Open cancellous bone grafting of infected bone defects

A historical review of the role of cancellous bone grafting in the management of bone infections is presented. The technique of open cancellous bone grafting is explained in detail, along with the early experience of the author. The indications, advantages, disadvantages, and limitations of this technique are discussed.     

Results of vancomycin-impregnated cancellous bone grafting for infected tibial nonunion

Introduction Bone grafting plays a critical role in promoting bone healing in infected nonunion, although recurrent infection is of concern. Cancellous bone grafting as an antibiotic delivery system has been reported as an effective method to combat infections. In this study, we report the clinical results of vancomycin-impregnated cancellous bone grafting for the treatment of infected tibial nonunion.Materials and methods Between January 1996 and March 2001, 18 patients with infected tibial nonunion treated with vancomycin-impregnated cancellous bone grafting were available for follow-up. According to the Cierny-Mader classification, all patients belonged to type IVA and IVB osteomyelitis. Adequate debridement, stabilization with external fixation, and staged vancomycin-impregnated cancellous bone grafting were used in all patients. Regular clinical and radiographic follow-ups were conducted.Results Infection control was obtained in all 18 patients with a 100% infection arrest rate. Bone union was achieved in 13 of 18 patients at an average of 5.8 months. Bone union was obtained subsequently in the remaining five patients after closed nailing in four, and plating and bone grafting in one patient. Radiographs showed good consolidation and hypertrophy of grafted bone at an average follow-up of 48 months.Conclusion We conclude that vancomycin-impregnated cancellous bone grafting is a safe method for the treatment of infected tibial nonunion.     

Ilizarov's method in infected tibial pseudarthrosis and for reconstruction of bone defects

The authors describe Ilizarov's method for the treatment of infected tibial pseudarthrosis and for reconstruction of diaphyseal bone defects. This technique was used on 37 patients: 29 cases consisted of infected tibial non-unions without bone defect and 8 cases with consequent bone defect between 2 and 15 cm. Results are variable and less satisfactory than those published by Ilizarov himself or other authors. The late results are better in cases of infected pseudarthrosis without bone defect (79 % bone consolidation, 68 % cure of infection) than in cases with extensive bone defect (44 % bone consolidation, 55 % cure of infection). Ilizarov's method must be considered as very demanding for the patient and also for the surgeon. It is however the only technique for treating simultaneously infection and consolidation.     

One-stage open cancellous bone grafting of infected fracture and nonunion

Nineteen patients with either infected fractures or nonunions were managed by a one-stage protocol consisting of thorough debridement of the septic focus, followed by stabilization with an external fixator or a cast and fresh autogenous cancellous bone grafting; the wound was then left open. Nineteen fractures were healed and free of infection at an average of 3.5 years follow-up. Some considerations, including debridement, stabilization, bone grafting, and wound coverage, are discussed. Received for publication on Dec. 11, 1997; accepted on June 17, 1998     

Bone transport versus acute shortening for the management of infected tibial non-unions with bone defects

IntroductionThis study compared bone transport to acute shortening/lengthening in a series of infected tibial segmental defects from 3 to 10 cm in length.MethodsIn a retrospective comparative study 42 patients treated for infected tibial non-union with segmental bone loss measuring between 3 and 10 cm were included. Group A was treated with bone transport and Group B with acute shortening/lengthening. All patients were treated by Ilizarov methods for gradual correction as bi-focal or tri-focal treatment; the treating surgeon selected either transport or acute shortening based on clinical considerations. The principle outcome measure was the external fixation index (EFI); secondary outcome measures included functional and bone results, and complication rates.ResultsThe mean size of the bone defect was 7 cm in Group A, and 5.8 cm in Group B. The mean time in external fixation in Group A was 12.5 months, and in Group B was 10.1 months. The external fixation index (EFI) measured 1.8 months/cm in Group A and 1.7 months/cm in Group B (P = 0.09). Minor complications were 1.2 per patient in the transport group and 0.5 per patient in the acute shortening group (P = 0.00002). Major complications were 1.0 per patient in the transport group versus 0.4 per patient in the acute shortening group (P = 0.0003). Complications with permanent residual effects (sequelae) were 0.5 per patient in the transport group versus 0.3 per patient in the acute shortening group (P = 0.28).ConclusionsWhile both techniques demonstrated excellent results, acute shortening/lengthening demonstrated a lower rate of complications and a slightly better radiographic outcome. Bone grafting of the docking site was often required with both procedures.Level of evidence: Level III; Retrospective comparative study     

One approach to a viable method of obtaining cancellous bone for grafting

When cancellous bone for grafting cannot be obtained from conventional sources such as bone banks, the iliac crest, or the tibia, the author uses two alternative sources for obtaining wafer thin portions of bone: 1) the hypertrophied medial head of the first metatarsal and 2) the lateral base of the fifth metatarsal.     

Antibiotic-impregnated cement spacer for bone defects of the forearm and hand

Management of bone loss, particularly in the face of open or contaminated wounds, presents a reconstructive challenge. Polymethylmethacrylate impregnated with antibiotics has been used successfully in the treatment of infected total joint arthroplasty and open fractures. The cement delivers high-dose local concentrations of antibiotics while filling a space. This article presents our use of an antibiotic-impregnated cement spacer for bone loss in the forearm or hand in the face of open or infected wounds. The cement spacer fills a potential space, prevents the involution of the surrounding soft tissue, and delivers appropriate antibiotics. When the spacer is removed, the remaining sheath serves to hold and contain the cancellous bone graft.     

Fluoroscopy-guided retrograde core drilling and cancellous bone grafting in osteochondral defects of the talus

Purpose

In undetached osteochondral lesions (OCL) of the talus both revitalisation of the subchondral necrosis and cartilage preservation are essential. For these cases, we assess the results of minimally invasive retrograde core drilling and cancellous bone grafting.

Methods

Forty-one osteochondral lesions of the talus (12x grade I, 22x grade II and 7x grade III according to the Pritsch classification, defect sizes 7–14 mm) in 38 patients (mean age 33.2 years) treated by fluoroscopy-guided retrograde core drilling and autologous cancellous bone grafting were evaluated by clinical scores and MRI. The mean follow-up was 29.0 (±13) months.

Results

The AOFAS score increased significantly from 47.3 (±15.3) to 80.8 (±18.6) points. Lesions with intact cartilage (grades I and II) had a tendency to superior results than grade III lesions (83.1 ± 17.3 vs. 69.4 ± 22.2 points, p = 0.07). First-line treatments and open distal tibial growth plates led to significantly better outcomes (each p < 0.05). Age, gender, BMI, time to follow-up, defect localisation or a traumatic origin did not influence the score results. On a visual analogue scale pain intensity reduced from 7.5 (±1.5) to 3.7 (±2.6) while subjective function increased from 4.6 (±2.0) to 8.2 (±2.3) (each p < 0.001). In MRI follow-ups, five of the 41 patients showed a complete bone remodelling. In two cases demarcation was detectable.

Conclusions

The technique reported is a highly effective therapeutic option in OCL of the talus with intact cartilage grades I and II. However, second-line treatments and grade III lesions with cracked cartilage surface can not be generally recommended for this procedure.     

钛网和线捆扎包裹嵌压松质骨植骨修复长骨干节段骨缺损的效果比较

目的比较采用钛网和线捆扎包裹嵌压松质骨植骨修复长骨干节段骨缺损的治疗效果。方法自2007-01—2013-01采用钛网(6例)和线捆扎(13例)包裹嵌压松质骨植骨修复长骨干骨折后节段骨缺损19例。骨缺损长度5.4~7.5 cm。在双侧髂后部、髂前部或胫骨近端髓内钉进钉处切取骨缺损体积2倍以上松质骨,嵌压植于骨缺损处,用钛网或多束线捆扎包裹。线捆扎组术后用石膏托固定6周。结果 19例术后均获得随访,随访时间12~48个月,平均18个月。切口均一期愈合,骨折骨缺损处均骨性愈合。钛网组骨缺损临床愈合时间3.5~6.0个月,平均4.9个月;线捆扎组骨缺损临床愈合时间4.0~8.0个月,平均5.7个月;2组差异无统计学意义(t=0.997,P=0.333)。但在胫骨干部位,钛网组骨缺损临床愈合时间少于线捆扎组,差异有统计学意义(t=10.000,P=0.001)。至末次随访,2组修复方法治疗后其邻近关节活动度差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论钛网和线捆扎包裹嵌压松质骨植骨修复长骨节段骨缺损的效果相似,但钛网植骨量多,术后患者可更早进行康复活动,骨愈合更快。     

Staged bone grafting following placement of an antibiotic spacer block for the management of segmental long bone defects

Segmental long bone defects resulting from injury or surgical intervention are difficult problems to manage. Amputation, external fixators, vascularized fibular grafts, acute limb shortening, and various quantities of allograft and autograft have historically been the mainstays of treatment. Recently, the use of osteoinductive substances such as recombinant bone morphogenic proteins, and osteoconductive scaffolds such as calcium phosphate have found use in the treatment of these clinical situations. More recently, Masquelet described the use of a cement spacer placed within the osseous void followed by staged bone grafting within the induced biomembrane formed around the spacer as a potential treatment strategy to manage these large defects.This article describes a series of 11 patients for which we used this technique of staged bone grafting following placement of an antibiotic spacer to successfully manage osseous long bone defects ranging from 4 to 15 cm. The limbs were stabilized and aligned at the time of initial spacer placement with a plate and screw construct, intramedullary nail, or fine wire fixator. Osteoinductive substances including bone morphogenic protein-2 and platelet rich concentrate were used in addition to allograft to improve bony healing. In our series, osseous consolidation and full weight bearing was achieved in 10 of 11 patients. Two patients developed heterotopic ossification. There was 1 non-union and 1 infection, which occurred in the same patient. Staged bone grafting within an induced biomembrane created after the use of a cement spacer is a reasonable option in the management of both acute and delayed segmental long bone defects.     

Fibula and tibia fusion with cancellous allograft vitalised with autologous bone marrow: first results for infected tibial non-union

Background and aims  Autogenous bone grafting has been used in reconstructing bone defects and in stimulating fracture healing, producing high healing rates in the treatment of infected tibial non-unions. A novel therapeutic alternative is now available known as “vitalised allograft”, a cancellous bone graft procured from femoral heads from living human donors and “vitalised” through the injection of autologous bone marrow. The aim of this study is to summarise the initial results of the fibula and tibia fusion using vitalised cancellous allograft in the treatment of infected tibial non-unions. Patients and methods  We initiated a follow-up of 15 prospective non-randomized patients who received a vitalised allograft in the treatment of infected tibial non-unions in order to produce bony union. The patients included 13 men and 2 women with an average age of 48 years. All patients received a multi-stage surgical approach. After establishing an infection-free environment, allogenic cancellous bone grafting was performed, intended as the final surgical procedure in fibula and tibia fusion. Our follow-up included a clinical and radiographic investigation of the calf in four planes. We analysed union-rate and time required for bony consolidation, as well as recurrent infections, re-fractures, potential graft-resorption, and time needed for graft and bone remodelling. Results  With an average follow-up of 17.1 months, infection control was obtained in 14 of 15 patients, producing an infection arrest rate of 93.3%. Radiographs indicated consolidation in 11 out of 15 cases, with a union rate of 73.3%. Bone union was achieved on average in 17.1 weeks. Conclusions  Fibula and tibia fusion with allogenic cancellous bone grafting, vitalised through autogenic bone marrow, could well become an innovative treatment option for infected tibial non-unions. We need, however, to analyse a higher number of cases over a longer follow-up period in order to assess more accurately recurrent infections and re-fractures.     

Drilling and cancellous bone grafting for avascular necrosis of the femoral head

Objectives  

Maintenance of form and function and prevention of further deterioration of avascular necrosis of the femoral head through core decompression and cancellous bone grafting.     

胫骨平台骨折术后感染性骨缺损的分型和治疗策略

目的 探讨胫骨平台骨折术后不同程度感染性骨缺损治疗策略的选择.方法 回顾性分析2014年7月至2018年2月我院收治的45例胫骨平台骨折术后感染性骨缺损病人的临床资料,其中男32例,女13例,年龄为(39.42±12.09)岁(20～66岁).腔洞性骨缺损16例,节段性骨缺损16例,波及关节面的缺损13例.Ⅰ型为胫骨平...     

Debridement of cancellous bone: a comparison of irrigation methods

OBJECTIVE: This study tests the bone debridement efficacy and damage to cancellous bone produced by different wound irrigation methods. METHODS: Cancellous bone slices of bovine distal femurs (3 cm x 3 cm) were divided into eight test groups and scored with a saw in a latticed pattern. Four test groups were contaminated with 1.0 g rock dust and four were not. The specimens were then treated as follows: no treatment (control), bulb irrigation, brush-suction irrigation, or high-pressure pulsatile lavage (HPPL). Runoff from the irrigation was collected, filtered, lyophilized, and ashed to allow for quantitative determination of organic and inorganic material removed from the bone by each irrigation method. The bone samples were subjected to blinded grading on two five-point scales to assess: 1) macroscopic tissue damage and 2) amount of contaminant remaining following treatment. RESULTS: Significantly more (P < or = 0.05) mean organic material was removed from samples treated with HPPL (744.8 +/- 120.0 mg) than with bulb syringe (115.2 +/- 11.9 mg) or brush-suction irrigation (95.1 +/- 9.2 mg). Brush-suction irrigation removed statistically significantly more (P < or = 0.05) of the 1.0 g of initial inorganic contaminant (937.7 +/- 6.3 mg) than bulb syringe irrigation (866.2 +/- 30.1 mg), while HPPL (900.2 +/- 19.0 mg) did not. CONCLUSIONS: Past studies have shown HPPL to damage both soft tissue and bone structure. The tissue damage that HPPL produces has been accepted in the past in exchange for its presumed superiority in contaminant removal. In this study, HPPL damaged samples more than other irrigation methods by removing significantly more organic material from them. However, HPPL and bulb syringe removed a statistically similar amount of inorganic contaminant, while brush-suction irrigation removed a significantly greater amount of inorganic contaminant than bulb syringe. It is proposed that HPPL may drive some contaminants deeper into the tissue rather than removing them, rendering HPPL not only more deleterious to bone structure and healing, but also less efficacious at removing contaminant than brush-suction irrigation.     

Simultaneous treatment of tibial bone and soft-tissue defects with the Ilizarov method

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the potential for limb salvage using the Ilizarov method to simultaneously treat bone and soft-tissue defects of the leg without flap coverage. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: Level I trauma centers at 4 academic university medical centers. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-five patients with bone and soft-tissue defects associated with tibial fractures and nonunions. The average soft-tissue and bone defect after debridement was 10.1 (range, 2-25) cm and 6 (range, 2-14) cm respectively. Patients were not candidates for flap coverage and the treatment was a preamputation limb salvage undertaking in all cases. INTERVENTION: Ilizarov and Taylor Spatial Frames used to gradually close the bone and soft-tissue defects simultaneously by using monofocal shortening or bifocal or trifocal bone transport. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Bone union, soft-tissue closure, resolution or prevention of infection, restoration of leg length equality, alignment, limb salvage. RESULTS: The average time of compression and distraction was 19.7 (range, 5-70) weeks, and time to soft-tissue closure was 14.7 (range, 3-41) weeks. Bony union occurred in 24 patients (96%). The average time in the frame was 43.2 (range, 10-82) weeks. Lengthening at another site was performed in 15 patients. The average amount of bone lengthening was 5.6 (range, 2-11) cm. Final leg length discrepancy (LLD) averaged 1.2 (range, 0-5) cm. Use of the trifocal approach resulted in less time in the frame for treatment of large bone and soft-tissue defects. There were no recurrences of osteomyelitis at the nonunion site. All wounds were closed. There were no amputations. All limbs were salvaged. CONCLUSIONS: The Ilizarov method can be successfully used to reconstruct the leg with tibial bone loss and an accompanying soft-tissue defect. This limb salvage method can be used in patients who are not believed to be candidates for flap coverage. One also may consider using this technique to avoid the need for a flap. Gradual closure of the defect is accomplished resulting in bony union and soft-tissue closure. Lengthening can be performed at another site. A trifocal approach should be considered for large defects (>6 cm). Advances in technique and frame design should help prevent residual deformity.     

Substitution of tibial bony defects with allogeneic and autogeneic cancellous bone: encouraging preliminary results in 18 knee replacements

Eighteen knee replacements in 15 patients with severe gonarthritis or loosening of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) requiring bone grafting for bony deficiencies were studied before and after operation. The average follow-up was 2.4 years. Fifteen knees showed satisfactory clinical and radiographic results of the integration of the bone grafts. The Hospital for Special Surgery knee score improved from an average of 39 points preoperatively to 83 points at the most recent follow-up examination. Two of 3 knees with loosening of the tibial component required revision. These results are encouraging. Success depends as much on rigid fixation of the grafted bone and protected weight-bearing as on rigid, micromotion-preventing fixation of the tibial component. Received: 12 November 1997     

Treatment of large posttraumatic tibial bone defects using the Ilizarov method: a subjective outcome assessment

Background

The treatment of large posttraumatic tibial bone defects using the Ilizarov method was shown to be successful in several studies. These studies, however, typically focus on the radiological and functional outcome using objective parameters only. The aim of the present study was therefore to assess the objective and subjective outcome of a consecutive series of patients with large posttraumatic tibial bone defects using the Ilizarov method. Additionally, it was our goal to assess the physical and mental stress for the patients and their relatives during the long treatment period and the general health status at final follow-up.

Methods

A consecutive series of 15 patients with posttraumatic tibial bone defects of >30 mm after sustaining open tibial fractures and failure of internal fixation was included. The objective outcome was assessed at final follow-up using Paley’s criteria. For the assessment of the subjective outcome, all patients were asked to evaluate their satisfaction with the function of the lower leg, the cosmetic appearance and overall outcome as well. The physical and mental stress of the treatment for the patients and the nearest relative of patients were assessed at the time of frame removal using a custom-made questionnaire. The SF-36 was used to evaluate the general health status at final follow-up.

Results

Solid bone union with stable soft tissue coverage and eradication of infection was achieved in all patients despite a high complication rate. The functional outcome at final follow-up was excellent or good in all patients. The patients’ satisfaction with the overall outcome and the function of the lower extremity was high as well. The fear of amputation and complications was the major subjective burden for both the patients and their relatives. The long external fixation time is another relevant issue.

Conclusion

The Ilizarov method is a safe option for the treatment of large posttraumatic tibial bone defects after failure of internal fixation despite the high complication rate. It is essential to comment this to the patients and their relatives prior to the application of the frame increase their compliance with the long and emotionally draining treatment. The Ilizarov method is worth the effort only in patients, who will presumably comply with this treatment option and all of its drawbacks.