Simultaneous ipsilateral femoral and tibial lengthening with the Ilizarov method.

Eight pediatric patients who underwent nine simultaneous ipsilateral femoral and tibial lengthenings with the Ilizarov external fixator were reviewed. The patient's demographics, diagnoses, corticotomy levels, mechanical axes, healing indices, amounts of lengthening, and complications were recorded. The patients' average age was 8 years 10 months (5 years 4 months-15 years 10 months) with an average follow-up of 49 months (30-88 months). The percentage of femoral lengthening averaged 16.7% (8-23%) with an average healing index of 28 days/cm (20-38 days/cm). The percentage of tibial lengthening averaged 18% (9.6-23.6%) with an average healing index of 29 days/cm (1940 days/cm). Four complications in three patients occurred as a direct result of the lengthening process. Three of the complications involved soft-tissue contractures, which were each successfully treated with one additional surgical procedure, whereas the fourth complication involved poor bone regeneration and required bone grafting and additional immobilization.     

应用胫骨Ⅰ期短缩加Ⅱ期延长治疗严重胫骨开放性骨折

目的 评价应用胫骨Ⅰ期短缩加Ⅱ期延长的方法治疗严重胫骨开放性骨折的临床效果.方法 自2006年5月至2009年8月应用胫骨Ⅰ期短缩加Ⅱ期延长治疗5例严重胫骨开放骨折患者,均为男性;年龄23～41岁,平均35岁.清创和胫骨短缩后用单边外固定支架临时固定,血管损伤者行动脉吻合.1例伤口Ⅰ期闭合,2例经植皮后愈合,2例分别通过腓肠神经营养支筋膜瓣和交腿皮瓣闭合伤口.伤口愈合后从胫骨近端做截骨,应用Ilizarov架行胫骨延长,恢复小腿的长度.胫骨短缩3～5 cm,平均4.2 cm.结果 所有患者术后获18～24个月(平均20个月)随访.患者骨折短缩处伤口均获愈合,无一例发生感染.全部患者骨折均获愈合,愈合时间为6～12.5个月,平均9.6个月,平均愈合指数1.7个月/cm,患肢长度均恢复,与健侧无差别.按Paley功能评价标准:优3例,良1例,可1例.结论 应用胫骨Ⅰ期短缩加Ⅱ期延长治疗严重胫骨开放性骨折,具有安全可靠、简化治疗过程及减少皮瓣应用等优点,是一种较好的方法.

Abstract：

Objective To evaluate clinical results of primary shortening plus secondary lengthening of the tibia for sever tibial fractures. Methods From May 2006 to August 2009, 5 men with severe open tibial fracture were treated with primary shortening plus secondary lengthening of the tibia in our center. They were aged from 23 to 41 years (average, 35 years) . Four cases were Gustilo type MB and one was Gustilo type M C. The primary procedure included debridement, shortening of the tibia and temporary fixation with a unilateral external fixator, and arterial anastomosis in cases of vessel injury. The wounds healed primarily in one case, after skin graft in 2 cases, and after flap transplantation in 2 cases. After wound healing, secondary lengthening of the tibia was performed following osteotomy of the proximal tibia with an Ilizarov fixator to restore the length of the injured leg. The average shortening was 4. 2 cm (range, 3 to 5 cm). Results The average follow-up period was 20 months (range, 18 to 24 months). All the wounds were healed without signs of osteomyelitis. All the fractures united. The mean bone healing time was 9. 6 months (range, 6 to 12. 5 months) . The average healing index was 1. 7 months/cm. A normal length was restored in all the affected lower limbs. By Paley functional assessment system, 3 cases were excellent, one was good and one was fair. Conclusion Primary shortening plus secondary lengthening of the tibia is a reliable and successful method for sever tibial fractures, because it can simplify management and minimize the need for flap coverage.     

Lengthening of the humerus using the Ilizarov technique. Description of the method and report of 43 cases

From 1982 to 1986, 43 humeral lengthenings were performed on 29 patients using the Ilizarov technique. Diagnoses included achondroplasia, old septic arthritis, birth palsy, fracture, congenital shortening, and benign neoplasm. The achondroplastic patients (14) had bilateral lengthenings. There were 16 male and 13 female patients aged ten to 36 years (mean, 18 years). The total lengthening in each segment ranged from 5 to 16 cm (mean, 9 cm) and mean treatment time from four to 14 months (mean, eight months). The average follow-up time was 2.7 years (range, 0.5-5.5 years). Functional and aesthetic results were all graded as excellent or good. There were no cases of osteomyelitis or deep infection. Three patients sustained neuropraxias that subsequently resolved completely. There were seven fractures in six patients following removal of the apparatus. Five were treated with casts and two with replication of the apparatus. All healed uneventfully. Humeral lengthening can be safely performed with excellent clinical results using the Ilizarov technique.     

Limb lengthening in fibular hemimelia type II: can it be an alternative to amputation?

The purpose of our study was to analyze limb lengthening in fibular hemimelia type II. Ten patients underwent 16 tibia lengthenings. The mean tibia shortening was 5.8 cm. We used the Ilizarov technique in all cases. The mean follow-up time was 7.2 years. The mean lengthening was 23% of the former length. The healing index was 50.8 days/cm. In the final examination six patients were skeletally mature, equal limb length and functional foot positioning were achieved in four of them. Complications were observed during 14 lengthenings (87.5%). Although lengthening in fibular hemimelia is difficult, elongation with axis and foot correction may offer an alternative to amputation.     

Limb lengthening and deformity correction with externally controlled motorized intramedullary nails: evaluation of 50 consecutive lengthenings

Background and purpose — Limb lengthening with an intramedullary motorized nail is a relatively new method. We investigated if lengthening nails are reliable constructs for limb lengthening and deformity correction in the femur and the tibia.

Patients and methods — 50 lengthenings (34 Precice and 16 Fitbone devices) in 47 patients (mean age 23 years [11–61]) with ≥12 months follow-up are included in this study. 30 lengthenings were done due to congenital and 20 because of posttraumatic deformity (21 antegrade femora, 23 retrograde femora, 6 tibiae). Initial deformities included a mean shortening of 42?mm (25–90). In 15 patients, simultaneous axial correction was done using the retrograde nailing technique.

Results — The planned amount of lengthening was achieved in all but 2 patients. 5 patients who underwent simultaneous axial correction showed minor residual deformity; unintentionally induced minor deformities were found in the frontal and sagittal plane. The consolidation index was 1.2 months/cm (0.6–2.5) in the femur and 2.5 months/cm (1.6–4.0) in the tibia. 2 femoral fractures occurred in retrograde femoral lengthenings after consolidation due to substantial trauma. There were 8 complications, all of which were correctable by surgery, with no permanent sequelae.

Interpretation — Controlled acute axial correction of angular deformities and limb lengthening can be achieved by a motorized intramedullary nail. A thorough preoperative planning and intraoperative control of alignment are required to avoid residual and unintentionally induced deformity. In the femur relatively fast consolidation could be observed, whereas healing was slower in the tibia.     

Femoral and tibial lengthening by the Wagner method

This article represents a review of the author's experience with the Wagner lengthening device. Forty patients between 6 and 20 years of age underwent 44 lengthenings of the lower extremity by Wagner's technique (34 femoral and 10 tibial) between February 1977 and January 1999. Shortening was congenital in origin in 24 patients. Lengthening achieved averaged 5.69 cm for the femur and 4.3 cm for the tibia. No complication was observed in 50% of the lengthenings (category I). At least one complication modified the program and necessitated further surgery and general anesthesia in 45.45% of lengthenings (category II). The program was not completed in one patient and complications resulted in a sequela in another patient, representing 4.54% of lengthenings (category III). Twenty-one of the 22 lengthenings without complication were at the femur. Complications were more frequent in patients with a congenital origin. Many complications but no disastrous problems were encountered. Lengthening is better tolerated in children older than 10 years of age. Thirty-nine patients completed their program and were left with less than 2.5 cm discrepancy at the end of growth. The average follow-up was 8.10 years.     

Distraction osteogenesis for tibial nonunion with bone loss using combined Ilizarov and Taylor spatial frames versus a conventional circular frame

This retrospective review assesses 55 tibial nonunions with bone loss to compare union achieved with combined Ilizarov and Taylor spatial frames (I–TSF) versus a conventional circular frame with the standard Ilizarov procedure. Seventeen (31 %) of the 55 nonunions were infected. Thirty patients treated with I–TSF were compared with 25 patients treated with a conventional circular frame. In the I–TSF group, an average of 7.6 cm of bone was resected and the lengthening index (treatment time in months divided by lengthening amount in centimeters) was 1.97. In the conventional circular frame group, a mean of 6.5 cm was resected and the lengthening index was 2.1. Consolidation at the docking site and at the regenerate bone occurred in 49 (89 %) of 55 cases after the first procedure. No statistically significant difference was shown between the two groups. Superiority of one modality of treatment over the other cannot be concluded from our data. Application of combined Ilizarov and Taylor spatial frames for bone transport is useful for treatment of tibial nonunion with bone loss. Level of evidence Case series, Level III.     

Lower extremity lengthening by Wagner's method and by callus distraction

Fifty-three patients underwent 64 lengthenings of the femur or tibia by the Wagner technique or by the callus distraction method. Thirty-six femoral and 28 tibial segments were lengthened. Simultaneous lengthening of the femur and tibia was performed in seven limbs. Three segments underwent repeat lengthenings. The average length gained by the Wagner method was 5.1 cm in the femur and 5.4 cm in the tibia. Length gains by callus distraction were 4.9 cm in the femur and 4.5 cm in the tibia. Complication rates were fewer and less severe with callus distraction. The number of operations, days of hospitalization, and length of total treatment were less in patients operated on with the callus distraction method than in those who underwent the Wagner technique.     

Treatment of tibial hemimelia without amputation: preliminary report

Treatment of tibial hemimelia, traditionally, is by amputation. This is not acceptable in our community. Hence we treated our cases without amputation. We treated two cases of type Ia and four cases of type II tibial hemimelia. The age at operation ranged from 3.5 to 13 years For type Ia cases, we applied the Ilizarov external fixator to the femur, fibula and foot to centralize the fibula between the femoral condyles and talus using gradual distraction. The second step was the Brown procedure. Then the fixator was reapplied to correct the deformities. For type II, synostosis of the tibia and fibula was performed followed by differential lengthening. Then we overlengthened the femur. After follow-up for 2-5.5 years, all patients showed improved function and were satisfied. The tibial lengthening ranged from 6 to 8.5 cm, and femoral lengthening ranged from 5 to 7 cm.     

Distraction lengthening of the ulna in children with radial longitudinal deficiency

PURPOSE: Children with radial longitudinal deficiency have very short forearms. The Ilizarov method of distraction osteogenesis has been used to increase extremity length, but results differ with the underlying condition and the limb being lengthened. The purpose of this study is to examine retrospectively the outcomes of Ilizarov lengthening of the ulna in children with radial longitudinal deficiency. METHODS: Nine children with radial longitudinal deficiency had 13 ulnar lengthenings using the Ilizarov method; 8 with unilateral deficiency had 9 lengthenings to improve appearance, and 1 child with bilateral radial longitudinal deficiency had 4 lengthenings to improve function. All had previous wrist centralization surgery, and all but 1 had a carpal osteotomy at the time of lengthening to reduce residual wrist angulation. RESULTS: The average gain for each lengthening was 4.4 cm (range 1.8-8.0 cm) with an average lengthening index of 9 weeks per cm (range 4-24 weeks per cm). All patients at each lengthening experienced at least 1 pin site infection that required antibiotic treatment. Other complications included delayed union requiring internal fixation and bone grafting in 3 lengthenings and recurrence of radial deviation requiring shortening and wrist arthrodesis in 1 case. CONCLUSIONS: The Ilizarov technique is an effective method for lengthening the ulna in children with radial longitudinal deficiency. The process of lengthening is prolonged and arduous with frequent complications. In successful cases, however, patients are pleased with the function and appearance of their lengthened forearms.     

Limb lengthening in children with osteogenesis imperfecta]

The authors operated on 7 children (5 girls, 2 boys) suffering from osteogenesis imperfecta (oi) type I according to Sillence classification, with lower limbs discrepancy. We elongated 10 segments (7 femurs and 3 tibias). Mean age at operation time was 14.7 years (13-17 years). The mean leg length discrepancy was 9.3 cm (4-18 cm), and shortening of one bone was 6.5 cm (4-9 cm). We used Ilizarov technique twice in tibial lengthening. We used Wagner technique in one tibial elongation and in 7 femur elongation. Except for one tibia, in the remaining cases there was Rush rod inserted intramedullary in the bone being elongated. During tibial elongation we fixed lateral malleous by screw. The osteotomy was performed in proximal metaphysis of the 5 femurs and 3 tibias, and in distal femurs in two cases. The elongation was 1 mm for day, with frequency 4 x 1/4 mm. The mean bone lengthening achieved was 5.5 cm (2-9 cm); the mean lengthening of the limb was 7.9 cm (2-18 cm). The mean time of elongation was 2.8 months (2-5 months). Elongation index was 26 days for 1 cm of lengthening. The mean time of fixator removal was 9.2 months (4-13 months). Healing index was 58 day/1 cm (overall number of days for 1 cm lengthening). The complications occurred in all the patients. Although the risk of numerous complication is high, lower limbs lengthening in children with type I osteogeneis imperfecta is possible to perform and allows equalizing discrepant limbs or, at least reducing the difference.     

Ilizarov bone transport for massive tibial bone defects

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

Ilizarov外固定架在胫骨截骨延长治疗中的应用

目的：探讨Ilizarov外固定架在胫骨截骨延长治疗中的应用。方法：1990年1月～2002年12月对66例应用Ilizarov外固定架进行胫骨截骨延长的患者手术疗效进行分析。结果：延长长度最长9．3cm，最短5．7cm，平均7．3cm；延长时间24～128d，平均62d；拆架时间2．5～10个月，平均6．0个月；愈合指数27～56d／cm，平均34d／cm。无严重并发症发生，其中1例术后出现腓总神经损伤症状；4例出现不同程度的针道感染；6例出现膝关节屈曲受限；4例出现跟腱挛缩致足呈马蹄畸形。给予对症处理后好转。结论：应用Ilizarov外固定架技术对于胫骨截骨延长是一种有效的方法。     

Growth patterns after lengthening of congenitally short lower limbs in young children

The purpose of this study was to assess growth patterns after lengthening of the congenitally short femur or tibia in children younger than 6 years. Twenty such children underwent 28 bone segment lengthenings (13 femora and 15 tibiae) by distraction osteogenesis. Our results show that femoral lengthening in children younger than 6 years does not lead to growth inhibition, whereas isolated femoral lengthening may be associated with growth stimulation. Isolated tibial lengthening in children younger than 6 years does not lead to growth inhibition, whereas simultaneous femoral and tibial lengthening or two tibial lengthenings in close succession can lead to tibial growth inhibition.     

Ilizarov技术自体骨段延长治疗胫骨感染性骨折不愈合伴骨缺损

目的 探讨Ilizarov技术自体骨段延长治疗胫骨感染性骨折不愈合的疗效.方法 2000年9月至2006年6月共收治胫骨感染性骨折不愈合伴骨缺损患者14例,男11例,女3例;年龄19～49岁,平均31.9岁;胫骨近端3例,中段8例,远端3例.原始损伤:5例为开放骨折钢板内固定,3例为开放骨折髓内钉内固定,4例为开放骨折外固定架固定,2例为闭合骨折钢板内固定术后所致.患者自受伤至此次治疗时间为2～24个月,平均7.54个月;手术次数平均6次(3～14次).根据Jain骨缺损和感染程度分型:A2型5例,B1型2例,B2型7例.窦道形成10例,骨外露4例;骨外露面积最大7 cm×5 cm,最小2 cm×1 cm;清创后骨缺损长度3～12 cm,平均6.71 cm.14例患者均采用清创联合Ilizarov技术自体骨段延长治疗.结果 14例患者均获8个月～6年(平均20个月)随访,均获稳定骨折愈合.住院时间1～7个月,平均3个月;骨折愈合时间6～12个月,平均7.79个月;骨外固定时间8～14个月,平均9.64个月.并发症:针道感染1例,皮肤过敏1例,骨折畸形愈合再截骨1例,提前矿化再截骨1例,断针1例,无深部感染、骨折不愈合和膝关节僵直发生.根据Paley骨折愈合评分标准:优13例,良1例.结论 Ilizarov骨段延长是治疗胫骨感染性骨折不愈合伴大段骨缺损的一种有效方法.     

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

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

Diaphyseal bone lengthening in children using Wagner device: long-term results

In a series of 32 patients, the tibia was lengthened nine times and the femur 26 times. The lengthening was 4.1 cm in the tibia and 4.9 cm in the femur. The callotasis principle and atraumatic handling of the periosteum were considered important. The leg inequality was corrected appropriately, except in cases where the leg-length inequality was greater than 12 cm as a result of a progressive congenital deformity. Late femoral fractures occurred in six patients, but no tibial fractures were seen. One hip dislocation was seen after femoral lengthening, one talus deformation developed after the tibial lengthening, and one peroneal nerve entrapment was released operatively. One infection caused delayed bone union. Average follow-up time was 5.0 years.     

Bilateral humeral lengthening in achondroplasia

Twenty humeral lengthenings were done on 10 achondroplastic dwarfs using the Ilizarov circular fixator. There were five female and five male patients from 6 years 11 months to 17 years 8 months of age (mean, 12 years 10 months) at the time of the operation. Mean length obtained was 7.8 cm (range, 3.5 cm-10 cm). External fixation time ranged from 105 days to 368 days (mean, 221 days). Healing index averaged 30 days/cm (27 days/cm when two patients with radial nerve palsy were excluded). Two half pins in one patient required replacement. Two humeral fractures occurred, one while in the fixator and the other after removal of the apparatus. Transient radial nerve palsy developed during lengthening in two patients, and lengthening was discontinued. Symptoms of radial nerve palsy resolved completely in both patients, but one patient required an additional surgery to explore the radial nerve for persistent paresthesia of the forearm. Although preexisting loose shoulders deteriorate during lengthening and sometimes cause pain and discomfort, they always resolve spontaneously as lengthening proceeds. Bilateral humeral lengthening was very effective for improving function and overall proportion in patients with achondroplasia.     

Treatment of complex (Schatzker Type VI) fractures of the tibial plateau with circular wire external fixation: retrospective case review

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of circular wire external fixation in the treatment of complex (Schatzker Type VI) fractures of the tibial plateau. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. SETTING: Fifty-seven complex (Schatzker Type VI) fractures of the tibial plateau were treated with circular wire external fixation at a Level 1 trauma center. PATIENTS: Thirty-five fractures were closed, and twenty-two were open. INTERVENTION: Closed indirect reduction by ligamentotaxis was attempted in all fractures; limited open reduction was performed in seven. Conventional Ilizarov frames using wire fixation were used in thirty-two fractures. The remaining twenty-five fractures were treated with hybrid Ilizarov fixators, which differed from conventional Ilizarov frames only in the use of cortical bone pins rather than wires through the distal rings for fixation of the diaphysis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENT: The results were graded according to the Knee Society rating system. Follow-up ranged from 16 to 90 months and averaged 42 months. RESULTS: All fractures united at an average of 173 days (range, 50 to 415 days). Forty-five fractures with anatomic reduction had an average knee score of eighty-three and an average functional score of sixty-nine. In nine fractures with nonanatomic reduction, the average knee score was fifty-two, and the functional score was nineteen. CONCLUSIONS: Results perhaps would have been improved by more frequent open reduction, bone grafting, and internal fixation of fractures with severely depressed articular fragments. However, the use of circular external fixation obtained results comparable with other series, and we believe it is appropriate for treatment of these complex tibial fractures, especially those with a poor soft-tissue envelope.