Treatment of tibial defect and bone nonunion with limb shortening with external fixator and reconstituted bone xenograft

Objective: To explore the effect of external fixator and reconstituted bone xenograft (RBX) in the treatment of tibial bone defect, tibial bone nonunion and congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia with limb shortening. Methods : Twenty patients ( 13 males and 7 females)with tibial bone defect, tibial bone nonunion or congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia with limb shortening were treated with external fixation, Two kinds of external fixators were used: a half ring sulcated external fixator used in 13 patients and a combined external fixator in 7 patients.Foot-drop was corrected at the same time with external fixation in 4 patients. The shortened length of the tibia was in the range of 2-9 cm, with an average of 4.8 cm. For bone grafting, RBX was used in 12 patients, autogenous ilium was used in 3 patients and autogenous fibula was implanted as a bone plug into the medullary canal in 1 case,and no bone graft was used in 4 patients. Results: All the 20 patients were followed-up for 8 months to 7 years, averaging 51 months. Satisfactory function of the affected extremities was obtained. All the shortened extremities were lengthened to the expected length. For all the lengthening area and the fracture sites,bone union was obtained at the last. The average healing time of 12 patients treated with RBX was 4.8 months. Conclusions: Both the half ring sulcated external fixator and the combined external fixator have the advantages of small trauma, simple operation, elastic fixation without stress shielding and non-limitation from local soft tissue conditions, and there is satisfactory functional recovery of affected extremities in the treatment of tibial bone defects, tibial bone nonunion and congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia combined with limb shortening.RBX has good biocompatibility and does not cause immunological rejections. It can also be safely used in treatment of bone nonunion and has reliable effect to promote bone healing.     

Treatment of ipsilateral femoral neck and shaft fractures

Objective：To investigate the clinical characteristics, treatment options and causes of misdiagnosis of ipsilateral femoral neck and shaft fractures.
Methods： Among 20 patients with ipsilateral femoral neck and shaft fractures, 19 were treated operatively and 1 was treated conservatively. Sixteen cases of femoral shaft fractures were treated by open reduction and internal fixation with compressive plate, and 2 cases were treated with interlocking intramedullary nailing. Eighteen femoral neck fractures were treated with cannulated screws. Another patient was treated with proximal femoral nail to fix both the neck and shaft. Delayed diagnosis for femoral neck frac-tures occurred in 2 cases preoperatively. Results： A total of 19 patients were followed up. The follow up period ranged from 5 to 48 months with an average of 15 months. All the fractures were healed.
Conclusion： For case of femoral shaft fracture caused by high energy injury, an AP pelvic film should be routinely taken. Once the femoral neck fracture is recognized, operative reduction and fixation should be performed in time. Femoral neck and shaft fractures should be fixed separately.     

游离肌皮瓣移植治疗难治性小腿和足部创伤后骨髓炎

Objective To evaluate the efficiency of free myocutaneous flap transfer for the treatment of refractory post-traumatic osteomyelitis of the lower leg and foot. Methods Eleven patients with refractory post-traumatic osteomyelitis of the lower legs and feet were treated between February 2004 and December 2007. There were 9 males and 2 females. The average age was 3.5 years. All patients had at least four to five unsuccessful surgical procedures and prolonged antibiotic treatment prior to presentation. The mean duration of osteomyelitis was 26 months (12-47 months). According to the Ciemy-Mader classification, there were 3 cases for ⅢA, 2 for ⅢBL, 4 for ⅥA and 2 for ⅥBL. After radical debridement, free myocutaneous flaps were immediately performed. Nine latissimus dorsi and 2 rectus abdominis myocutaneous flaps were used.External fixation was applied in 6 patients with skeletal instability due to tibial defects. Results An average follow-up was 3.5 years. Two cases suffered partial necrosis and were managed successfully with split-thickness skin grafts later. In 4 patients of presenting segmental bone defect, autogenous bone grafting was applied in one patient and achieved consolidation after 5 months; bone transplantation in 2 patients and achieved consolidation after 8 and 10 months; and vascularized fibula graft in one patient in whom the gap of the tibia was about 10 cm and achieved consolidation after 4 months. The other 7 patients of this group achieved bone consolidation without bone graft. Conclusion The cornerstone of the treatment of chronic osteomyelitis was to be the radical debridement of all involved necrotic and infected soft tissue and bone.The free myocutaneous flaps transfer which has the advantage of obliteration of dead space and stable coverage of the defect was a safe and viable treatment option in chronic osteomyelitis of the lower leg and foot.     

前置钢板微创固定治疗肱骨干中下段骨折的可行性研究

Objective To evaluate effects of minimal invasive plating for treatment of mid-distal humeral shaft fractures.Methods From May 2004 to December 2007, 20 patients with isolated unilat-eral mid-distal third humeral shaft fractures were surgically treated with close reduction and internal fixation using a 4.5 mm dynamic compression plate which was anteriorly inserted through 2 small incisions on the anterior aspects of proximal and distal parts of the arm, away from the fracture site.The postoperative function of the radial nerve and the musculocutaneous nerve, the postoperative alignment of the main fragments on the anteroposterior radiographs, the bone healing time and muscle strength of biceps muscles were measured and recorded, Results Four patients complained of numbness at the area innervated by the lateral ante-braehial cutaneous nerve in the affected forearm after the surgery.No signs of iatrogenic radial nerve palsies occurred after the surgery.A completely normal alignment was achieved in 7 patients, but varus of 11° was found in 2 cases and varus of 2°, 3°, 4°, 5°, 6°, 7° and 10° in one each.Valgus deformity was noticed in 4 cases, and valgus of 3°, 4°, 6° and 7° in one each.The mean follow-up of 10.4 months for 19 patients re-vealed bony union of all the fractures.The average bone healing time was 13.4 weeks.At the latest follow-up, the biceps muscle strength of all the patients was 5 degrees.Hardwires were removed in 5 patients without any complications.Conclusions Minimally invasive anterior plating is a safe alternative osteosynthesis for mid-distal third humeral shaft fractures.However, this technique may interfere with the function of the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve.     

前置钢板微创固定治疗肱骨干中下段骨折的可行性研究

Objective To evaluate effects of minimal invasive plating for treatment of mid-distal humeral shaft fractures.Methods From May 2004 to December 2007, 20 patients with isolated unilat-eral mid-distal third humeral shaft fractures were surgically treated with close reduction and internal fixation using a 4.5 mm dynamic compression plate which was anteriorly inserted through 2 small incisions on the anterior aspects of proximal and distal parts of the arm, away from the fracture site.The postoperative function of the radial nerve and the musculocutaneous nerve, the postoperative alignment of the main fragments on the anteroposterior radiographs, the bone healing time and muscle strength of biceps muscles were measured and recorded, Results Four patients complained of numbness at the area innervated by the lateral ante-braehial cutaneous nerve in the affected forearm after the surgery.No signs of iatrogenic radial nerve palsies occurred after the surgery.A completely normal alignment was achieved in 7 patients, but varus of 11° was found in 2 cases and varus of 2°, 3°, 4°, 5°, 6°, 7° and 10° in one each.Valgus deformity was noticed in 4 cases, and valgus of 3°, 4°, 6° and 7° in one each.The mean follow-up of 10.4 months for 19 patients re-vealed bony union of all the fractures.The average bone healing time was 13.4 weeks.At the latest follow-up, the biceps muscle strength of all the patients was 5 degrees.Hardwires were removed in 5 patients without any complications.Conclusions Minimally invasive anterior plating is a safe alternative osteosynthesis for mid-distal third humeral shaft fractures.However, this technique may interfere with the function of the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve.     

前置钢板微创固定治疗肱骨干中下段骨折的可行性研究

Objective To evaluate effects of minimal invasive plating for treatment of mid-distal humeral shaft fractures.Methods From May 2004 to December 2007, 20 patients with isolated unilat-eral mid-distal third humeral shaft fractures were surgically treated with close reduction and internal fixation using a 4.5 mm dynamic compression plate which was anteriorly inserted through 2 small incisions on the anterior aspects of proximal and distal parts of the arm, away from the fracture site.The postoperative function of the radial nerve and the musculocutaneous nerve, the postoperative alignment of the main fragments on the anteroposterior radiographs, the bone healing time and muscle strength of biceps muscles were measured and recorded, Results Four patients complained of numbness at the area innervated by the lateral ante-braehial cutaneous nerve in the affected forearm after the surgery.No signs of iatrogenic radial nerve palsies occurred after the surgery.A completely normal alignment was achieved in 7 patients, but varus of 11° was found in 2 cases and varus of 2°, 3°, 4°, 5°, 6°, 7° and 10° in one each.Valgus deformity was noticed in 4 cases, and valgus of 3°, 4°, 6° and 7° in one each.The mean follow-up of 10.4 months for 19 patients re-vealed bony union of all the fractures.The average bone healing time was 13.4 weeks.At the latest follow-up, the biceps muscle strength of all the patients was 5 degrees.Hardwires were removed in 5 patients without any complications.Conclusions Minimally invasive anterior plating is a safe alternative osteosynthesis for mid-distal third humeral shaft fractures.However, this technique may interfere with the function of the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve.     

前置钢板微创固定治疗肱骨干中下段骨折的可行性研究

Objective To evaluate effects of minimal invasive plating for treatment of mid-distal humeral shaft fractures.Methods From May 2004 to December 2007, 20 patients with isolated unilat-eral mid-distal third humeral shaft fractures were surgically treated with close reduction and internal fixation using a 4.5 mm dynamic compression plate which was anteriorly inserted through 2 small incisions on the anterior aspects of proximal and distal parts of the arm, away from the fracture site.The postoperative function of the radial nerve and the musculocutaneous nerve, the postoperative alignment of the main fragments on the anteroposterior radiographs, the bone healing time and muscle strength of biceps muscles were measured and recorded, Results Four patients complained of numbness at the area innervated by the lateral ante-braehial cutaneous nerve in the affected forearm after the surgery.No signs of iatrogenic radial nerve palsies occurred after the surgery.A completely normal alignment was achieved in 7 patients, but varus of 11° was found in 2 cases and varus of 2°, 3°, 4°, 5°, 6°, 7° and 10° in one each.Valgus deformity was noticed in 4 cases, and valgus of 3°, 4°, 6° and 7° in one each.The mean follow-up of 10.4 months for 19 patients re-vealed bony union of all the fractures.The average bone healing time was 13.4 weeks.At the latest follow-up, the biceps muscle strength of all the patients was 5 degrees.Hardwires were removed in 5 patients without any complications.Conclusions Minimally invasive anterior plating is a safe alternative osteosynthesis for mid-distal third humeral shaft fractures.However, this technique may interfere with the function of the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve.     

前置钢板微创固定治疗肱骨干中下段骨折的可行性研究

Objective To evaluate effects of minimal invasive plating for treatment of mid-distal humeral shaft fractures.Methods From May 2004 to December 2007, 20 patients with isolated unilat-eral mid-distal third humeral shaft fractures were surgically treated with close reduction and internal fixation using a 4.5 mm dynamic compression plate which was anteriorly inserted through 2 small incisions on the anterior aspects of proximal and distal parts of the arm, away from the fracture site.The postoperative function of the radial nerve and the musculocutaneous nerve, the postoperative alignment of the main fragments on the anteroposterior radiographs, the bone healing time and muscle strength of biceps muscles were measured and recorded, Results Four patients complained of numbness at the area innervated by the lateral ante-braehial cutaneous nerve in the affected forearm after the surgery.No signs of iatrogenic radial nerve palsies occurred after the surgery.A completely normal alignment was achieved in 7 patients, but varus of 11° was found in 2 cases and varus of 2°, 3°, 4°, 5°, 6°, 7° and 10° in one each.Valgus deformity was noticed in 4 cases, and valgus of 3°, 4°, 6° and 7° in one each.The mean follow-up of 10.4 months for 19 patients re-vealed bony union of all the fractures.The average bone healing time was 13.4 weeks.At the latest follow-up, the biceps muscle strength of all the patients was 5 degrees.Hardwires were removed in 5 patients without any complications.Conclusions Minimally invasive anterior plating is a safe alternative osteosynthesis for mid-distal third humeral shaft fractures.However, this technique may interfere with the function of the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve.     

前置钢板微创固定治疗肱骨干中下段骨折的可行性研究

Objective To evaluate effects of minimal invasive plating for treatment of mid-distal humeral shaft fractures.Methods From May 2004 to December 2007, 20 patients with isolated unilat-eral mid-distal third humeral shaft fractures were surgically treated with close reduction and internal fixation using a 4.5 mm dynamic compression plate which was anteriorly inserted through 2 small incisions on the anterior aspects of proximal and distal parts of the arm, away from the fracture site.The postoperative function of the radial nerve and the musculocutaneous nerve, the postoperative alignment of the main fragments on the anteroposterior radiographs, the bone healing time and muscle strength of biceps muscles were measured and recorded, Results Four patients complained of numbness at the area innervated by the lateral ante-braehial cutaneous nerve in the affected forearm after the surgery.No signs of iatrogenic radial nerve palsies occurred after the surgery.A completely normal alignment was achieved in 7 patients, but varus of 11° was found in 2 cases and varus of 2°, 3°, 4°, 5°, 6°, 7° and 10° in one each.Valgus deformity was noticed in 4 cases, and valgus of 3°, 4°, 6° and 7° in one each.The mean follow-up of 10.4 months for 19 patients re-vealed bony union of all the fractures.The average bone healing time was 13.4 weeks.At the latest follow-up, the biceps muscle strength of all the patients was 5 degrees.Hardwires were removed in 5 patients without any complications.Conclusions Minimally invasive anterior plating is a safe alternative osteosynthesis for mid-distal third humeral shaft fractures.However, this technique may interfere with the function of the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve.     

Elastic intramedullary nail for treatment of extremity fractures in children

Objective： To assess the clinical therapeutic effects of elastic intramedullary nail on extremity fractures in children.
Methods： From June 2005 to March 2008, 40 children with extremity fractures were treated by elastic intramedullary nail, in whom femoral shaft fractures occurred in 26 cases, tibiofibular fractures in 8 cases, radial capitular fractures in 4 cases, ulnoradial fractures in 2 cases. All patients were treated by closed reduction and elastic intramedullary nail fixation. Results： All the fractures gained satisfactory reduction and healing. The average duration needed for fracturehealing was 1-2 months. Postoperative follow-up confirmed a sound functional recovery.
Conclusions： The elastic intramedullary nail is a minimally invasive and effective surgical approach for treatment of extremity fractures in children. It allows early functional exercises after operation and secures a satisfactory bone union and functional recovery.     

皮瓣联合外固定架治疗胫骨骨折伴小腿软组织缺损

目的 探讨小腿软组织缺损伴有胫骨骨折或骨缺损、骨髓炎的有效治疗方法。方法 对45例小腿大面积软组织缺损同时伴有胫骨骨折或骨缺损、骨髓炎的病例，采用游离皮瓣腓肠神经营养血管皮瓣和筋膜皮瓣及腓肠肌内、外侧头肌皮瓣转位等加外固定架结合的方法治疗。结果 除1例骨髓炎外，全部病例小腿创面均愈合。采用半环架与皮瓣结合治疗37例，其骨折愈合时间为6～14个月；力臂式外固定架的6例愈合时间为1年～2年8个月；组合式外固定的2例愈合时间为1年2个月。结论 半环架与皮瓣结合是治疗小腿大面积软组织缺损伴有骨折、骨缺损或骨髓炎的一种良好方法。     

Unilateral external fixator in the treatment of lower third humeral shaft fractures

Lowerthirdhumeralshaftfracturesareoftenmanifestedbyoblique,spiralorcomminutedfractureswithahighincidenceofcomplicatingradialnerveinjury.Thispartofhumerusisirregularanatomicallyandneartheelbowjoint.Soitisdifficult toselectproperinternalfixationinstrumentswhile exploringradialnervethroughanterolateralapproach,whichaddsdifficultyinthetreatmentofthiskindof fractures.Inrecent6yearsweusedunilateralexternal fixatorstotreatsuchkindoffracturesinourdepartment andsatisfactoryresultswereachieved.METHOD…     

Management of infected tibial intramedullary nailing using an organized treatment protocol

Twenty cases of osteomyelitis following intramedullary nailing of the tibial shaft fracture were managed with a prospective treatment protocol comprising intramedullary reaming debridement, antibiotic-bead depot, external skeletal fixation, microvascular muscle flap and early cancellous bone grafting. The follow-up period ranged from 25 to 48 months (average, 34.3 months). Pseudomonas aeruginosa (37.5%) and staphylococcus aureus (20.8%) were the organisms most commonly involved. There were 8 united and 12 ununited fractures after reaming debridement surgery. Nineteen infections were initially arrested by one debridement. One infection was arrested by two sequential debridements. All 12 ununited fractures were stabilized by Hoffmann unilateral external fixation until the fracture healed. The time spent in external fixation ranged from 3 to 7 months (average, 5.2 months). Early cancellous bone grafting was successfully accomplished for 9 ununited fractures with major debridement bone loss. The average union time of the 9 fractures with bone grafting was 7.2 months (range, from 6 to 8 months). We believe that this treatment protocol gives a predictable and rapid recovery. The complications were infection recurrence in two cases at the old tibial shaft fracture sites, minor pin tract infection of Hoffmann external fixators in two cases, and stiffness in two ankles and one knee.     

游离腓骨骨皮瓣加单臂外固定架治疗胫骨骨缺损

目的 探讨游离腓骨骨皮瓣治疗胫骨骨缺损的方法和临床疗效.方法 采用吻合血管的游腓骨骨皮瓣移植加单臂外固定架治疗12例因创伤、慢性骨髓炎导致的胫骨骨缺损患者.结果 患者腓骨骨皮瓣携带皮岛血运均良好,切口均一期愈合.12例均获随访,时间12~48个月.全部骨性愈合,患者恢复行走功能.结论 吻合血管的游离腓骨骨皮瓣移植加单臂外固定架治疗胫骨骨缺损临床疗效满意.     

同侧股骨干、胫骨多段骨折的治疗

目的同侧股骨干、胫骨多段骨折固定的意义。方法本组32例分别采用加压钢板、带锁髓内钉、单边外固定架固定。结果随访6个月～3年，骨折愈合，肢体功能恢复参照HSS计分方法，优25例，占80．6％；良4例，占12．9％；差2例，占6．4％。结论同侧股骨干、胫骨多段骨折采用急诊手术固定，选择对骨折端扰乱较小的外固定架和加压钢板、带锁髓内钉固定治疗，是防止并发症，降低致残率，早期功能锻炼，恢复肢体功能的较好方法。     

Plates versus external fixation in severe open tibial shaft fractures. A randomized trial

A prospective study of 59 patients with Grade II or III open tibial shaft fractures compared internal and external fixation. Bony stabilization was with plating by AO principles or with external fixation with the one-half pin technique, prospectively randomized. In 12 cases, minimal internal fixation of the tibia and external fixation were combined. Definitive wound closure was delayed in all cases. Three free-flap transfers and two gastrocnemius myoplasties were done; vascular injury necessitated three early limb amputations. Fifty-six patients were followed for at least one year. Five plate fixations (19%) were complicated by severe osteomyelitis, and three plate fixations failed. Severe osteomyelitis occurred in one case (3%) treated with external fixation. Three pin-tract infections occurred. In two patients, a 10 degrees anteroposterior angulation occurred after external fixation removal. One patient healed with a 25 degrees external rotation deformity. At final follow-up evaluation, all tibial shaft fractures had healed. Knee and ankle ranges of motion were affected by ipsilateral femoral shaft fracture, knee injury, or ankle and foot trauma but not by the type of fixation. Both methods yielded excellent results, but the rate and extent of complications were lower with external fixation. Therefore, external fixation using the one-half pin technique should be regarded as a primary method of stabilization for Grades II and III open tibial shaft fractures.     

One-stage emergency treatment of open tibial shaft fractures with bone loss. Specifics and indications

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to report our experience in the reconstruction of severe tibial shaft fractures in emergency treatment. PATIENTS: Five male patients were admitted to the emergency room with a grade IIIB open tibial shaft fracture with bone loss, one patient with a grade IIIA open tibial fracture with massive articular bone loss and one patient with a grade IIIC open tibial fracture. INTERVENTION: Primary one-stage management was the same for the five patients with a grade IIIB: debridement, stabilization by locked intramedullary nailing, bone grafting from iliac crest. Skin loss was covered in the same operative time using free muscle flaps (four latissimus dorsi, one gracilis). For the patient with massive articular and diaphyseal bone loss, a vascularized fibula transfer with arthrodesis was performed one day after the trauma. For the patient with grade IIIC open tibial fracture, a shortening was performed in emergency treatment. RESULTS: The average follow-up was 21 months (range: eight months to 3.5 years). Partial weight-bearing was started at three months and the time of full weight-bearing was five months after the trauma. No angular complication and no non-union were observed. We noted one superficial infection without osteitis. All fractures healed within five to ten months (mean: 8.5 months). At the last follow-up, ankle and knee motion was normal and no pain was noted, except for the patient who had an arthrodesis and another who had associated lesions. CONCLUSION: We think that "aggressive" emergency management for severe open tibial fractures gives good results. It significantly reduces tissue loss from infection and improves healing and rehabilitation times.     

Open tibial fractures grade IIIC treated successfully with external fixation,negative‐pressure wound therapy and recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 7

The aim of the therapy in open tibial fractures grade III was to cover the bone with soft tissue and achieve healed fracture without persistent infection. Open tibial fractures grade IIIC with massive soft tissue damage require combined orthopaedic, vascular and plastic–reconstructive procedures. Negative‐pressure wound therapy (NPWT), used in two consecutive cases with open fracture grade IIIC of the tibia diaphysis, healed extensive soft tissue defect with exposure of the bone. NPWT eventually allowed for wound closure by split skin graft within 21–25 days. Ilizarov external fixator combined with application of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐7 at the site of delayed union enhanced definitive bone healing within 16–18 months.     

Comparison of the mechanical performance of three types of unilateral,dynamizable external fixators

Due to the increasing popularity of unilateral dynamizable external fixators for treating tibial shaft fractures, many new devices are being introduced onto the market. Especially in such half-frame fixators, the choice of any particular device depends above all on the stability of its construction. This study compares the biomechanical stability of three systems tested in axial compression, torsion, and both anterior-posterior and medial-lateral bending. In terms of the nondynamized phase, the AO/ASIF tubular fixator (as a one-plane, double-tube, unilateral frame) and the Martin Mono-Dynafix are, in general, less stable than the Orthofix fixator. After dynamization, the AO/ASIF system becomes particularly weak and offers low resistance especially to torque and any force that is perpendicular to the plane of assembly. The other two tested devices evinced much more stability; the Orthofix fixator seems superior to the Dynafix due to the different diameter of its screws.     

Half-ring external fixation in the management of tibial plafond fractures

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the management of tibial plafond fractures with a half-ring external fixator using half pins. DESIGN: Prospective. SETTING: University teaching hospital. PATIENTS: Twenty-four patients with AO Type A or C tibial plafond fractures. OUTCOME MEASURES: Outcome was assessed by using standard criteria of time to union, incidence of infection and malunion, and incidence of pin-tract sepsis. Functional return was assessed by measuring hindfoot function. A scoring system, incorporating clinical and radiological results, was used to rate the results. RESULTS: When using closed or minimally open reduction techniques and interfragmentary screw fixation for the articular component of the fractures, the results of using a half-ring external fixator with half-pins were comparable with those of using small wire fixators. There was a 4.2 percent incidence of infection, and 75 percent of the patients had good or excellent results. CONCLUSIONS: A half-ring external fixator using half-pins produces results that are comparable to those obtained with small wire external fixation. However, the technique is easier and safer.