Femoral lengthening over an intramedullary nail using the external fixator

Background The time for femoral lengthening is shortened if external fixation is combined with intramedullary nailing. However, several complications have been reported with this procedure.

Patients and methods We retrospectively reviewed the outcome of femoral lengthening performed over an intramedullary nail using external fixation in 22 patients. These patients were followed for a mean of 3.2 (2-5.2) years. The mean age was 22 (13-35) years at the time of the index procedure. The mean lengthening was 5 (2.7-8.1) cm and the external fixator was removed after median 20 (8-30) weeks. The mean external fixation index was 24 (11-35) days/cm and the mean consolidation index was 43 (26-55) days/cm of lengthening.

Results 3 patients who had a past history of infection or open trauma developed osteomyelitis which required removal of the nail. There were 4 knee joint complications when the lengthening was over 20%, including posterior knee subluxation and patella subluxation. In 1 patient, the lengthened segment collapsed with breakage of locking screws.

Interpretation Although lengthening over a nail can reduce the duration of external fixation, caution is required to prevent major complications.     

Results of femoral lengthening over an intramedullary nail and external fixator

INTRODUCTION: Current techniques of operative limb lengthening usually are based on distraction osteogenesis. One of the techniques is limb lengthening over an intramedullary nail. AIM OF PAPER: The goal of this study is to evaluate the results of femoral lengthening over an intramedullary nail. MATERIAL: Between 1999 and 200619 femoral "over nail" lengthenings were performed. There were 7 males and 12 females. Mean patients' age at surgery was 15.8 years, and mean initial femoral shortening was 5.1 cm. Operative technique consisted of one-stage implantation of intramedullary nail and external fixator. Ilizarov apparatus was used in 9 patients, monolateral fixator in 10 cases--ORTHOFIX in 9 patients, Wagner fixator--in 1 patient. Intramedullary nail was locked proximally with screws or Schanz pins from external fixator. After distraction phase, external fixator was removed and distal locking screws were applied. METHODS: Evaluation criteria: obtained lengthening, time of external fixator, treatment time, healing index, external fixation index, range of motion in hip and knee joints and complications according to Paley. RESULTS: The mean lengthening was 4.6 cm, and mean distraction time was 66.6 days. Mean time of external fixation was 115.5 days, and external fixation index was 26.2 days for centimeter. Healing index was 36.9 days for centimeter. In cases with monolateral fixator, healing index did not differ with the whole group. During treatment 18 complications occurred, for a rate of 0.9 complication per segment. CONCLUSIONS: Lengthening over an intramedullary nail reduces the time of external fixator. Over nail femoral lengthening can prevent axis deviation following regenerate bending. Complication rate is similar to lengthenings with the classic Ilizarov technique. There are no differences in the treatment time in relation to the type of external fixator.     

Biomechanical advantage of lengthening of the femur with an external fixator over an intramedullary nail

The present experimental study investigated biomechanical differences in methods of femoral lengthening using a monolateral external fixator only and using an external fixator over an intramedullary nail. Three materials, namely polyvinyl chloride rods, composite synthetic bone, and cadaver-bone, were tested using the MTS machine. We evaluated the differences of axial stiffness according to the presence of a nail or the numbers of half-pins (two or three half-pins) that were fixed at each side of osteotomy. The addition of a nail may increase the axial stiffness of the frame of monolateral external fixator for limb lengthening. Additionally, it is enough to distract the femur with fixing two half-pins at each side, when using the technique of lengthening over a nail.     

Tibial lengthening using a reamed type intramedullary nail and an Ilizarov external fixator

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of tibial lengthening using a reamed type intramedullary nail and an Ilizarov external fixator for the treatment of leg length discrepancy or short stature. This retrospective study was performed on 18 tibiae (13 patients) in which attempts were made to reduce complications. We used an Ilizarov external fixator and a nail (10 mm diameter in 17 tibiae and 11 mm in one tibia) in combination. Average limb lengthening was 4.19 cm (range, 2.5-5.5). The mean duration of external fixation was 12.58 days per centimetre gain in length, and the mean consolidation index was 40.53 (range, 35.45-51.85). All distracted segments healed spontaneously without refracture or malalignment. Gradual limb lengthening using a reamed type intramedullary nail and circular external fixation in combination was found to be reliable and effective and reduced external fixation time with fewer complications.     

Femoral lengthening over elastic stable intramedullary nailing in children using the monolateral external fixator

The authors report preliminary results of femoral lengthening performed with monolateral external fixation over elastic stable intramedullary nailing in children. Seven femoral lengthenings were performed in six patients, at a mean age at surgery of 6.6 years (range 1.5–12 years). All lengthenings were performed due to limb length discrepancy (congenital hypoplasia in four patients, growth arrest secondary to neonatal infective osteoarthritis in one, type II sacral agenesis in one). In six cases the elastic nails realised a bipolar ascending construct, in one case a descending construct. Cases were reviewed at a mean time from removal of external fixator of 34.2 months (range 15–75 months). The mean lengthening obtained was 4.8 cm (range 3.8–6.0 cm). Mean consolidation index was 42.9 days/cm. No case of axial deviation requiring surgery and no case of deep infection were recorded. No case of fracture of the regenerate occurred after removal of the external fixator. There were two premature consolidations requiring mobilisation under general anaesthesia, and a case of failure of consolidation requiring surgery. The technique reported provides indisputable biomechanical advantages, particularly increasing stability at the site of osteotomy. The characteristics of implants make this method ideal for lengthenings in children.     

外固定架结合髓内钉延长术治疗股骨缺损和不等长

目的探讨联合应用髓内钉及外固定架治疗股骨缺损和不等长的方法和疗效。方法2001年1月～2003年12月联合应用髓内钉及外固定架治疗2例股骨缺损分别为8 cm和11 cm的患者、3例股骨短缩为4～7 cm的患者。手术于股骨内顺行置入带锁髓内钉(或保留原有髓内钉),带锁髓内钉仅锁定一端,安装外固定架。4例于股骨近段截骨,1例于股骨远段截骨。5例患者中2例使用Ilizarov重建外固定架,3例使用Orthofix重建外固定架。术后平均延迟16．2 d(13～24 d)后开始牵开延长,1mm/d,共分4次完成。对于股骨短缩患者,当股骨达到预期延长长度后再次手术将髓内钉远端锁定,然后去除外固定架,开始早期功能锻炼。对于骨缺损患者,当股骨达到预期延长长度后仍须等待新生骨痂密度有所增加后将髓内钉远端锁定并去除外固定架。结果5例患者获平均36．4个月(22～47个月)随访,平均延长长度为7．2 cm (4～10 cm),外固定架放置时间平均为5个月(3～8个月),外固定架指数平均为0．75个月/cm(0．57～1．00个月/cm)。所有患者股骨延长段未出现轴向偏移或再骨折,坚实化良好。最后随访时,5例患者膝关节活动度平均为107°(80°～135°)。结论联合应用髓内钉及外固定架肢体延长术能够明显缩短外固定架置放时间,避免肢体畸形,有利于膝关节早期功能恢复,在治疗大段骨缺损及肢体不等长中具有一定优势。手术时间长、术中出血多、治疗费用高和手术切口瘢痕增加是其缺点。     

Management of post-traumatic femoral defects with a monorail external fixator over an intramedullary nail

European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology - The management of limb-length discrepancy secondary to traumatic femoral bone loss poses a unique challenge for surgeons. The Ilizarov...     

Femoral bone transport by a monolateral external fixator with or without the use of intramedullary nail: a single-department retrospective study

Backgrounds

Treatment for bone defect remains a challenge for orthopedists. Bone transport gives an effective alternative, which can be performed with an external fixator alone or combined with an intramedullary nail. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. We present a retrospective study to find out the optimal choice by evaluating the outcomes of treatment for femoral bone defect with two methods.

Methods

Two groups of patients, the monolateral external fixator alone (group A, n = 13) and the monolateral external fixator combined with intramedullary nail (group B, n = 15), were compared. Duration of the external fixator, external fixator index, radiographic consolidation index, complication, and total cost for treatment was also recorded. A modified classification of the Association for the Study and Application of the Method of Ilizarov (ASAMI) was used to assess results in two groups of patients; another SF-36 health survey questionnaire was used to assess the life qualities patients of two groups.

Results

Healing was achieved in 13/13 and 13/15 of the two groups, respectively. The rates of complications were significantly higher in the group A. Two patients performed amputations because of persistent deep infections in group B. Statistically significant difference was found when comparing ASAMI scores and categories of the SF-36 health survey.

Conclusions

Bone transport by monolateral external fixator with the use of intramedullary nail reduces the incidence of complication and the duration of external fixator time that give patients a better life quality in both physical and emotional. However, if chronic osteitis exists, bone transport should be treated with monolateral external fixator alone due to a lower rate of amputations.     

Tibial lengthening over an intramedullary nail in patients with short stature or leg-length discrepancy: a comparative study

Purpose  

The aim of this study was to review our experiences with tibial lengthening over an intramedullary nail in comparison to the conventional Ilizarov method.     

Tibial lengthening using a humeral intramedullary nail combined with a single-plane external fixator for leg discrepancy in sequelae of poliomyelitis

The sequelae of poliomyelitis are the common causes of leg discrepancy. Tibial lengthening is an effective way to solve this problem but it is associated with a high rate of complications. In this study, we combined the use of humeral nail and external fixator in tibial lengthening with the purpose of reducing lengthening complications. Compared with the cases lengthened by a single-plane external fixator alone, this combined strategy was found to be beneficial in maintaining the tibial alignment. Therefore, it can be recommended as a good technique for tibial lengthening in patients with sequelae of poliomyelitis.     

Pitfalls of lengthening over an intramedullary nail in tibia: a consecutive case series

Background  

Lengthening over a nail was introduced to reduce the overall complication rate in the classic Ilizarov method. Previous studies reported that an intramedullary nail could decrease the time of external fixation, prevent anatomic malalignment and collapse; Internal friction, damage to endosteal blood supply and infection rates, however, may be higher. Whether the approach achieves it goals with acceptable complication rates is unclear. The aim of this study was to describe the results and complications of tibial lengthening over a nail.     

A biomechanical comparison of micromotion after ankle fusion using 2 fixation techniques: intramedullary arthrodesis nail or Ilizarov external fixator

BACKGROUND: In difficult ankle arthrodesis situations, intramedullary (IM) arthrodesis nails and external fixation are often considered in lieu of standard fusion techniques. The purpose of this study was to compare the amount of micromotion measured across an ankle fusion site stabilized with either an IM nail or with the Ilizarov external fixator. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The relative bone mineral density of 8 pairs of human cadaveric lower legs was measured by DEXA scanning. One specimen from each pair was randomly assigned to be stabilized with a new generation IM nail and the other with an Ilizarov external fixator. Specimens were tested in compression, rotation, and dorsiflexion. Optical motion capture was used to measure the direct motion occurring at the fusion site. RESULTS: No significant difference was found between the axial displacements (p = 0.94), torsional displacement (p = 0.07), or the dorsiflexion angular displacement (p = 0.28) for the IM rod group and the external fixation group. A weak correlation was found between BMD and displacement. CONCLUSION: Both the new generation IM nail and the Ilizarov external fixator imparted excellent stability to the fusion site despite a wide range of bone mineral densities. Medialization of the talus, the ability to compress the nail, and the addition of a posterior-to-anterior locking screw were thought to improve the performance of the nail. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Both IM nail and Ilizarov external fixation provided excellent fusion site stability. The decision of which implant to use for complex arthrodesis should be dictated by the clinical needs.     

Lengthening of the tibia over an intramedullary nail, using the llizarov external fixator: Major complications and slow consolidation in 9 lengthenings

We lengthened 9 tibial segments over a nail to reduce the time in the external fixator in 5 patients with constitutional shortness. The median lengthening was 7 (5.5-7.3) cm and the external llizarov frame was removed after median 99 (63-125) days. In spite of a short time in the external fixator, consolidation was slow, with a median lengthening index of 4.4 (2.4-6.1) months/cm. The procedure resulted in 3 fatigue fractures of the intramedullary nail or interlocking screws that needed revision and bone grafting. In 1 patient, a deep intramedullary infection occurred. After the experience of these major complications we have returned to the traditonal callotasis lengthening method described by llizarov.     

Arthrodesis of the knee with an intramedullary nail

The cases of twenty patients who had an arthrodesis in which an intramedullary nail was used for stabilization were reviewed at an average follow-up of six years. The predominant indications were infection after total knee arthroplasty and post-traumatic pain and instability. Other indications included aseptic loosening of the components of a total knee arthroplasty, reconstruction after resection of a giant-cell tumor, non-union of a fracture of the distal part of the femur or the proximal part of the tibia, and failed external-compression arthrodesis. Success was achieved in seventeen patients (85 per cent), and functional stability immediately postoperatively was gained in all twenty. Of the three patients in whom the arthrodesis failed, all had sustained an intraoperative fracture, and infection eventually developed. Of the twelve nails that were secured to the greater trochanter with a loop of stainless-steel wire, none showed evidence of proximal migration. Of the eight nails that were not thus secured, two migrated proximally, necessitating removal of the nail. Two drawbacks to this operation are the long duration and the large amount of blood that is lost. The major advantage is that a high percentage of patients have progression to a stable fusion despite serious problems. Furthermore, all but seven patients (including the six who had a tumor or who had sustained an intraoperative fracture) were able to bear full weight by the second postoperative week. Only a few patients needed an external support for walking.     

一期应用交锁髓内钉和/或AO外固定架治疗双侧胫骨骨折

[目的]探讨一期应用交锁髓内钉和/或AO外固定架治疗双侧胫骨骨折的临床价值和相关问题。[方法]回顾性分析自1998年4月~2006年1月间一期应用交锁髓内钉和/或AO外固定架治疗双侧胫骨骨折33例66肢。男26例,女7例;平均34.4岁。闭合骨折按AO/ASIF分型A型9肢;B型13肢;C型17肢。开放骨折按Gustio分型I型10肢;Ⅱ型6肢;ⅢA型5肢;ⅢB型4肢;ⅢC型2肢。受伤至手术时间平均为5.5d(3h~12d)。[结果]随访6个月~3年,平均16个月。66肢均达骨性愈合,骨折平均愈合时间闭合性骨折16周,开放性骨折18周,4肢延迟愈合。3肢发生浅表感染经保守治疗痊愈。按Johner-Wruh评分标准,结果优19例,良11例,可3例。优良率为90.9%。无脂肪栓塞综合征、深部感染,内固定失效及畸形愈合发生。[结论]一期应用交锁髓内钉和/或AO外固定架治疗双侧胫骨骨折操作简单,骨折端血运破坏少,固定确切,骨折愈合率高,可早期功能锻炼且疗效满意。固定方式应根据骨折类型选择最佳方法。     

Lengthening of the tibia over an intramedullary nail, using the Ilizarov external fixator. Major complications and slow consolidation in 9 lengthenings.

We lengthened 9 tibial segments over a nail to reduce the time in the external fixator in 5 patients with constitutional shortness. The median lengthening was 7 (5.5-7.3) cm and the external Ilizarov frame was removed after median 99 (63-125) days. In spite of a short time in the external fixator, consolidation was slow, with a median lengthening index of 4.4 (2.4-6.1) months/cm. The procedure resulted in 3 fatigue fractures of the intramedullary nail or interlocking screws that needed revision and bone grafting. In 1 patient, a deep intramedullary infection occurred. After the experience of these major complications we have returned to the traditional callotasis lengthening method described by Ilizarov.     

Distal tibial reconstruction with use of a circular external fixator and an intramedullary nail. The combined technique

BACKGROUND: Distal tibial reconstruction with use of an external fixator when there is bone loss, limb-length discrepancy, and/or ankle instability is associated with many problems. The technique of limb-lengthening, ankle arthrodesis, and segmental transfer over an intramedullary nail has been introduced to overcome these problems. The present study investigates this combined technique. METHODS: Between 2002 and 2005, six patients, who ranged from seventeen to seventy years old, underwent distal tibial reconstruction and ankle arthrodesis with use of a circular external fixator and an intramedullary nail to treat a distal tibial defect following resection for chronic osteomyelitis or tumor or to treat a limb-length discrepancy combined with ankle instability. Functional and radiographic results were evaluated, with use of the criteria described by Paley et al., at an average follow-up of thirty-four months. RESULTS: The mean size of the bone defects in three patients was 5.3 cm (2, 7, and 7 cm), and the mean amount of the limb-shortening in four patients was 5.25 cm (range, 4 to 6 cm). The mean external fixation time was 3.5 months, and the mean external fixator index was 0.57 mo/cm. There was no recurrence of infection in the two patients with osteomyelitis. All six patients had excellent bone results, and the functional results were excellent for two patients and good for four patients. There were four complications, three of which were categorized, according to Paley, as a problem (a difficulty that occurs during lengthening and is resolved without operative intervention) and one that was categorized as an obstacle (a difficulty that occurs during lengthening and needs operative treatment). CONCLUSIONS: The combined technique is an improvement over the classic external fixation techniques of distal tibial reconstruction with ankle arthrodesis. It reduces the duration of external fixation, thus increasing patient acceptance, and it is associated with a low complication rate facilitating more rapid rehabilitation.