Management of segmental defects by the Ilizarov intercalary bone transport method.

Seventeen patients with segmental skeletal defects were managed with the Ilizarov intercalary bone transport method, whereby an osseous defect is eliminated by elongating one fragment. On average, the regenerate new bone length measured 5.14 cm, corresponding to the creation of new osseous tissue equaling 13.7% of the bone's original length (range, 4.2%-35%). The average time in fixation was 9.6 months, including 4.8 months to transport the bone fragment throughout the limb. Numerous complications were encountered, most commonly wire-site sepsis and fixator instability. No serous nerve or vessel complications occurred. All but one patient eventually healed, although six patients required bone grafts, five at the target site and one at the level of the regenerate. Most of the difficulties encountered were due to a lack of technical knowledge with the method.     

Treatment of tibial bone defects with the Ilizarov circular external fixator in high-velocity gunshot wounds

Summary.  One of the applications for circular external fixators is the treatment of large-bone defects which may be difficult to manage with conventional methods. Successful results have been reported with the use of circular external fixators, particularly in the treatment of infected tibial pseudoarthroses and those with bone loss. In this study, a total of 43 cases with tibial bone defects (18 infected) as a result of high-velocity gun-shot injuries were treated with circular external fixators between January 1, 1988 and December 31, 1995. The mean follow-up period was 50 months (range: 28–98 months) after the removal of the Ilizarov device. Satisfactory union was obtained in 40 cases without any major complication or additional surgical intervention, in spite of the large and in some cases infected defects. We conclude that this is a safe method for the treatment of infected or noninfected tibial bone defects.

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Résumé.  Une des applications des fixateurs externes circulaires (FEC) est le traitement des pertes de substance osseuse qu’on ne peut pas traiter facilement avec les méthodes classiques. Des auteurs rapportent les résultats de traitement dans des cas de pseudarthrose infectée du tibia. Ils rapportent les résultats de 48 perte de substance du tibia secondaire à des blessures par arme à feu. 18 d’entre-eux étaient infectés. Le délai d’observation moyen était de 50 mois (28–98 mois) après ablation de l’appareil d’Ilizarov. Dans 40 cas, il n’y as pas eu de complication majeure ni de nécessité d’intervention chirurgicale complémentaire. En conclusion, c’est une bonne méthode pour traiter les pertes de substance osseuse du tibia infecté ou non.

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Accepted: 30 April 1998     

Reconstruction of segmental bone defects due to chronic osteomyelitis with use of an external fixator and an intramedullary nail

BACKGROUND: Callus distraction over an intramedullary nail is a rarely used technique for the reconstruction of intercalary defects of the femur and tibia after radical débridement of chronic osteomyelitic foci. The aim of this study was to summarize our experience with distraction osteogenesis performed with an external fixator combined with an intramedullary nail for the treatment of bone defects and limb-shortening resulting from radical débridement of chronic osteomyelitis. METHODS: Thirteen patients who ranged in age from eighteen to sixty-three years underwent radical débridement to treat a nonunion associated with chronic osteomyelitis of the tibia (seven patients) and femur (six patients). The lesions were classified, according to the Cierny-Mader classification system, as type IVA (nine) and type IVB (four). The resulting segmental defects and any limb-length discrepancy were then reconstructed with use of distraction osteogenesis over an intramedullary nail. Two patients required a local gastrocnemius flap. Free nonvascularized fibular grafts were added to the distraction site for augmentation of a femoral defect at the time of external fixator removal and locking of the nail in two patients. At the time of the latest follow-up, functional and radiographic results were evaluated with use of the criteria of Paley et al. RESULTS: The mean size of the defect was 10 cm (range, 6 to 13 cm) in the femur and 7 cm (range, 5 to 10 cm) in the tibia. The mean external fixator index was 13.5 days per centimeter, the consolidation index was 31.7 days/cm, and the mean time to union at the docking site was nine months (range, five to sixteen months). At a mean follow-up of 47.3 months, eleven of the thirteen patients had an excellent result in terms of both bone and functional assessment. There were two recurrences of infection necessitating nail removal. These patients underwent revision with an Ilizarov fixator. Subsequently, the infection was controlled and the nonunions healed. CONCLUSIONS: This combined method may prove to be an improvement on the classic techniques for the treatment of a nonunion of a long bone associated with chronic osteomyelitis, in terms of external fixation period and consolidation index. The earlier removal of the external fixator is associated with increased patient comfort, a decreased complication rate, and a convenient and rapid rehabilitation.     

Management of post-traumatic bone defects of the tibia using vascularised fibular graft combined with Ilizarov external fixator

IntroductionPost-traumatic bone defects of the tibia present a difficult reconstructive challenge. Various methods of reconstruction are available, such as allografts, vascularised fibular graft (either free or pedicled) and bone transport technique.Patients and methodsFourteen patients with an average age of 34.1 years at operation (range, 12–65) with post-traumatic bony defects of the tibia were selected for reconstruction with vascularised fibular graft combined with Ilizarov external fixation. There were 12 male and two female. The size of the bony gap was 10.4 cm (range, 7–13) and the average length of the fibula used was 16.4 cm (range, 14–21).ResultsThe mean follow up period was 20.4 months (range, 10–37). All patients had bony union at both proximal and distal ends of the fibula primarily except one patient that required secondary iliac bone graft at the distal end of the fibula to obtain union. The average time for bone healing was 3.9 months (range, 3–9). The average time spent in Ilizarov frame was 5.9 months (range, 5–11). Unprotected full weight-bearing was achieved within an average of 7.3 months (range, 6–12).ConclusionVascularised fibular bone graft combined with an Ilizarov frame is a successful approach to safely and effectively reconstruct bone defects of the tibia. It has the advantages of vascularised fibular bone grafts together with the biomechanical advantages of Ilizarov frame that allows weight bearing to start almost immediately after surgery. This leads to a good outcome regarding the union and function.     

Ilizarov环形外固定架临床应用进展

Ilizarov环形外固定架具有缓慢牵伸延长作用,在用于治疗各种骨关节畸形及骨缺损、骨不连方面取得了举世瞩目的成就,近年来又有了相应的改进,其临床应用更灵活,更广泛。该文就Ilizarov环形外固定架发展演变,在临床治疗肢体延长、骨髓炎伴骨缺损、复杂性骨折、骨不连和肢体畸形等方面的研究进展,作一简要综述。     

Case report: Reconstruction of an intercalary defect with bone transport after resection of Ewing's sarcoma

We report a 13-year-old girl with Ewing's sarcoma of the tibia who was treated with multiagent chemotherapy, followed by local control tumor surgery consisting of wide resection of the tumor and bone transport with distraction osteogenesis for reconstruction. The bone defect created by resection was 13 cm long and was replaced by bone transport using a monolateral external fixator. Evaluation of the resected specimen revealed wide tumor-free margins with 100% chemonecrosis. A planned Harmon-type autogenous bone grafting between the middle and proximal segments of the tibia (docking site) was done primarily after docking occurred, and a solid union was obtained by 23 months after resection. The bone healing index (treatment index) was 54 days/1 cm distraction, which is indicative of slow healing. Clinical evaluation of the affected extremity using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society rating system revealed 80% normal functional capability. Indications for bone transport in reconstruction of bone defects created by wide resection of bone sarcomas are discussed. In retrospect, we have concerns regarding the suitability of this technique in the setting of diaphyseal sarcoma reconstruction in patients with Ewing's sarcoma who require aggressive and intense multiagent chemotherapy.     

Treatment of bone tumor using external fixator

External fixation has been widely used for the treatment of limb length discrepancy, deformity correction, and bone defect using distraction osteogenesis. We have been using this technique for the treatment of obstacles due to benign bone tumor and reconstruction after malignant bone tumor resection. In this paper, we introduce the usefulness of external fixation for the treatment of various benign bone tumors and limb salvage surgery for reconstruction after tumor resection using distraction osteogenesis, according to the tumor site. The advantages of external fixation for the treatment of benign bone tumor include a possibility of complex deformity correction without treating the tumor itself and reconstruction of the aggressive benign bone tumor as well as solid fixation with wires, even for weak bone due to benign bone tumors. The advantages of treating malignant bone tumor include regeneration of living bone of sufficient strength and durability, biological affinity, resistance against infection, and lifelong restored function. The disadvantages include delayed union at the docking site and pin-or wire-tract infection, patient's psychological stress, and the procedure is time consuming. We conclude that external fixation is very efficient for the treatment of benign and malignant bone tumors.     

Pedicled vascularized fibular graft with Ilizarov external fixator for reconstructing a large bone defect of the tibia after tumor resection

Background

Large bony defects in the middle or distal third of the tibia resulting from surgical resection of malignant bone tumors present a difficult reconstructive challenge. Various methods of reconstruction are available, such as allografts, vascularized fibular graft (either free or pedicled), or endoprothesis replacement for distal defects.

Materials and methods

Twelve patients—eight males and four females with mean age of 18 years at operation (range 14–25 years)—with malignant bone tumors of the tibial shaft were selected as candidates for wide resection of the tumor and reconstruction of the bony defect by ipsilateral vascularized fibular graft based on the peroneal vessels. Preoperative staging studies, including plain radiography, local MRI, isotopic bone scan, and chest CT, were done for every patient before biopsy. Ilizarov external fixation was then applied in all cases. The average length of the bony gap bridged was 14.5 cm (13–16.5 cm) and the mean length of the harvested graft was 16.3 cm (15–18 cm). The average operation time was 7.5 h (5.5–9.5 h).

Results

The mean follow-up period was 38 months (range 32–52 months). Bony union at the proximal and distal ends of the fibula occurred in nine patients (75 %) and at a mean time of 5.5 months (range 4.5–8 months). Graft hypertrophy occurred in all patients. The mean percentage of hypertrophy was 95 % (range 80–160 %). The mean MSTS functional score was 84 % (range 80–92 %). A leg length discrepancy of 2 cm was reported in two patients and was managed using a shoe lift.

Conclusion

Reconstruction of bony defects of the middle or distal tibia after bone tumor resection using pedicled vascularized fibula is a useful limb salvage procedure. The procedure can be performed relatively quickly and inexpensively and has a low rate of late complications. It leads to a good outcome regarding the union, hypertrophy, and function.     

Management of paediatric tibial fractures using two types of circular external fixator: Taylor spatial frame and Ilizarov circular fixator

Background

The use of circular fixators for the treatment of tibial fractures is well established in the literature. The aim of this study was to compare the Ilizarov circular fixator (ICF) with the Taylor spatial frame (TSF) in terms of treatment results in consecutive patients with tibial fractures that required operative management.

Method

A retrospective analysis of patient records and radiographs was performed to obtain patient data, information on injury sustained, the operative technique used, time duration in frame, healing time and complications of treatment. The minimum follow-up was 24 months.

Results

Ten patients were treated with ICF between 2000 and 2005, while 15 patients have been treated with TSF since 2005. Two of the 10 treated with ICF and 5 of the 15 treated with TSF were open fractures. All patients went on to achieve complete union. Mean duration in the frame was 12.7 weeks for ICF and 14.8 weeks for the TSF group. Two patients in the TSF group had delayed union and required additional procedures including adjustment of fixator and bone grafting. There was one malunion in the TSF group that required osteotomy and reapplication of frame. There were seven and nine pin-site infections in the ICF and TSF groups, respectively, all of which responded to antibiotics. There were no refractures in either group.

Conclusion

In an appropriate patient, both types of circular fixator are equally effective but have different characteristics, with TSF allowing for postoperative deformity correction. Of concern are the two cases of delayed union in the TSF group, all in patients with high-energy injuries. We feel another larger study is required to provide further clarity in this matter.

Level of evidence

Level II—comparative study.     

Ilizarov外固定器治疗马蹄内翻足的护理

[目的]总结13例马蹄内翻足应用外固定器矫形的护理。[方法]采取心理疏导、针孔护理、密切观察肢体感觉、运动功能,指导正确使用外固定器及康复训练等综合护理。[结果]随访13例患者术后疗效满意,无1例因护理不当出现并发症。[结论]应用外固定器治疗,通过围手术期精心护理,保证了手术的成功,达到了病人的满意。     

Treatment of unstable distal radius fractures with Ilizarov circular, nonbridging external fixator

Unstable distal radius fractures remain a challenge for the treating orthopaedic surgeon. We present a retrospective follow-up study (mean follow-up 12.5 months) of 20 patients with 21 unstable distal radius fractures that were reduced in a closed manner and stabilized with a nonbridging Ilizarov external fixator. Subsequent insertion of olive wires for interfragmentary compression was performed in cases with intra-articular fractures. According to the overall evaluation proposed by Gartland and Werley scoring system 12 wrists were classified as excellent, 6 as good, 2 as fair and 1 as poor. Grade II pin-tract infection in distal fracture fragment was detected in 3 wires from a total of 78 (3.8%) and in 4 half pins out of a total of 9 (44.4%). Pronation was the most frequently impaired movement. This was restricted in 4 patients (19%) in whom a radioulnar transfixing wire was applied. Symptoms of irritation of superficial sensory branch of the radial nerve occurred in 3 patients with an olive wire applied in a closed manner in the distal fragment.Ilizarov method yields functional results comparable to that of other methods whilst it avoids wrist immobilization, open reduction and reoperation for implant removal. The method is associated with a low rate of major complication and satisfactory functional outcome.     

Ilizarov外固定器治疗肥大性骨不连

 目的 探讨采用Ilizarov外固定器治疗肥大性骨不连的疗效。方法 回顾性分析2008年6月至2010年12月,采用Ilizarov环型外固定器直接牵张治疗肥大性骨不连患者的病例,男10例,女2例;年龄22～62岁,平均46.5岁;肱骨中段1例,股骨髁上2例,胫骨中段3例,胫骨中下1/3交界处6例;患肢畸形成角10°～35°,平均25°,其中2例为双平面畸形,10例为单平面畸形;肢体短缩2～6 cm,平均3.5 cm。所有患者术前均拍摄双下肢全长X线片。对骨断端尽量不切开,局部不植骨,直接安装预构的Ilizarov外固定器。对局部留存内固定物者,采用微创的方法取出,尽量保护骨断端血供。术后第7天开始进行矫形延长,断端处每天延长0.25 mm。在恢复肢体长度的同时,矫正成角畸形,对双平面畸形,先矫正冠状面畸形,再矫正矢状面畸形。结果 12例骨不连患者均通过断端直接牵张成骨而获得骨性愈合, 骨断端无需植骨。骨性愈合时间6～12个月,平均8个月。成角畸形和肢体不等长全部获得矫正。畸形矫正时间15～35 d,平均24 d。畸形矫正10°～30°,平均23°。患肢延长2.0～5.5 cm,平均3.0 cm。随访6～18个月,平均14个月,所有患者获得的矫形均未丢失。结论 肥大性骨不连断端间纤维骨痂有活跃的成骨潜能,采用Ilizarov外固定器治疗肥大性骨不连可取得满意的疗效。     

Reconstruction after intercalary resection of malignant bone tumours: comparison between segmental allograft and extracorporeally-irradiated autograft

We reviewed 29 patients who had undergone intercalary resection for malignant tumours. Of these, 14 had received segmental allograft reconstruction and 15 extracorporeally-irradiated autograft. At a mean follow-up of 71 months (24 to 132), 20 were free from disease, five had died and four were alive with pulmonary metastases. Two patients, one with an allograft and one with an irradiated autograft, had a local recurrence. Reconstruction with extracorporeally-irradiated autograft has a significantly lower rate of nonunion (7% vs 43%, p = 0.031) but an insignificantly higher rate of fracture (20% vs 14%, p = 0.535) than that with segmental allograft. Using the Enneking functional evaluation system, the mean postoperative score for the patients without local recurrence was 87% (80% to 96%) and was similar in both groups. Extracorporeally-irradiated autograft could be an acceptable alternative for reconstruction after intercalary resection, especially in countries where it is difficult to obtain allografts.     

Correction of neglected clubfoot using the Ilizarov external fixator

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to evaluate the corrective capability of the Ilizarov external fixator in the treatment of neglected clubfoot. METHODS: Thirty patients (38 feet) with a mean age of 19 (5 to 39) years with severe deformities and stiff feet associated with neglected clubfoot were studied. A limited soft-tissue dissection, Achilles tenotomy, and plantar fasciotomy were done. Progressive correction of the deformities was achieved through a standard setting of the Ilizarov external fixator. The device was used for 16 weeks, on average, and after removal a short-leg walking cast was used for an additional 6 weeks, followed by an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) for 6 months. RESULTS: The final outcome was scored as good (complete correction and no pain); fair (partial correction with plantigrade foot and occasional pain); or poor (nonplantigrade foot and continuous pain during walking). After a mean followup of 58 (range 12 to 107) months, the results were good in 30 feet (78.9%); fair in three feet (7.9%); and poor in five feet (13.2%). Early complications were a distal tibial fracture in one foot, dislocation of the first metatarsophalangeal joint in one foot, and arterial damage that resulted in amputation of the toes in one foot. Recurrence of the deformity was found in 19 feet (50%): 11 minor, three mild, and five severe. Spontaneous ankylosis developed in 28 feet (73.7%). Nine feet (23.7%) required arthrodesis for symptomatic arthritis of the ankle or midfoot and deformity that could not be treated with orthoses. CONCLUSION: The Ilizarov external fixator allows simultaneous correction of all the severe foot deformities associated with neglected clubfoot with minimal surgery, reducing risks of cutaneous or neurovascular complications and avoiding excessive shortening of the foot. Even in those patients in whom final corrective arthrodesis is necessary, this may be carried out with minimal bone resection, since the severe deformities of the foot and ankle have been corrected.     

镶嵌式外固定支架治疗胫骨干骨不连与骨缺损

目的 探讨应用镶嵌式外固定支架治疗胫骨干骨不连与骨缺损的临床疗效.方法 自2006年3月至2010年10月收治40例胫骨干骨折术后骨不连及骨缺损患者,男30例,女10例;年龄19～45岁,平均28.4岁;左侧26例,右侧14例.骨不连按Weber-Czech分类:非感染性骨不连30例,感染性骨不连10例;合并骨缺损或肢体短缩18例,骨缺损或肢体短缩2～10 cm,平均6.1 cm.均采用镶嵌式外固定支架固定治疗.骨不连断端未植骨处理.同期行皮瓣修复者4例,行负压封闭引流二期皮瓣或植皮修复者5例.结果 36例患者术后获10～48个月(平均15个月)随访,4例失访.所有患者骨不连均获愈合,愈合时间为6～12个月,平均7.8个月.短缩2～3 cm者3例,短缩2 cm以下者4例.4例患者骨折愈合后骨折端在冠状面或矢状面上有成角,成角5°～10°,平均8°.相邻膝、踝关节功能恢复良好.结论 镶嵌式外固定支架治疗胫骨干骨不连及骨缺损方法简单、有效,可早期功能锻炼,感染患者可获一期愈合.     

Tibial bone defects treated by internal bone transport using the Ilizarov method

We reviewed 27 cases of tibial bone defects treated by internal bone transport using the Ilizarov method. The causes of the bone defects were open fractures in 14 segments and infected non-unions in 13. The average length of the defects was 8.3 cm (range, 3–20 cm). There were 21 one-level tibial transports, 3 two-level tibial transports, 1 one-level tibial transport with fibular transport, and 2 fibular transports. At the docking site, 25 segments underwent bone grafting. Eleven of the 25 were Papineau-type open cancellous bone grafts. Acute shortening or docking was performed in 10 segments. Bone union was obtained in every instance. The average time of external fixation was 8 months and the average time to union was 7.1 months. Bone grafting at the docking site is recommended in order to shorten the duration of treatment and to prevent refracture and non-union.

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Résumé. Nous avons passé en revue 27 cas de perte de substance du tibia traités par ?transport osseux interne? conformément à la méthode Ilizarov. Ces anormalies provenaient de fractures ouvertes dans 13. La longeur moyenne des defect osseux était de 8,3 cm (entre 3 et 20 cm). On a effectué 21 ?transports tibiaux? de niveau 1, 3 ?transports tibiaux? de niveau 2, 1 ?transport tibial? avec ?transport du péroné?, ainsi que 2 ?transport du péroné?. Dans 25 cas une greffe osseuse a été pratiquée sur le site de réduction. 11 cas des 25 greffes pratiquées étaitent du type Papinau. D’importances réduction ont d?étre effectuées dans 10 cas. Des fusions ont été obtenues dans tous les cas. Le temps moyen de fixation externe était de 8 mois et celui de fusion de 7,1 mois. La greffe osseuse est recommandée sur le site de réduction afin de raccourcir la durée du traitement et de prévenir toute récidive de fracture ou de non-consolidation.

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Accepted: 7 November 1997     

Ilizarov bone transport using an intramedullary cable transportation system in the treatment of tibial bone defects

IntroductionSegmental tibia defects remain challenging for orthopedic surgeons to treat. The aim of this study was to demonstrate bone-related and functional outcomes after treatment of complex tibial bone defects using Ilizarov bone transport with a modified intramedullary cable transportation system (CTS).Patients and MethodsWe conducted a single-center, retrospective study including all 42 patients treated for tibial bone loss via Ilizarov bone transport with CTS between 2005 and 2018. Bone-related and functional results were evaluated according to the Association for the Study and Application of Methods of Ilizarov (ASAMI) scoring system. Complication and failure rates were determined by the patients’ medical files.ResultsPatients had a mean age of 45.5 ± 15.1 years. The mean bone defect size was 7.7 ± 3.4 cm, the average nonunion scoring system (NUSS) score was 59 ± 9.5 points, and the mean follow-up was 40.8 ± 24.4 months (range, 13-139 months). Complete bone and soft tissue healing occurred in 32/42 patients (76.2%). These patients had excellent (10), good (17), fair (2), and poor (3) results based on the ASAMI functional score. Regarding bone stock, 19 patients had excellent, 10 good, and 3 fair results. In total, 37 minor complications and 62 major complications occurred during the study. In 7 patients, bone and soft tissue healing occurred after CTS failure with either an induced membrane technique or classic bone transport; 3 patients underwent lower leg amputation. Patients with treatment failure were significantly older (57.6 vs. 41.8 years; p = 0.003). Charlson score and treatment failure had a positive correlation (Spearman's rho 0.43; p = 0.004).ConclusionBone transport using both intramedullary CTS and Ilizarov ring fixation is viable for treating patients with bone loss of the tibia and complex infection or soft tissue conditions. However, a high number of complications and surgical revisions are associated with the treatment of this severe clinical entity and should be taken into account.