Circular external fixation in knee arthrodesis following septic trauma sequelae: preliminary report

Deep infection is one of the most devastating complications after knee fractures. It may be related to the initial fracture status or, more commonly, the surgical intervention. From 1991 to 2003, 12 patients underwent knee fusion to treat resistant infection after complex knee fractures or arthrodesis fractures using the Ilizarov method and frame. There were 9 men and 3 women (mean age, 39.7 years). Two-thirds of the patients had long-standing infection and 5 patients had undergone earlier attempts at knee arthrodesis. Correction of concurrent malalignment was achieved in 2 patients. Bone transport using the same arthrodesis frame was necessary in 2 patients to overcome large bony defects. Solid fusion was achieved in all patients by the end of treatment. The average duration of external fixation was 22 weeks (range: 11-44 weeks). No patients required secondary bone grafting to achieve union. Complications occurred in 6 (50%) patients. The most common problem seen was pin tract infection, but only 2 patients required surgical intervention for its treatment. The study emphasizes the clinical success of the Ilizarov method in knee arthrodesis after infected fractures.     

Percutaneous arthrodesis

It has been generally accepted that residual cartilage and subchondral bone has to be removed in order to get bony fusion in arthrodeses. In 1998 we reported successful fusion of 11 rheumatoid ankles, all treated with percutaneous fixation only. In at least one of these ankle joint there was cartilage left. This was confirmed by arthrotomy in order to remove an osteophyte, which hindered dorsiflexion. More than 25 rheumatoid patients with functional alignment in the ankle joint have subsequently been operated on with the percutaneous technique, and so far we have had only one failure. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis are known to sometimes fuse at least their subtalar joints spontaneously, and the destructive effect of the synovitis on the cartilage could contribute to fusion when using the percutaneous technique. In a rabbit study we therefore tested the hypothesis that even a normal joint can fuse merely by percutaneous fixation. The patella was fixated to the femur with lag screw technique without removal of cartilage, and in 5 of 6 arthrodeses with stable fixation bony fusion followed. Depletion of synovial fluid seemed to be the mechanism behind cartilage disappearance. The stability of the fixation achieved at arthrodesis surgery is an important factor in determining success or failure. Dowel arthrodesis without additional fixation proved to be deleterious. A good fit of the bone surfaces appears necessary. In the ankle joint, it would be technically demanding to retain the arch-shaped geometry of the joint after resection of the cartilage. Normally the joint surfaces are resected to produce flat osteotomy surfaces that are thus easier to fit together, encouraging healing to occur. On the other hand it is considered an advantage to preserve as much subchondral bone as possible, as the strong subchondral bone plate can contribute to the stability of the arthrodesis. Ankle arthrodesis can be successfully performed in patients with rheumatoid arthritis by percutaneous screw fixation without resection of the joint surfaces. This procedure has two advantages: first, it is less surgically traumatic, second, both the arch-shaped geometry and the subchondral bone are preserved, and thus both could contribute to the postoperative stability of the construct. Intuitively, preservation of the arch-shape should increase rotational stability. The results of our experimental sawbone study indicate that the arch shape and the subchondral bone should be preserved when ankle arthrodesis is performed. The importance of this is likely to increase in weak rheumatoid bone. In a finite element study the initial stability provided by two different methods of joint preparation and different screw configurations in ankle arthrodesis, was compared. Better initial stability is predicted for ankle arthrodesis when joint contours are preserved rather than resected. Overall, inserting the two screws at a 30-degree angle with respect to the long axis of the tibia and crossing them above the fusion site improved stability for both joint preparation techniques. The question rose as to whether patients with osteoarthritis could also be operated on solely by percutaneous fixation technique. The first metatarsophalangeal joint in patients with hallux rigidus was chosen as an appropriate joint to test the percutaneous technique. In this small series we have shown that it is possible to achieve bony fusion with a percutaneous technique in an osteoarthrotic joint in humans, but failed to say anything about the fusion rate.     

Ankle arthrodesis using Ilizarov ring fixators: a review of 22 cases

BACKGROUND: Orthopaedic surgeons are being increasingly confronted with complex ankle problems that cannot be reliably treated by conventional arthrodesis procedures. The Ilizarov technique can be an alternative salvage method in such cases. METHODS: Twenty-two Ilizarov tibiotalar arthrodeses were retrospectively reviewed. There were 16 men and six women (mean age 49 years). The underlying pathology was infection after internal fixation of ankle or plafond fractures in 16 patients, posttraumatic ankle arthritis in five, and septic arthritis after an infected Achilles tendon repair in one. Five patients had at least one failed previous arthrodesis. Primary iliac crest bone grafting was done in two patients. Proximal tibial lengthening was done in six patients. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients were followed for an average of 29 months. A solid fusion was achieved in all patients by the end of treatment. The external fixation time averaged 27.7 (range 12 to 84) weeks. The mean time spent in a foot frame was 22.3 weeks. Complications occurred in 11 patients, including two nonunions that healed after revision and renewed frame application and four pin track infections. CONCLUSIONS: The use of the Ilizarov frame provides a successful salvage method that offers solid bony fusion, optimal leg length, and eradication of infection in complex ankle pathology or failed previous arthrodesis.     

Arthroscopic-Assisted Tibiotalocalcaneal Arthrodesis Using an Intramedullary Nail With Fins: A Case Report

Arthroscopic arthrodesis of the ankle has become popular because of the reduced invasiveness of the procedure and good bony consolidation compared with conventional open techniques. However, arthroscopic arthrodesis of the subtalar joint has not been as universally accepted. Rheumatoid arthritis frequently involves the talocalcaneal joint in addition to the tibiotalar joint. In such cases, simultaneous fixation of both tibiotalar and talocalcaneal joints is desirable. We undertook arthroscopic-assisted arthrodesis of the tibiotalocalcaneal joint using intramedullary nails with fins for a 76-year-old man with rheumatoid arthritis. Although the patient presented with poor skin condition and osteoporotic bone due to long-term use of systemic corticosteroids, weight bearing was allowed 2 weeks after the surgery. Solid fusion of the tibiotalocalcaneal joint occurred without any complications. Given the twin benefits of reduced invasiveness and secure fixation, this method should be considered for patients requiring both tibiotalar and talocalcaneal joint fusion, when a more extensive surgical exposure would be more risky.     

Knee arthrodesis with simultaneous lengthening using the Ilizarov method

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether knee arthrodesis with simultaneous lengthening using the Ilizarov method for a nonreconstructable knee joint with bone loss and infection is a successful salvage procedure. DESIGN: Retrospective review of patients. SETTING: University hospital-based orthopaedic practice. PATIENTS: From 1999 to 2001, 4 consecutive patients with a nonreconstructable knee joint, bone loss, and infection after trauma underwent knee arthrodesis with simultaneous lengthening. INTERVENTION: Arthrodesis of the knee with simultaneous limb lengthening through an osteotomy of the tibia and/or femur and the use of an Ilizarov frame. External bone stimulation was used at the knee arthrodesis site and the lengthening sites. Application of this device began during the early distraction phase and continued until frame removal. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Bony union at the arthrodesis and bone lengthening sites, alignment of the lower extremity, limb length discrepancy, infection, pain, and outcome scales (SF-36 scores and American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons lower limb modules). RESULTS: Bony union of the knee arthrodesis and lengthening sites and good alignment were achieved in all 4 patients. Mean amount of lengthening was 5.4 cm (range 2.5-11.5 cm). Average time in frame was 11 months (range 6-17 months). Limb length discrepancy after treatment averaged 1.8 cm (range 0.6-3.7 cm). Mean duration of follow-up after frame removal was 35 months (range 28-48 months). At follow-up, infection had not recurred, pain was not present, and assistive devices were not needed for ambulation. Average SF-36 scores improved in all 8 categories, and the average American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons lower limb modules improved from a mean of 33 (range 11-37) to a mean of 68 (range 51-76). CONCLUSION: Knee arthrodesis with simultaneous lengthening can be performed successfully using the Ilizarov method. It enables surgeons to optimize limb length during knee arthrodesis. The use of external fixation and the avoidance of internal implants may be advantageous in the presence of or history of infection. The Ilizarov frame provides stability that allows weight bearing during treatment.     

Knee arthrodesis following total knee arthroplasty in rheumatoid arthritis

Twenty-seven knees in 23 patients, all with seropositive rheumatoid arthritis and failed total knee arthroplasty, were treated by arthrodesis. Twenty of the 27 knees were solidly fused. A fusion aligned in 7 degrees +/- 5 degrees of valgus and knee flexion from zero to 30 degrees was associated with the highest rate of arthrodesis, the lowest rate of progression of disease in other joints, and the highest functional scores. Stable fixation using either internal or external fixation gave the most predictable rate of arthrodesis. Persistent sepsis and bone stock losses were associated with failure of arthrodesis, even under the best circumstances. All of the 20 successfully arthrodesed knees were completely functional.     

Radiological evaluation of ankle arthrodesis with Ilizarov fixation compared to internal fixation

IntroductionWe asked whether the type of ankle joint arthrodesis stabilization will affect: (1) rate of union, (2) rate of adjacted-joint arthritis, (3) malalignment of the ankle joint.Material and methodsWe retrospectively radiological studied 62 patients who underwent ankle arthrodesis with Ilizarov external fixator stabilization (group 1,n = 29) or internal stabilization (group 2,n = 33) from 2006 to 2015. Radiologic outcomes were mesure by: (1) rate of union, (2) rate of adjacent-joint arthritis, (3) malalignment of the ankle joint. The Levene’s test,Mann–Whitney U test and Students t-test were used to the statistical analyses.ResultsAnkle fusion was achieved in 100% of patients treated with external fixation and in 88% with internal stabilization. Desired frontal plane alignment was achieved in 100% of patients with external fixation and 76% with internal stabilization. Desired sagittal plane alignment was achieved in 100% of external fixation and 85% of internal stabilization. A total of 14 (48.3%) patients from group 1 showed a radiographic evidence of pre-existing adjacent-joint OA. The radiographic evidence of pre-existing adjacent-joint OA was also found in 27(81.8%) subjects from group 2. Alterations of adjacent joints were also found on postoperative radiograms of 19 (65.5%) patients subjected to Ilizarov fixation and in all 33 patients from group 2.DiscusionIlizarov fixation of ankle arthrodesis is associated with lower prevalence of adjacent-joint OA and ankle joint misalignment,and with higher fusion rates than after internal fixation.Although achieving a complex ankle fusion is generally challenging,radiological outcomes after fixation with the Ilizarov apparatus are better than after internal stabilization.     

Tibiocalcaneal arthrodesis using the Ilizarov technique in the presence of bone loss and infection of the talus

BACKGROUND: Infected nonunions and extrusions of the talus can often lead to below-knee amputation. Limb-salvage procedures have goals of eradicating infection and creating a painless, stable limb. Often, a tibiocalcaneal fusion is the best option; however, in the presence of infection and bone loss, it can be difficult to achieve a successful outcome using internal fixation. We review the results of circular ring external fixation to obtain a tibiocalcaneal arthrodesis despite these obstacles. METHODS: A retrospective review of 11 patients who underwent tibiocalcaneal arthrodesis using an Ilizarov external fixator for infected talar nonunions or extrusions was performed. Each patient had a debridement of all nonviable talus. The bony surfaces were prepared for the fusion followed by application of a circular ring fixator. Clinical outcomes were measured using the AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scale. There was a mean followup of 35 months. RESULTS: Nine of the 11 patients had successful fusions. One fused successfully after a revision and the other developed a stable pseudoarthrosis. Eight patients underwent concomitant lengthening with the Ilizarov fixator. Mean AOFAS score at final followup was 65. This was out of a maximum of 86 since the tibiotalar and subtalar joint motion were removed. There were no recurrent deep infections or amputations. CONCLUSIONS: Tibiocalcaneal arthrodesis using the Ilizarov technique is a viable alternative to amputation in patients with infected nonunions or large bone loss of the talus.     

Tibial lengthening and concomitant foot deformity correction in 14 patients with permanent deformity after poliomyelitis

Background In neuromuscular diseases, limb lengthening and foot deformity correction are associated with a high risk of complications associated with distraction callus and joint contracture. We have found no published articles of tibial lengthening and concomitant foot deformity correction using the Ilizarov method or traditional methods. To compare result of gradual distraction with triple arthrodesis for foot deformity combined with tibial lengthening, we investigated healing index and complications of two methods.

Patients and methods We reviewed 14 patients with permanent deformity after poliomyelitis who underwent tibial lengthening and concomitant foot deformity correction using the Ilizarov external fixator. Tibial lengthening over an intramedullary nail was performed in 3 patients and lengthening without a nail was performed in 11 patients.

Results The mean external fixation time was 6 (3.6- 10) months without nail and 1.6 (1.5-1.7) months with nail, whereas the mean healing index was 1.8 (0.8-3.1) months/cm without nail and 2 (1.8-2.3) months/cm with nail. Concomitant foot treatments included triple arthrodesis in 7 patients, pantalar arthrodesis in 2 patients with fiail ankle, and gradual foot frame distraction without bony foot procedures in 5 patients. Delayed consolidation and recurrent equinus contracture of the ankle requiring additional lengthening of the Achilles tendon were the most common bone and joint complications during tibial lengthening.

Interpretation The gradual foot frame distraction method was associated with major complications, such as recurrent foot deformity, joint luxation, and arthritis. We therefore recommend triple arthrodesis as a concomitant procedure during tibial lengthening     

Tibial lengthening and concomitant foot deformity correction in 14 patients with permanent deformity after poliomyelitis

BACKGROUND: In neuromuscular diseases, limb lengthening and foot deformity correction are associated with a high risk of complications associated with distraction callus and joint contracture. We have found no published articles of tibial lengthening and concomitant foot deformity correction using the Ilizarov method or traditional methods. To compare result of gradual distraction with triple arthrodesis for foot deformity combined with tibial lengthening, we investigated healing index and complications of two methods. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We reviewed 14 patients with permanent deformity after poliomyelitis who underwent tibial lengthening and concomitant foot deformity correction using the Ilizarov external fixator. Tibial lengthening over an intramedullary nail was performed in 3 patients and lengthening without a nail was performed in 11 patients. RESULTS: The mean external fixation time was 6 (3.6-10) months without nail and 1.6 (1.5-1.7) months with nail, whereas the mean healing index was 1.8 (0.8-3.1) months/cm without nail and 2 (1.8-2.3) months/cm with nail. Concomitant foot treatments included triple arthrodesis in 7 patients, pantalar arthrodesis in 2 patients with flail ankle, and gradual foot frame distraction without bony foot procedures in 5 patients. Delayed consolidation and recurrent equinus contracture of the ankle requiring additional lengthening of the Achilles tendon were the most common bone and joint complications during tibial lengthening. INTERPRETATION: The gradual foot frame distraction method was associated with major complications, such as recurrent foot deformity, joint luxation, and arthritis. We therefore recommend triple arthrodesis as a concomitant procedure during tibial lengthening     

经椎板关节突螺钉固定治疗下腰椎不稳

目的探讨关节突螺钉固定在下腰椎退行性不稳定患者手术中应用的临床效果。方法对19例退行性腰椎不稳患者采用后路椎板开窗减压，椎间植骨融合，经椎板关节突螺钉固定。结果19例随访6—36个月（平均21个月），椎间植骨融合率6个月时为86％，1年时为93％，临床症状消失，满意率92％。未出现断钉。结论采用后路椎板减压，经椎板关节突螺钉固定加椎间植骨能提高椎间融合率，使小关节稳定，解除临床症状。     

Arthrodesis following knee arthroplasty

In 44 failed total arthroplasties of the knee joint, arthrodesis was attempted (1970-1986). The interval between implantation of the total knee arthroplasty and diagnosis of infection was more than 2 years on average. Removal of the arthroplasty and arthrodesis was performed about 1 year later. In 80% of the knees, compression arthrodesis using an AO plate was used 34 times, with solid fusion occurring after 6 months. External fixation was used in 10 patients; rate of solid fusion was only 60%. The reasons for delayed union or failure had to do with reduced bone stock in the metaphysis with poor bone quality, inadequate fixation, and uncontrolled infections.     

Ilizarov frame fixation without bone graft for atrophic humeral shaft nonunion: 28 patients with a minimum 2-year follow-up

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the outcomes of patients with atrophic humeral shaft nonunion (HSNU) treated by Ilizarov frame fixation without the use of bone graft. DESIGN: A retrospective review of 28 consecutive patients treated in 1 center between 1996 and 2002. SETTING: Tertiary referral center. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We studied 28 consecutive patients: 12 male and 16 female. Of the patients, 21 had been previously operated (15 by internal fixation using compression plates, 3 by intramedullary nailing, and 3 by external fixation), and 9 of those 21 patients also had failed revision procedures; 7 patients had been treated nonoperatively from the time of injury to the time of the index procedure for HSNU. Mean age at the time of the index operation was 44 years (16-73 years). INTERVENTION: Removal of the previous fixation device, excision of fibrous tissue at the HSNU site, opening of the intramedullary canal, excision of avascular bony ends, and stabilization fixation and compression of the humerus with an Ilizarov circular frame (proximal semicircular ring) using smooth 1.8-mm K-wires. No bone graft was used. The mean postoperative follow-up was 76 months (24-174 months). MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Radiologic union using plain radiographs. Clinical and functional outcome using the Lammens system, which evaluates pain, range of shoulder and elbow movements (and their limitations), and humeral alignment and union. Patient subjective outcomes were assessed using a 4-point patient satisfaction questionnaire. RESULTS: Bony union was achieved in all 28 cases after a mean of 4.1 months (3.4-5.7 months). There were 6 superficial pin tract infections (which resolved with antibiotics) and 1 transient radial nerve palsy (which resolved at 2.5 months). One patient refractured his humeral shaft following a fall, but the fracture successfully united 5.7 months later after a further Ilizarov frame application. All patients had good or excellent functional outcomes and range of shoulder and elbow movements as rated by the Lammens scoring system. CONCLUSIONS: Ilizarov circular frame fixation without bone graft is a reliable method for the treatment of atrophic nonunion of the humerus, even after failed previous surgery.     

Long-term results of digital arthrodesis with the Harrison-Nicolle peg

This study determined the long-term success of digital arthrodesis with the Harrison-Nicolle peg. We reviewed 90 digital joints in 60 patients fused with the peg between 1986 and 1998 at a mean follow-up of 6 (range 2-11) years. The prime indication for surgery was rheumatoid arthritis. The early complication rate was 8%. At 1 month 89% of joints were pain-free and stable. In the long-term follow up, 96% of the joints were pain-free and stable, with the original angle of fusion. 85% achieved bony fusion, with no clinical difference between bony and fibrous fusion. Overall there was a significantly higher complication rate in the distal interphalangeal joint. We conclude that, with the exception of the distal interphalangeal joint, the Harrison-Nicolle peg is extremely effective for digital arthrodesis in the rheumatoid patient.     

Use of the Taylor Spatial Frame in Compression Arthrodesis of the Ankle: A Study of 10 Cases

Ankle fusion is a well established way of managing a variety of recalcitrant ankle pathologies including severe osteoarthritis and infected malunion of ankle fractures. Compression arthrodesis has been a widely accepted surgical means of achieving ankle fusion. The authors describe compression arthrodesis of the tibiotalar joint in 10 cases using the Taylor-Spatial Frame (TSF). From 2003 to 2005, 10 patients (9 male and 1 female) aged between 48 and 71 years (median age 61 years) underwent application of the TSF to achieve compression arthrodesis of 10 ankle joints. The TSF is an external fixator system supported by a computer program. After input of the radiological deformities referenced to one of the rings, the computer provides the detailed strut adjustments necessary to bring about gradual correction. The underlying pathology was severe posttraumatic arthritis (2 cases), malunion (1 case), nonunion of pilon fracture (1 case), and infected ankle (1 case). Five cases presented with previous failed surgical arthrodesis. Clinical, subjective, objective, and radiological analyses were performed regularly and at the end of an average follow-up of 16.7 months (range 12–26 months). Solid fusion in anatomical alignment with return to a fully functional status was obtained in 10 out of 10 ankles. The TSF has shown encouraging results as a simple, effective and versatile means of achieving compression arthrodesis of the ankle joint.     

骨外固定支架技术在踝关节融合与矫形中的应用

目的 探讨骨外固定支架技术在踝关节融合与矫形中的疗效.方法 2001年1月至2009年6月采用外固定支架技术治疗27例踝关节创伤性患者,男18例,女9例;年龄32～68岁,平均41岁.其中创伤性关节炎13例,地方性大骨节病3例,骨关节炎5例,结核性踝关节炎2例,踝关节置换术后失败3例,骨髓炎1例.为保证骨对骨加压接触行外固定支架固定.结果 所有患者术后获6～38个月(平均10个月)随访.随访发现关节无肿胀和疼痛,行走步态和功能明显改善,X线片示关节均获骨性融合.结论 外固定支架技术用于踝关节融合率高,对踝关节感染及复合足踝关节畸形有一定优势性.

Abstract：

Objective To study the curative effect of external fixation in ankle joint arthrodesis.Methods From January 2001 to June 2009, we used external fixation in arthrodesis for 27 cases of traumatic ankle joint They were 18 males and 9 females, with an average age of 41 years (range, 32 to 68 years) . There were 13 cases of traumatic osteoarthritis of the ankle joint, 3 cases of local kaschin beck disease, 5 cases of ankle osteoarthritis, 2 cases of tuberculous ankle arthritis, 3 cases of ankle replacement failure, one case of osteomyelitis. Fibular flap grafts were used in 8 cases, bone autografts in 11 cases, bone allografts in 2 cases,and combined bone grafts in 11 cases. External fixation was applied for all cases to ensure compressive contact between bone ends. Results The patients were followed up for 6 to 38 months (average, 10 months). No pain or swelling was found at the ankle joint. Significant improvements were made in walking gait and function of the ankle. X-ray films verified bony fusion in all cases. Conclusion External fixation can lead to a high rate of bony fusion of the ankle joint, and is advantageous for treatment of ankle infection and combined deformity of the ankle and foot.     

Supercharged free fibula for complex ankle arthrodesis: a case report

We report the successful use of a supercharged free fibula for tibial reconstruction and ankle arthrodesis. A 28-year-old woman underwent resection of a giant cell tumor of the distal tibia and reconstruction using a methyl methacrylate cement spacer 12 years prior. The spacer eroded into her ankle joint causing significant pain with ambulation. Therefore, she required ankle arthrodesis but lacked distal tibia bone stock. The ipsilateral fibula was harvested for reconstruction and transferred on its distal blood supply into the bony tibial defect. The proximal blood supply of the fibula flap was then anastomosed to the posterior tibial vessels to supercharge the blood supply. An Ilizarov was placed for external fixation. The combination of a supercharged free fibula and stable external fixation for tibial reconstruction led to timely bony union and ambulation, as well as avoiding the potential complications that can occur with other reconstructive options.     

Compression arthrodesis of finger joints

Compression arthrodesis is useful for treatment of finger and thumb joints in arthrosis, scleroderma, hypermobile joints, paralytic deformities, and rheumatoid arthritis. A dorsal incision exposes the joint. Its surfaces are prepared in a ball-and-socket arrangement using a high-speed burr. A longitudinal pin 1.1 mm in diameter is passed distally and then retrograde to determine the angle of fusion and to prevent migration of bone ends as the longitudinal compression is applied. Transverse pins 1.5 mm in diameter are put in one-third of the distance from the joint. A Charnley clamp, as modified by Micks and Hager, is applied and tightened. At 6 weeks, the arthrodesis is checked for solidity and, if stable, X-rays are examined for new bone. When solid, the joints should be protected by external splinting for an additional 2 weeks to be sure that the fusion is complete. Compression arthrodesis was obtained in 49 of 54 joints. Solid fusion was usually attained within 6 weeks, without loss of mobility of other joints.     

Knee Joint Bone Defects: Reconstruction With Bone Transport and Arthrodesis

BackgroundThe increasing in primary total knee arthroplasty has led to an increase in infectious complications, revision surgery, and bone loss. Knee joint bone defects (KJBD) may be managed using bone transport and arthrodesis with Ilizarov or bone transport over nail (BTON) techniques. The aim of this study is to compare both techniques in the reconstruction of KJBDs.MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study of 29 patients with extensive KJBD. All patients underwent reconstruction of the KJBD using bone transport (either Ilizarov or BTON techniques). The primary outcome variables for comparison between the two groups included time in frame (days), external fixation index (EFI, days/cm), residual limb length discrepancy (cm), and complications (Caton classification).ResultsGender and age profiles were comparable. Mean time spent in frame for bone transport was 566 days (σ = 236, 95% CI 429-702) for the Ilizarov cohort and 191 days (σ = 162, 95% CI 101-280) for BTON (P < .0001). EFI for the period of bone transport was 75.1 d/cm (σ = 41.5, 95% CI 51.1- 99.1) for the Ilizarov cohort and 24.7 d/cm (σ = 24.0, 95% CI 11.4-38) for BTON (P = .0004). Union, limb length discrepancy and complication rates were comparable between both groups.ConclusionFor the management of KJBD after failed total knee arthroplasty, BTON is preferred due to significantly less time spent in frame, lower EFI, and higher rates of normal mechanical alignment. The Ilizarov method may be useful when there is a contraindication to BTON.