Reconstruction of defects following bone tumor resections by distraction osteogenesis

Introduction The authors present the results of nine patients (two females, seven males) who had bone tumors that were treated with en bloc resection and distraction osteogenesis between 1991–2000.Materials and methods The average age of the patients was 19.3 years (14–42 years). The histological diagnosis was osteosarcoma in four cases, Ewings sarcoma in two, giant cell tumor in one, osteofibrous dysplasia in one and osteoblastoma in one. A uniplanar external fixator was applied to one case and circular external fixator to the other eight cases.Results The average follow-up period was 59.1 months (27–129 months). The external fixator was removed at an average of 18.1 months (range, 4–19 months). The average bone defect after resection was 14 cm (8–24 cm) and the average external fixation index, distraction index, and maturation index were 31.5 (18.7–40.0), 11.2 (10.9–11.2) and 17.8 (7.5–32.7), respectively. The function of the affected leg was excellent in four patients, good in three, fair in one and poor in one according to the Enneking scoring system. We did not observe any early consolidation or osseous binding in the defect area in any patient. Frequent complications were pin tract infection and non-union at the docking site.Conclusion Our results indicate that the Ilizarov method allows effective restoration of bone defects in the treatment of bone tumors despite various disadvantages.This revised version was published online in April 2005 with corrections to the order of the figures.     

Application of distraction osteogenesis in managing bone cysts

Background

Despite the great amount of research concerning bone cysts, there is still no commonly accepted method of treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness managing bone cyst with hybrid external fixator by distraction osteogenesis.

Materials and methods

Between 1982 and 2009, 25 patients with unicameral (20 patients) and aneurismal (five patients) bone cysts were treated using this method. Eighteen patients had a history of pathological fracture at the same location. Cysts were located in the humerus, femur, tibia, and radius. Median follow-up was 48 (range 31–91) months. Results were evaluated on plain radiographs according to the classification system of Capanna et al. Functional assessment was done using the modified system recommended by Enneking et al.

Results

In our study group of 25 bone cysts, 15 were classified as completely healed and nine as healed with residual radiolucency. Recurrence was observed in one patient. Absence of response to treatment was not observed. All patients had excellent functional outcomes, except one with recurrence who was rated poor.

Conclusions

As bone cysts are found in long bones in 90–95 % of patients, and taking into account our achieved positive results in almost all patients, we recommend this method of distraction osteogenesis as a treatment option. It is an effective, economical method of treatment, which eliminates deformity and restores bone length, especially in patients with pathologic fractures.     

Comparative study of the results of compound tibial shaft fractures treated by Ilizarov ring fixators and limb reconstruction system fixators

Purpose: Ilizarov ring fixator and limb reconstruction system (LRS) fixators have been used in the management of complex tibial fractures with severe soft tissue injuries, compound tibial fractures, and infected tibial nonunion for which conventional internal fixation cannot be contemplated. Fracture union and distraction osteogenesis can be done simultaneously with these external fixators, allowing early weight bearing. Several previous studies have shown almost equal results of rail and ring fixators for the compound tibial shaft fractures. Thus we performed a prospective study to evaluate the union rate, functional outcome and amount of limb lengthening after the treatment of compound tibial shaft fractures with or without infected nonunion by ring or LRS fixators. Methods: This prospective study was done at Sarojini Naidu Medical College and Hospital, Agra, India and included 32 patients of compound tibial shaft fractures with or without infected nonunion. There were 26 males and 6 females and the average age was 40 years. Patients were randomly divided into two groups (n=16 for each): one underwent Ilizarov fixation and the other received LRS fixation. Cases were followed up for 3e24 months, 6 months on average from September 2012 to October 2014. Functional and radiological outcomes were assessed using the Association for the Study and Application of Methods of Ilizarov (ASAMI) criteria for both rail and ring fixators. Results: Union was achieved in all cases. Radiological outcome was found excellent in 68.75%, good in 18.75% and fair in 12.50% of cases treated by rail fixators whereas it was excellent in 56.25%, good in 18.75%, fair in 12.50% and poor in 12.50% of cases treated by ring fixators. Functional result was satisfactory in 75.00% of cases treated by rail fixator and 68.75% of cases treated by ring fixators whereas the corresponding rate of unsatisfactory was 25.00% vs. 31.25%. Conclusion: In our short-term assessment, LRS fixators show a better result than Ilizarov fixators in terms of fracture union and functional outcome with soft tissue care and limb length.     

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     

骨外固定技术治疗创伤性肢体短缩畸形

目的探讨创伤性肢体短缩畸形的骨外固定技术治疗方法。方法回顾性分析1992年1月～2006年6月采用骨外固定技术治疗62例（68侧）患者资料。肢体短缩4。16cm，平均5．7cm。其中，单纯短缩9侧（短缩4～8cm，平均5．3cm），短缩伴骨不连21侧（短缩4～7cm，平均5．6cm），短缩伴骨缺损38侧（短缩4～16cm，平均7．2cm；骨缺损2～11cm，平均3．8cm），18侧合并感染。分别采用干骺端截骨延长、骨端端加压结合肢体延长和骨节段性转位延长术。结果68侧经1．5～5．0年（平均3．5年）随访，所有骨不连3～7个月内愈合（平均5．0个月），肢体长度恢复，延长区平均骨愈合指数37d／cm，感染病例无复发，外固定器针道感染率7．3％。结论骨外固定技术治疗创伤性肢体短缩畸形方法简便，既可修复骨缺损又能恢复肢体长度，并可同时治疗骨感染，疗效满意。     

不同骨延长器治疗肢体畸形并大段骨缺损

[目的]利用Ilizarov支架、Orthofix肢体重建系统（Orthofix LRS）及Hybrid固定系统（Hybrid Fixation System）与Orthofix LRS的组合，对不同的肢体畸形并大段骨缺损进行矫形及骨延长治疗，同时观察其疗效。[方法]自2000年8月-2004年3月分别用Ilizarov支架、Orthofix LRS及Hybrid支架与Orthofix LRS的组合进行骨痂牵开／骨段滑移治疗合并肢体畸形的大段骨缺损。畸形处采用线形／楔形截骨。畸形愈合并骨短缩者楔形截骨后进行骨痂牵开骨延长术，骨不连并畸形及短缩者接合点加压与截骨矫形骨段滑移延长同时进行。[结果]矫正股骨短缩畸形7cm1例，胫骨6例，内翻畸形2例，后成角畸形2例，混合畸形2例。平均延长5．3cm（4．5—7cm），平均延长时间3．5个月，平均延长后外固定时间7个月，无神经血管损伤，膝踝关节活动未受影响。[结论]Ilizarov支架、Orthofix LRS、Hybrid固定系统与Orthofix LRS的组合用于骨痂牵开／骨段滑移治疗合并肢体畸形的大段骨缺损均能达到矫形及骨延长的治疗目的。Orthofix LRS及Hybrid固定系统与Orthofix LRS的组合较Ilizarov支架操作简便，安全可靠，患者乐于接受。     

Corrective lower limb osteotomies in children using temporary external fixation and percutaneous locking plates

Background  We describe a new method for corrective osteotomy and the fixation of lower limb deformities in children. Methods  Following osteotomy, the desired position is obtained and temporarily stabilized using an external fixator. Definitive fixation is performed with a plate and locking screws inserted percutaneously under fluoroscopic guidance. The procedure was performed in 18 segments in 11 patients. Corrections were performed in all planes. Results  The mean follow up was 18 months (range 6–36 months). All patients were corrected to within 2° of that which was planned. Union was obtained in 16 segments in ten patients within 6–16 weeks. Conclusions  The method was found to be effective for the correction of deformity in the pediatric population. Advantages compared to conventional methods include minimal soft tissue dissection and the ability to adjust the position before definitive fixation. Level of evidence: Level IV. Retrospective case series.     

Nailing treatment in bone transport complications

A series of cases of reamed intramedullary nailings carried out after complications in regenerated bone and docking site had occurred in bone transport is presented here. Nine patients (femur = 5; tibia = 4) had treatment with resection after open fractures or infection and underwent bone transport. The mean length of regenerated bone was 9.5 cm (range 6–18 cm). After bone transport, the fixator remained in place for a mean period of 12.8 months (range 8–24 months). In six cases (femur 4; tibia 2), the thickness of the cortical wall of the regenerate column was insufficient, and in two of these, there was, in addition, nonunion of the docking site. In the two tibial cases, nailing was carried out shortly after the fixator had been removed and after refracture of the regenerated bone had occurred due to insufficient cortical thickness. In one femur, nailing was carried out for nonunion of the docking site. Follow-up involved clinical and X-ray checks. The mean follow-up was 3.9 years (range 2–6 years). In all cases, union and with complete corticalization of the regenerate column was observed at an average 6 months after nailing (range 4–11 months). Infection occurred in one tibia 4 months after nailing. The infection was treated with antibiotics, and the nail was subsequently removed. We conclude that nailing is a potential solution for regenerated bone and docking site problems but, if used after prolonged periods of external fixation, may necessitate antibiotic therapy for at least 10 days after the fixator has been removed.     

Bone transport and compression-distraction in the treatment of bone loss of the lower limbs

A clinical series of 17 adult patients operated due to significant by bone loss of the long bones of the lower extremity (3 femurs and 11 tibias), is presented. Their management consisted of 6 bone transports (6 tibias) and 11 compression distraction procedures (3 femurs and 8 tibiae) using monolateral external fixators. Bone loss ranged from 3.9 cm to 14.7 cm. Mean healing time was 301 days with a mean healing index of 45.6 days for cm of lengthening achieved.The clinical and radiological results were excellent in 9, good in 6 and fair in 2 patients according to the utilised criteria of assessment. Consolidation was achieved in all but one patient who developed an aseptic stiff non-union. Two patients developed residual limb-length discrepancy less than 1.5 cm, three tibias ended up with less than 5° of valgus deviation. In two cases the half-pins were re-inserted due to early loosening. In two cases reoperation was needed for late bending of the callus after fixator removal. Three cases of bone transport and 1 case of compression distraction needed bone grafting at the docking site.Bone transport and compression-distraction are effective methods for treating bone loss in the lower extremity. It is suggested that the compression-distraction technique is preferable, since this is associated with a lower incidence of complications than bone transport procedures. The deciding factor, however, is the actual extent of the bone loss.     

Limb reconstruction surgery in China: an evaluation of its role in the largest developing nation

China is the “economic tiger” of the twenty-first century. Its new economic policies have overturned the outlook and futures of many industries in this nation, and parallel to this industrial progress have been strides in medicine. However a country steeped in a history of several millennia does not replace generations of experience nor knowledge in a few decades. The author explores the history of limb reconstruction surgery in this country, setting it in context of a population exposed to both traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine.     

Limb reconstruction surgery in China: an evaluation of its role in the largest developing nation

China is the “economic tiger” of the twenty-first century. Its new economic policies have overturned the outlook and futures of many industries in this nation, and parallel to this industrial progress have been strides in medicine. However a country steeped in a history of several millennia does not replace generations of experience nor knowledge in a few decades. The author explores the history of limb reconstruction surgery in this country, setting it in context of a population exposed to both traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine.     

A comparison of two types of free bone grafts as transport discs in segmental distraction for reconstruction of calvarial bone defects: an experimental study

Introduction Several investigations over the past few years have shown that the importance of preserving the blood supply of the transport disc during segmental distraction has been overestimated. It was clearly demonstrated that distraction osteogenesis by local bone transportation could be achieved even with free bone grafts. So far, there have been no systematic investigations into how different types of free bone grafts vary in their function and suitability as transport discs in segmental craniofacial distraction. The aim of this study was to develop criteria to aid the clinician in selecting the most suitable free bone graft for distraction purposes.Materials and methods Under general anesthesia, calvarial defects measuring 6×5 cm were created in 12 adult black head sheep in order to reconstruct them by segmental distraction using two different types of bone grafts as transport discs. Group 1 (n=6) received autotopical membranous bone of the calvarium as the transport segment, while group 2 (n=6) received heterotopical enchondral material from the iliac crest. Distraction was started postoperatively after 5 days at 0.6 mm/day and continued for 7 weeks. After a further 6 weeks of consolidation, the animals were killed and specimens examined macroscopically, radiographically and histologically.Results The significantly better quality of bone regenerates of group 1 was clearly influenced by the significantly better stability of the transport discs connection to the distraction device, the calvaria grafts showing better volume stability and better mechanical resistance during transport than the iliac bone. The influence of both types of bone grafts on the macro- and microstructure of the newly formed bone was clearly evident. The mineralization density of group 2 regenerates was significantly lower than that of group 1 specimens.Conclusion High mechanical stability of the bone graft is a very important point to consider when selecting a free graft for use as transport disc in local bone transport, especially if transport is necessary over long distances.     

Bone transport using the Ilizarov method: a review of complications in 100 consecutive cases

We present the results of treatment of 100 patients (72 men, 28 women) by the Ilizarov method of bone transport using circular (55) and monolateral external fixators (45). A total of 26 femurs (18 monolateral, 8 circular) and 74 tibias (49 circular, 25 monolateral) was examined. There were no significant differences between the circular fixator and the monolateral fixator with regard to treatment time, complications in the treated bone segments or compliance with the presence of the fixator. The main complications (pseudoarthrosis at bone contact points after transport, insufficient ossification of lengthened bone, knee stiffness) were resolved with further treatment for all patients with the exception of one case which continued with repeated infections. The circular fixator allows for deformity corrections during bone transport but the monolateral fixator is tolerated better by patients, especially in those with femoral defects.     

富血小板血浆和脱钙骨基质促进牵拉成骨矿化过程的实验研究

目的观察局部植入富血小板血浆(platelet-rich plasma,PRP)复合脱钙骨基质(decalcified bone matrix,DBM)是否具有协同作用加速牵拉成骨矿化过程,促进骨愈合。方法健康雄性新西兰大白兔40只,体重2.2～2.8 kg,随机分为4组,每组10只。于兔耳中央动脉取血采用Landesberg法制备PRP。于兔左胫骨胫腓关节下制备1 cm骨缺损模型。A组为对照组,行牵拉成骨1 cm;B组:植入0.5 cm长DBM并牵拉成骨0.5 cm;C组:牵拉成骨1 cm加局部注射PRP 1 mL;D组:植入0.5 cm长复合1 mL PRP的DBM并牵拉成骨0.5 cm。术后7 d开始延长,每天2次,每次0.5 mm;A、C组延长10 d,B、D组延长5 d。延长结束后进入矿化期。术后0、12、17、27、37 d摄X线片观察新生骨矿化过程;术后37 d处死实验动物,完整切取胫骨行Micro-CT扫描及三维重建,并进行生物力学测试。结果 X线片观察示术后37 d内B、C组新生骨生成情况明显优于A、D组。B、C组新生骨的骨矿物质密度(bone mineral density,BMD)、骨矿物质含量(bone mineral content,BMC)和骨体积分数(bone volume fraction,BVF)均显著高于A、D组(P<0.05);C组BMC、BMD显著高于B组(P<0.05),B、C组间BVF差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);A、D组间BMD、BMC及BVF比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。C组骨小梁数量(trabecula number,Tb.N)明显多于其余各组,骨小梁间隔(trabecula spacing,Tb.Sp)小于其余各组(P<0.05);其余各组间Tb.N和Tb.Sp比较差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。各组骨小梁厚度比较,差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。生物力学测试显示,各组极限角位移比较差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。B、C组最大扭矩明显大于A、D组,C组大于B组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05);A、D组间差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论 局部注射PRP可促进牵拉成骨矿化过程,加速骨缺损愈合;在正常牵拉速度下,DBM可促进牵拉成骨矿化过程;但在牵拉成骨早期植入复合PRP的DBM并未进一步加速矿化促进骨愈合。     

External fixation with bone cement implantation for open calcaneal fractures: A case series

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to retrospectively evaluate patients who had open reduction, external fixation and bone cement implantation of open calcaneal fractures.MethodsThe records of 14 patients with open calcaneus fractures from January 2015 to January 2019 were reviewed retrospectively. Clinical evaluations consisting of AOFAS, MFS and EQ-5D VAS scores and radiological evaluations consisting of the height, width and length of the calcaneus as well as Bohler’s and Gissane angle performed at 3 months, 1 year and the last follow-up postoperatively. Time to surgery, wound complications were recorded.ResultsOur study sample consisted of 9 males and 5 females with a mean age of 38.5 ± 9.8 years and a mean follow-up of 31.4 ± 7.7 months. The mean period from injury to surgery was 5.4 ± 1.9 days and the mean duration of hospitalization was 13.2 ± 4.5 days. The AOFAS, MFS and EQ-5D VAS scores were 92.5 ± 10.3, 84.1 ± 9.7 and 86.4 ± 15.1 respectively at the final follow-up. The Bohler’s angle increased from (12.9 ± 3.1)° preoperatively to (28.5 ± 6.3)° at the final follow-up (P < 0.001), with the Gissane’s angle from (104.5 ± 9.7)° to (116.4 ± 8.9)° (P < 0.001). One patients (7.1%) developed pin infections and one patient (7.1%) suffered from dorso-lateral hindfoot hypoaesthesia. There was complete fracture healing without secondary loss of reduction in all cases.ConclusionExternal fixation with bone cement implantation is a valid alternative treatment for the management of displaced open calcaneal fractures with a low rate of complications.Level of evidenceIV, retrospective case series.     

Osteochondromas around the ankle: Report of a case and literature review

INTRODUCTIONAn osteochondroma or exostosis is a benign bone tumour consisting of a bony outgrowth covered by a cartilage cap that occurs commonly in the metaphysis of long bones, mainly the distal femur, proximal tibia and proximal humerus.PRESENTATION OF CASEWe describe an unusual case of a distal tibia osteochondroma affecting the lateral malleolus of a young girl.DISCUSSIONMost osteochondromas are asymptomatic and seen incidentally during radiographic examination. Osteochondromas are rarely localized in the foot and ankle.CONCLUSIONAlthough most of the osteochondromas in children should be treated conservatively until skeletal maturity, those affecting the distal tibia or fibula should be treated with surgical excision in order to prevent ankle deformity, syndesmotic lesions or even fracture due to the expanding nature of this benign tumour.     

Temporal and spatial expression of bone morphogenetic protein-2, -4, and -7 during distraction osteogenesis in rabbits

The Ilizarov method of limb lengthening makes use of the fact that osteogenesis is induced at an osteotomy site when distraction is applied. It is unknown at present how the mechanical forces created by distraction are translated into biological signals. Because bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are potent inducers of osteogenesis in many experimental systems, they are obvious candidates for playing a role in this process. In this study, we investigated the temporal and spatial expression of BMP-2, -4, and -7 proteins during distraction osteogenesis using immunohistochemistry. An osteotomy was performed on the right tibiae of white New Zealand rabbits. After a delay of 7 days, distraction was started at a rate of 0.25 mm/12 h for 3 weeks, followed by a 3 week consolidation phase. Each week after osteotomy one rabbit was killed for immunohistochemical studies. Staining for BMP-2, -4, and -7 was evident before distraction was applied and was mainly localized to mesenchymal cells and osteoblastic cells in the periosteal region. After distraction was started, the typical fibrous interzone developed between the osteotomy fragments, where both intramembranous and endochondral ossification were noted. In this area, cells resembling fibroblasts and chondrocytes, but not mature osteoblasts, showed intense staining for all three BMPs. This high level of expression was maintained during the entire distraction phase and then gradually disappeared during the consolidation phase. These results are compatible with the hypothesis that BMPs play an important role in the signaling pathways that link the mechanical forces created by distraction to biological responses.     

CT evaluation of regenerated osseous segments following bone transport

Abstract A morphological analysis using radiography and computed tomography was performed in a total of 17 bone segments following single or double bone transport in 11 and 3 patients, respectively. All bone transports involved the tibia, with the exception of 2 single bone transports, which were femoral. The following parameters were measured: cortical wall thickness, sectional area of the medullary canal, and density of the cortical bone and medullary canal in Hounsfield units (HU). The regenerated segments showed a cortical thickness and density that were less than the contralateral portion, with an enlargement of the medullary canal and an increase in density due to the presence of cancellous bone in the medullary area. Successive controls showed an increase in thickness and density of the cortical bone and a small reduction in the diameter of the medullary canal and its cancellous bone. The variations in the cortical and the medullary canal appeared to be independent of the length of the regenerated segment. In the 3 tibia treated by double bone transport, the anatomical variations in the distal regenerated portion varied less from normal values than the proximal portion of the same segment. In the 2 femurs examined, enlargement of the regenerated section was smaller with respect to cases involving regeneration of the proximal tibia. These differences are presumably dependent on the fact that in the latter case, a more vascularized segment is produced after osteotomy in spongy bone, with respect to those involving the distal tibia or femur. Double transport is preferable due to the reduced treatment times.