement, corrective osteotomy, external skeletal fixation and culture-directed antibiotic therapy as a limb salvage procedure. Patients were transitioned from the external fixator (average 57 days) to total contact casting (average 131 days) and all subsequently progressed to therapeutic footwear in 12 to 49 months of follow-up (average 24 months), except one patient whose medical decline resulted in bedrest. We believe that when performed in properly selected patients, this procedure presents an alternative to amputation and, via corrective osteotomy, results in a shoe-able, functional foot that is potentially less prone to ulceration.