Surgical management of a long segmental defect of the humerus using a cylindrical titanium mesh cage and plates: a case report

This is a case report of a patient who sustained multiple gunshots resulting in a Gustilo Anderson type IIIB mid-shaft humeral fracture associated with extensive segmental bone and soft-tissue loss. The patient was treated initially by multiple irrigations, wound debridement, and a unilateral external fixator. After the soft tissue healed without infection, the mid-shaft humeral defect of approximately 8 cm segmental bone loss was reconstructed with a cylindrical titanium mesh cage packed with a composite of cancellous allograft and demineralized bone matrix putty and stabilized with limited contact dynamic compression plates. At 13 months follow-up, plain radiographs demonstrated a healed construct with good alignment, and computed tomography images demonstrated bony in-growth through the cage. The patient had full range of motion at the shoulder and the elbow. This technique may be a reasonable alternative when treating large segmental bone defects of the humerus.     

The significance of segmental fibular fractures in the management of associated tibial fractures

One hundred seventy-six patients with 179 tibial shaft fractures (between March 2003 and August 2007) with a minimum of 4 months follow up were retrospectively reviewed by the author. Twenty-nine of these fractures were found to have segmental fibular fractures. These 29 fractures were analysed and compared with the total of 179 tibial fractures. Segmental tibial fractures with and without segmental tibial comminution were also analysed and compared.The segmental fibular fracture group had a greater incidence of associated injuries, associated fractures, open tibial fractures, Gustilo III B type fractures, major flap procedures, bony infection and bone grafting procedures which was statistically significant. The coincidence of segmental fibular fractures and segmental tibial fracture with segmental comminution indicated a bad prognosis. Segmental fibular fracture (associated with tibial fracture) appear more severe injury than segmental tibial fracture.     

Comparative fixation of tibial plateau fractures using alpha-BSM, a calcium phosphate cement, versus cancellous bone graft

OBJECTIVES: To compare the compressive strength of a bone substitute material (alpha-BSM) to cancellous bone when used to fill a defect void in a cadaver model of a Schatzker II split depression fracture of the lateral tibial plateau. DESIGN: Randomized, paired design. SETTING: Biomedical engineering laboratory. PATIENTS: Twenty-six human tibias were harvested from 13 cadavers. Three pairs of tibia fractured during preparation and were excluded. The remaining 10 matched pairs were randomized to fixation by using the bone substitute material or cancellous bone. INTERVENTION: A split depression fracture of the lateral tibial plateau was created in each tibia by using reproducible methods. This fracture was stabilized with a stainless steel L-plate and screws and either alpha-BSM or cancellous bone to fill the defect void. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Stiffness of the elevated fragment in compression, total depression of the joint at 1000 N. RESULTS: The alpha-BSM bone substitute displayed significantly greater stiffness than cancellous bone constructs in Schatzker II split depression fractures of the lateral tibial plateau (P < 0.0001). Plateau defects displaced significantly less at 1000 N when using alpha-BSM in comparison to cancellous bone (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: In this cadaveric study, alpha-BSM is an effective bone substitute compared with cancellous bone graft for stabilizing split depression fractures of the lateral tibial plateau.     

The electrical induction of callus formation and external skeletal fixation using methyl methacrylate for delayed union of open tibial fracture with segmental loss.

A case of delayed union of an open tibial fracture with segmental loss is presented in which electricity was applied to the bone defect through two screws that were connected to a methy methacrylate skeletal fixation device. The fracture developed electrically induced callus formation around the cathode, callus extended to the anode, and solid bony union ensued. External skeletal fixation using methyl methacrylate is convenient and is a suitable adjunct to electrical stimulation of fracture healing.     

The cylindrical titanium mesh cage for treatment of a long bone segmental defect: description of a new technique and report of two cases

This report describes a new technique for treatment of a segmental defect in long bones that uses a cylindrical titanium mesh cage, in combination with cancellous bone allograft and demineralized bone matrix putty (Grafton), stabilized with a statically locked intramedullary nail. Two clinical cases of tibia defects treated with this technique are presented. At the one-year follow-up, radiographically both cases demonstrated excellent limb alignment, stability, and bony healing. Immediate full weight-bearing was initiated in each case, and early limb functional recovery was achieved. Preliminary data suggest that this technique may be a reasonable alternative to currently used methods for management of select long bone segmental defects.     

Treatment of an open distal tibia fracture with segmental bone loss in combination with a closed proximal tibia fracture: a case report

The treatment of open distal tibia fractures remains challenging, particularly when the fracture is infected and involves segmental bone loss. We report the case of a 38-year-old man who sustained an open distal tibiofibular fracture with segmental bone loss and a closed proximal tibial fracture. The fractures were initially fixed with a temporary external fixator. The open distal tibial fracture was infected, and the skin was covered after the wound became culture negative. The tibia was then internally transported with a ring external fixator; the closed fracture of the proximal tibia served as the corticotomy for internal transport without conventional corticotomy. After 5?cm internal transport, the docking site of the distal tibia was fixed with a locking plate and autogenous cancellous bone graft. Bone graft was also used to the distal tibiofibular space to achieve distal tibiofibular synostosis. We describe one treatment option for an infected open fracture of the distal tibia with segmental bone loss that is accompanied by a closed fracture of the proximal tibia. This method can treat two fractures simultaneously.     

Fracture of a fenestrated metal backing of a tibial knee component. A case report

The case of a metal-backed tibial component that failed by metal fracture is reported. Fracture occurred through fenestrations in the metal plate surrounding the central metal stem. The fracture followed loss of bony support beneath the medial tibial plateau, which had allowed varus deformity of the replaced joint. A high tibial osteotomy procedure had preceded replacement of the joint.     

Modified hybrid fixator for high-energy Schatzker V and VI tibial plateau fractures

High-energy tibial plateau fractures associated with severe soft tissue injury are difficult to manage. The risk of wound complications following open reduction and internal fixation is notably high owing to extensive soft tissue dissection. Alternatively, application of hybrid external fixator minimizes soft tissue dissection and provides adequate fracture stabilization to allow early range of motion and correction of any mal-alignment. With this technique, soft tissue complications particularly surgical site infections are expected to be significantly reduced. This prospective study aims to determine the effectiveness of a modified hybrid external fixator in the management of high-energy tibial plateau fractures. Thirty-three patients with high-energy Schatzker V and VI tibial plateau fracture with severe soft tissue injury precluding formal open reduction were enrolled into the study. The fixator was a construct combining the Ilizarov ring with a monolateral external fixator. The results—bony union, range of motion, and associated complications of the treatment—were assessed. All fractures united within an average time of 14 weeks. Neither loss of reduction nor surgical site wound breakdown/osteomyelitis was noted. Eight patients developed superficial pin track infection and one septic arthritis of the knee joint. Hybrid external fixation is a safe option for complex high-energy tibial plateau fractures by simultaneously providing adequate fracture stabilization and protection of soft tissue healing to achieve bony union. The complication is mainly related to pin tract infection.     

Multistaged surgical management of posttraumatic segmental tibial bone loss

Fracture nonunions associated with segmental diaphyseal bone loss challenge present methods of sustaining bone length and securing bony union. In the tibia, single-stage grafting procedures to accomplish this reconstruction requires major tissue sacrifice from adjacent areas and often results in amputation. A series of nine patients with tibial segmental diaphyseal bone loss were treated with multistaged surgical reconstruction. All nine were patients with severe trauma, with soft-tissue loss and local sepsis, who were candidates for amputation. The follow-up period averaged 5.5 years. All of the patients achieved healed, stable legs. All but one were fully ambulatory without a brace eight to 15 months after the first stage of bone grafting. There were several minor complications, which were satisfactorily treated. Multistaged bone graft operations were relatively low-risk, with a high incidence of success for treatment of major tibial segmental bone loss.     

Lateral tibial plateau fracture as a postoperative complication of high tibial osteotomy

Fractures associated with valgus producing high tibial osteotomy are generally reported as operative complications which involve the medial proximal segment. Factors associated with this fracture at the time of surgery include forceful closure of the osteotomy after an inadequately perforated medial cortex, a proximal segment being less than 1.5cm in thickness, and osteotomes entering the medial compartment due to excessive bone loss. Three patients are reported with postoperative fracture of the lateral tibial plateau after tibial osteotomy. One patient's fracture was clearly due to trauma and the other two occurred in patients with a thin proximal segment.     

自断加压骨栓联合接骨板治疗胫骨平台骨折的疗效

目的探讨自断加压骨栓联合接骨板治疗胫骨平台骨折的临床效果。方法回顾性分析2018年7月至2018年12月间应用河北医科大学第三医院创伤急救中心自断加压骨栓联合接骨板治疗的12例胫骨平台骨折患者资料。男8例,女4例;年龄20~65岁,平均45.6岁;左侧6例,右侧6例。根据Schatzker分型:Ⅰ型1例,Ⅱ型3例,Ⅲ型3例,Ⅳ型2例,Ⅴ型1例,Ⅵ型2例。测量并比较术前、术后X线片上胫骨平台宽度,记录手术时间、出血量及骨折愈合时间。随访是否出现术后复位丢失及其他手术并发症,末次随访时应用Rasmussen评分系统评价患者的膝关节功能。结果本组患者手术时间平均54.6 min,出血量平均25 mL。骨折愈合时间平均17.2周,无骨折不愈合或延迟愈合。术后胫骨平台宽度(78.9±7.2)mm,较术前(87.4±6.1)mm变窄,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),无术后复位丢失和手术伤口并发症发生。2例患者出现下肢深静脉血栓形成,经治疗后痊愈。末次随访时Rasmussen评分系统评估膝关节功能;优9例,良2例,可1例。结论自断加压骨栓联合接骨板治疗胫骨平台骨折不但能恢复胫骨平台宽度,而且骨折块挤压牢固可早期功能锻炼,膝关节康复较好。     

Composite vascularised osteocutaneous fibula and sural nerve graft for severe open tibial fracture--functional outcome at one year: a case report

Management of severe open tibial fracture with neurovascular injury is difficult and controversial. Primary amputation is an acceptable option as salvaging the injured, insensate, and ischaemic limb may result in chronic osteomyelitis and non-functional limb. We report a case of open tibial fracture associated with segmental bone and soft tissue loss, posterior tibial nerve and artery injuries, which was further complicated by chronic osteo-myelitis treated with composite vascularised osteocutaneous fibula and sural nerve graft. Functional outcome of the injured limb at one-year follow-up was satisfactory: the patient was capable of achieving full weightbearing and was able to appreciate crude touch, pain, proprioception, and temperature at the plantar aspect of the foot. There was no pressure sore or ulceration.     

The role of the design of tibial components and stems in knee replacement

Stems improve the mechanical stability of tibial components in total knee replacement (TKR), but come at a cost of stress shielding along their length. Their advantages include resistance to shear, reduced tibial lift-off and increased stability by reducing micromotion. Longer stems may have disadvantages including stress shielding along the length of the stem with associated reduction in bone density and a theoretical risk of subsidence and loosening, peri-prosthetic fracture and end-of-stem pain. These features make long stems unattractive in the primary TKR setting, but often desirable in revision surgery with bone loss and instability. In the revision scenario, stems are beneficial in order to convey structural stability to the construct and protect the reconstruction of bony defects. Cemented and uncemented long stemmed implants have different roles depending on the nature of the bone loss involved. This review discusses the biomechanics of the design of tibial components and stems to inform the selection of the component and the technique of implantation.     

骨搬移术治疗胫骨骨折术后感染性大段骨缺损的疗效分析

背景：胫骨骨折术后感染性大段骨缺损的发生率高,治疗困难,效果不理想。目前,骨缺损修复方法包括皮瓣覆盖＋自体骨移植术、异体骨或异种骨移植、带血供腓骨移植、骨延长和骨搬移术。目的：探讨骨搬移术治疗胫骨骨折术后感染性大段骨缺损的疗效。方法：选取2010年9月至2014年9月收治的胫骨骨折术后感染性大段骨缺损患者40例,男24例,女16例;年龄18~64岁,平均（42.8±12.1）岁。将患者随机分成两组各20例,一组采用Orthofix单臂外固定延长架截骨延长,另一组采用Ilizarov环形外固定延长架截骨延长,术后随访对比两组患者的手术时间、手术出血量、HHS膝关节功能评分、Baird-Jackson踝关节功能评分。结果：Orthofix单臂外固定延长架的手术时间较短、手术出血量较少,与Ilizarov环形外固定延长架比较均有统计学差异（P〈0.05）。两组患者的术后HHS膝关节功能评分、Baird-Jackson踝关节功能评分均较术前有明显提高（P〈0.01）。结论：骨搬移术治疗胫骨骨折术后感染性大段骨缺损的疗效佳,可较好地改善患者的膝关节和踝关节功能。其中Orthofix单臂外固定延长架能减少手术创伤,安全性较高,但骨搬运过程中容易发生延长骨成角和偏移;Ilizarov环形外固定延长架的术中应用置入较多钢针,移动时可造成部分皮瓣坏死和血管损伤,应避免在皮瓣覆盖创面的胫骨大段骨缺损患者中使用。     

Influence of plate design on cortical bone perfusion and fracture healing in canine segmental tibial fractures

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether or not the limited contact design of the low-contact dynamic compression plate (LCDCP) provides advantages over the dynamic compression plate (DCP) in the context of cortical bone blood flow, biomechanical properties, and remodeling of bone in segmental tibial fractures. DESIGN: Randomized trial using canines. SETTING: Animal research laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Eleven canines. INTERVENTION: Segmental tibial fractures were surgically created in canine tibiae. The tibiae were reduced and stabilized with 316L stainless-steel, 3.5-millimeter, ten-hole plates: LCDCP (n = 5) or DCP (n = 6). MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Laser Doppler flowmetry evaluated cortical bone perfusion in the proximal tibia, segmental piece, and distal tibia (a) before fracture, (b) after fracture, (c) immediately after plating, and (d) at ten weeks. After the dogs were killed at ten weeks, bending stiffness and load to failure of the tibiae were assessed. Tibial cortical bone porosity and new bone formation were measured. RESULTS: Cortical bone blood flow was similar between the LCDCP and DCP groups throughout the study. Bending stiffness and load to failure of the tibiae were similar between the two groups. Whereas cortical bone porosity and new bone formation were higher in all plated tibiae at ten weeks compared with controls, no differences in cortical bone porosity were seen between the LCDCP and DCP groups. There was a trend toward significantly more new bone formation in the LCDCP group. CONCLUSION: The LCDCP is not advantageous in fracture healing or restoration of cortical bone perfusion to devascularized cortex in segmental fractures when plate fixation has been chosen for fracture stabilization. The overall injury following segmental devascularization seems more important to outcome than the type of implant used for fracture fixation up to ten weeks.     

Use of an injectable calcium phosphate bone cement in the treatment of tibial plateau fractures: a prospective study of twenty-six cases with twenty-month mean follow-up

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the potential benefit of a new injectable mineral bone cement (Norian SRS, Cupertino, CA, USA) for the treatment of tibial plateau fractures OTA types 41.B2-B3 and C3. DESIGN: Prospective study with established protocol. SETTING: University hospital; university teaching hospital. PATIENTS: Twenty-six patients gave informed consent to participate in this study and were available for follow-up examinations. All patients had sustained intraarticular tibial plateau fracture types OTA B2-B3 and C3. All cases were followed with a mean follow-up time of 19.7 months (6 to 36 months, median eighteen months). INTERVENTION: Twenty-five cases were treated with open reduction, osteosynthesis with screws or plate, and injection of Norian SRS in the subchondral bone defect. One case had closed reduction, screw osteosynthesis, and percutaneous cement injection. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Radiographs in two planes were evaluated prospectively at six, twelve, and twenty-six weeks postoperatively and at last follow-up using Rasmussen's radiologic score. Clinical parameters were measured at the same time intervals using Lysholm's and Tegner's knee scores. RESULTS: Two cases required early wound revisions because of sterile drainage. Two cases developed partial loss of reduction of the fracture between four and eight weeks after surgery, requiring revision surgery in one case (total complication rate 15.3 percent). No other patients had complications, and all other fractures healed without any displacement. The high mechanical strength of the cement allowed early weight bearing after a mean postoperative period of 4.5 weeks (1 to 6 weeks). CONCLUSIONS: An injectable mineral bone cement with high initial mechanical strength was used to fill bone defects in unstable tibial plateau fractures with good success. This material offers new perspectives in the treatment of tibial plateau fractures.     

Treatment of complex tibial plateau fractures using the less invasive stabilization system plate: clinical experience and a laboratory comparison with double plating

BACKGROUND: Bicondylar tibial plateau fractures are complex injuries, historically associated with high complication rates. The purpose of this study was: 1) to evaluate the clinical use L.I.S.S plating system for stabilization of bicondylar tibial plateau fractures. 2) To compare the biomechanics of this plating system with a double plate construct. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Thirty-eight patients who sustained a complex tibial plateau fracture (OTA type 41C) at one of three level-one trauma centers were stabilized using the Less Invasive Stabilization System (L.I.S.S.). The cohort of patients was evaluated clinically and radiographically for outcomes at a mean 15 months.In phase 2 of this study a model of a bicondylar tibial plateau fractures was made in six matched pairs of embalmed, human tibia and randomized to fixation with either a L.I.S.S plate or a standard double plate construct. The tibias were then subjected to an axial cyclic load of 500N for 10 cycles (3Hz) to approximate 2 months in vivo and displacements measured. RESULTS: Thirty-six of /38 (95%) patients united at 4 months after surgery with no loss of fixation nor infection. Two patients underwent prophylactic autogenous bone grafting for bone loss and united by 3 months postgrafting. Significant loss of knee range of motion (<90) was seen in five patients.Biomechanically, no differences in permanent inferior displacement of the medial fragment were found in initial axial loading and after 10 cycles between the two plate constructs. However, when loaded to 500N the L.I.S.S plate construct demonstrated almost twice the displacement of the medial fragment compared with the dual plate construct. No specimen lost fixation during cycling. CONCLUSION: The L.I.S.S plating system provides stable fixation of complex bicondylar tibial plateau fractures allowing early range of knee motion with favorable clinical results.     

Autologous osteochondral mosaicplasty for treatment of a posttraumatic defect of the lateral tibial plateau: a case report with two-year follow-up

Posttraumatic osteochondral defects following a tibial plateau fracture are common and a serious complication that may lead to the development of posttraumatic arthrosis. Successful reconstruction of the tibial plateau must include restoration of limb alignment, repair of bone defects, restoration of the articular cartilage, and preservation of the menisci. When osteochondral defects are present, the use of bulk bone grafts to restore the original articular surface anatomy of the tibial plateau is difficult due to incongruity between the graft and the original joint surface. Recognizing this, an autologous osteochondral transplantation utilizing the mosaic technique was performed successfully on a 32-year-old male alpine skier with a posttraumatic osteochondral defect following a tibial plateau fracture. At 2 years postsurgery, the patient had regained the capacity to perform most activities of daily living and to participate in sports. Clinical examination revealed an improvement of the Lysholm score from 48 points to 72 points.     

Joint degeneration following closed intraarticular fracture in the mouse knee: a model of posttraumatic arthritis.

Posttraumatic arthritis is one of the most frequent causes of disability following joint trauma. The objective of this study was to develop a model of a closed articular fracture in the mouse knee joint to quantify the temporal sequence of joint degeneration in a model of posttraumatic arthritis. Closed intraarticular fractures were created in the tibial plateau of adult mice (C57BL/6) using a computer-controlled materials testing system and a custom-built indenter tip. Tibial plateau fractures were classified and imaged over time using high-resolution digital radiography. Animals were sacrificed at 2, 4, 8, and 50 weeks following fracture, and the experimental and contralateral control limbs were harvested for histology and micro-computed tomography (microCT) analysis. By radiographic analysis, tibial plateau fractures closely resembled clinical fractures. More complex and comminuted fractures correlated to significantly higher fracture energies. Histologic analysis demonstrated progressive joint degeneration as measured by a modified Mankin scale, with fibrillation and loss of proteoglycan in the articular cartilage. Subchondral bone thickening was also observed in experimental joints. The induction of a closed intraarticular fracture of the mouse tibial plateau generated a reproducible and clinically relevant joint injury that progressed to osteoarthritis-like changes by histologic and microCT evaluations. The ability to induce joint degeneration without an osteotomy or open arthrotomy provides a valuable new model for studying the natural sequelae of posttraumatic arthritis. Notably, the use of a murine model will facilitate the use of genetically modified animals for the investigation of specific genes implicated in the pathology of posttraumatic arthritis.     

Outcome of tibial plateau fractures managed with calcium phosphate cement

OBJECTIVES: To compare the use of an injectable calcium phosphate cement (Skeletal Repair System (SRS), Norian corporation, Cupertino, CA) and minimal internal fixation with buttress plating and bone grafting for lateral tibial plateau fractures. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis with 13 age, sex and fracture matched pairs of tibial plateau fractures. METHODS: Thirteen patients with lateral tibial plateau fractures treated with buttress plating and bone grafting were matched with 13 patients treated using minimal internal fixation and an injectable calcium phosphate cement (SRS). All patients were followed for a minimum of one year. The operative time, quality of reduction, maintenance of reduction and development of post-traumatic osteoarthritis was compared in both groups. RESULTS: The mean duration of surgery was 101 min in patients treated with buttress plating and bone grafting and 55 min in patients treated with SRS (P < 0.0001). Nine patients in the internal fixation and bone graft group had excellent anatomical reductions as judged on post-operative radiographs but some loss of reduction was observed in 8 of the 13 (61%) cases. All 13 patients from the SRS group had an excellent reduction on post-operative radiographs but 3 (23%) demonstrated some loss of reduction of the plateau. The mean residual plateau depression at one year was 4mm in the buttress plate group and 0.7 mm in the SRS group (P < 0.005). Two patients (15%) in the buttress plate group developed post-traumatic osteoarthritis and required knee arthroplasty. CONCLUSIONS: The use of SRS was associated with more favourable anatomical results than conventional treatment with buttress plating and bone grafting for lateral tibial plateau fractures.