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Abd Aziz AU, Ammarullah MI, Ng BW, Gan HS, Abdul Kadir MR, Ramlee MH. Unilateral external fixator and its biomechanical effects in treating different types of femoral fracture: A finite element study with experimental validated model. Heliyon 2024; 10:e26660. [PMID: 38404809 PMCID: PMC10884926 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Previous works had successfully demonstrated the clinical effectiveness of unilateral external fixator in treating various types of fracture, ranging from the simple type, such as oblique and transverse fractures, to complex fractures. However, literature that investigated its biomechanical analyses to further justify its efficacy is limited. Therefore, this paper aimed to analyse the stability of unilateral external fixator for treating different types of fracture, including the simple oblique, AO32C3 comminuted, and 20 mm gap transverse fracture. These fractures were reconstructed at the distal diaphysis of the femoral bone and computationally analysed through the finite element method under the stance phase condition. Findings showed a decrease in the fixation stiffness in large gap fracture (645.2 Nmm-1 for oblique and comminuted, while 23.4 Nmm-1 for the gap fracture), which resulted in higher displacement, IFM and stress distribution at the pin bone interface. These unfavourable conditions could consequently increase the risk of delayed union, pin loosening and infection, as well as implant failure. Nevertheless, the stress observed on the fracture surfaces was relatively low and in controlled amount, indicating that bone unity is still allowable in all models. Briefly, the unilateral fixation may provide desirable results in smaller fracture gap, but its usage in larger gap fracture might be alarming. These findings could serve as a guide and insight for surgeons and researchers, especially on the biomechanical stability of fixation in different fracture types and how will it affect bone unity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aishah Umairah Abd Aziz
- Bone Biomechanics Laboratory (BBL), Department of Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru, 81310, Johor, Malaysia
- Bioinspired Devices and Tissue Engineering (BIOINSPIRA) Research Group, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru, 81310, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Imam Ammarullah
- Department of Mechanics and Aerospace Engineering, College of Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Diponegoro, Semarang, 50275, Central Java, Indonesia
- Undip Biomechanics Engineering & Research Centre (UBM-ERC), Universitas Diponegoro, Semarang, 50275, Central Java, Indonesia
| | - Bing Wui Ng
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (HUKM), Cheras, 56000, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Hong-Seng Gan
- School of AI and Advanced Computing, XJTLU Entrepreneur College (Taicang), Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, 215400, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mohammed Rafiq Abdul Kadir
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Hanif Ramlee
- Bone Biomechanics Laboratory (BBL), Department of Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru, 81310, Johor, Malaysia
- Bioinspired Devices and Tissue Engineering (BIOINSPIRA) Research Group, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru, 81310, Johor, Malaysia
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Rohilla R, Sharma PK, Dua M, Singh R, Beniwal D, Khokhar A. Outcome of monolateral rail fixator in infected nonunion of femur diaphysis developing after intramedullary fixation. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY AND TRAUMATOLOGY 2022; 33:1223-1230. [PMID: 35543884 DOI: 10.1007/s00590-022-03275-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Consensus is lacking regarding management of posttraumatic infected diaphyseal nonunions of femur following intramedullary nailing. Present study reports outcomes of single stage standardised treatment protocol using monolateral rail external fixator/limb reconstruction system in this type of infected diaphyseal femoral nonunions. METHODS This retrospective study included 26 patients with mean age of 31.7 years having posttraumatic infected diaphyseal femoral nonunions following intramedullary nailing and managed with radical debridement and monolateral rail fixator. The results were assessed by Association for the Study and Application of the Method of Ilizarov criteria. RESULTS Mean intraoperative bone gap was 4.34 (range, 2-7) cm. Mean gain in bone length was 4.04 (range, 0-7) cm. Fracture united primarily in 22 cases and after freshening of edges, fixator adjustment and fibular grafting in three more patients. Infection persisted in one patient. Most common complications were superficial pin tract infection (15 patients) and loss of more than 30° knee flexion (13 patients). The bone results were excellent, good, and poor in 15, 9, and 2 patients, respectively. The functional results were excellent, good, fair, and poor in 11,13,1 and 1 patient, respectively. CONCLUSION Single stage procedure including radical debridement, acute docking, distraction osteogenesis at corticotomy site and stabilization with monolateral rail fixator reliably achieves good to excellent bone and functional results, union and eradication of infection in majority of infected nonunions of femoral diaphysis developing after intramedullary fixation. We recommend acute docking in bone gap ≤ 5 cm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajesh Rohilla
- Department of Sports Medicine, Pt. B.D. Sharma PGIMS, Rohtak, Haryana, 124001, India
| | - Pankaj Kumar Sharma
- Department of Orthopaedics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, 115, Model Town, Phase-3, Bathinda, Punjab, 151001, India.
| | - Mohit Dua
- Department of Sports Medicine, Pt. B.D. Sharma PGIMS, Rohtak, Haryana, 124001, India
| | - Roop Singh
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Paraplegia & Rehabilitation, Pt. B.D. Sharma PGIMS, Rohtak, Haryana, 124001, India
| | - Deepshikha Beniwal
- Department of Sports Medicine, Pt. B.D. Sharma PGIMS, Rohtak, Haryana, 124001, India
| | - Arya Khokhar
- Homestead High School, 21370 Homestead Rd, Cupertino, CA, 95014, USA
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Fernando PLN, Abeygunawardane A, Wijesinghe P, Dharmaratne P, Silva P. An engineering review of external fixators. Med Eng Phys 2021; 98:91-103. [PMID: 34848044 PMCID: PMC8660649 DOI: 10.1016/j.medengphy.2021.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Mechanical stability plays a key role in the effectiveness of external fixators. Strength and stiffness are the main factors which contributes towards stability. Modified configurations of linear, circular and hybrid fixators are investigated. Light weight composite materials are gradually replacing traditional metallic alloys. Existing research gaps in further optimizing external fixators are identified.
External Fixators are a common technique used to treat a variety of issues related to bones, predominantly due to its non-intrusive nature and versatility in terms of form and materials. While it is mainly used to treat open fractures, its other uses include limb lengthening, deformity correction, bone grafting, compression of non-unions and stabilization of dislocations. Its earliest use dates as far back as 400 BCE and has undergone significant improvements, focusing on both customization and optimization. These two aspects highlight the significance of complementing the orthopaedic requirements with engineering knowledge and its applications. Hence, this review paper aims to conduct an examination of recent developments of external fixators with a special focus on its structure, the usage of materials and biomechanical investigations using experimental and numerical techniques. The paper presents the existing level of engineering knowledge with regards to these aspects and identifies research gaps, which can improve the quality of the commonly used external fixators.
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Affiliation(s)
- P L N Fernando
- Centre for Biomedical Innovation, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka; Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka
| | | | | | | | - Pujitha Silva
- Centre for Biomedical Innovation, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka; Department of Electronic and Telecommunications Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka.
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Management of post-traumatic femoral defects with a monorail external fixator over an intramedullary nail. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY AND TRAUMATOLOGY 2021; 32:1119-1126. [PMID: 34363107 PMCID: PMC8345235 DOI: 10.1007/s00590-021-03082-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The management of limb-length discrepancy secondary to traumatic femoral bone loss poses a unique challenge for surgeons. The Ilizarov technique is popular, but is associated with long external fixator time and many complications. This retrospective study assessed outcomes of post-traumatic femoral defects managed by monorail external fixation over an intramedullary nail. METHODS Eight patients were included from October 2015 to May 2019 with post-traumatic femoral defects that underwent treatment with monorail fixator-assisted intramedullary nailing. Primary outcome was time to bone union and bone results according to ASAMI classification. Secondary outcomes were lengthening index, consolidation time and index, external fixator index (EFI), time to partial weight bearing(PWB) and full weight bearing (FWB), and complications. Patient reported outcome measures including EQ-5D-5L, SF-36, Oxford knee scores (OKS), and Oxford hip scores (OHS) were recorded after recovery. RESULTS Mean follow-up time was 227 weeks. Average bone defect size was 9.69 cm. Average consolidation time and index were 11.35 months and 1.24 months/cm, respectively. Mean lengthening and external fixator index were 20.2 days/cm and 23.88 days/cm, respectively. On average, patients achieved FWB and bone union 56.25 weeks and 68.83 weeks after bone transport initiation, respectively. Two patients had docking site non-union, five patients had pin site infections, and two patients had osteomyelitis. EQ-5D-5L and EQ-VAS scores were compared to UK population norms (p = 0.104, p = 0.238, respectively). Average OKS was 32.17 and OHS was 34.00. CONCLUSION Monorail external fixation over an intramedullary nail is an effective option for post-traumatic femoral defects, reducing external fixator time and returning patients' quality of life to a level comparable with the normal population.
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Abd Aziz AU, Abdul Wahab AH, Abdul Rahim RA, Abdul Kadir MR, Ramlee MH. A finite element study: Finding the best configuration between unilateral, hybrid, and ilizarov in terms of biomechanical point of view. Injury 2020; 51:2474-2478. [PMID: 32798038 DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2020.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In an open fracture, the external fixator is one of the definitive treatment options as it could provide the initial stabilisation of the fractured bone. Limited literature discussing on the biomechanical stability between unilateral, hybrid and Ilizarov configurations, principally in treating a femoral fracture. Thus, this study aims to analyse the biomechanical stability of different external fixators via the finite element method (FEM). The present study portrays that different configurations of fixators possess different biomechanical stability, hence leading to different healing rates and complication risks. For the methodology, three-dimensional models of three different external fixators were reconstructed where axial loads were applied on the proximal end of the femur, simulating the stance phase. From the results, the unilateral configuration provides better stability compared to the hybrid and Ilizarov, where it displaced the least with an average percentage difference of 50% for the fixator's frame and 23% for the bone. The unilateral configuration also produced the least interfragmentary movement (0.48 mm) as compared to hybrid (0.62 mm) and Ilizarov (0.61 mm) configurations. Besides, the strain and stress of the unilateral configuration were superior in terms of stability compared to the other two configurations. As a conclusion, the unilateral configuration had the best biomechanical stability as it was able to assist the bone healing process as well as minimising the risk of pin tract infection while treating a femoral fracture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aishah Umairah Abd Aziz
- Bioinspired Devices and Tissue Engineering (BIOINSPIRA) Group, School of Biomedical Engineering & Health Sciences, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 UTM Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia; Medical Devices and Technology Centre (MEDiTEC), Institute of Human Centered Engineering (iHumEn), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 UTM Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia.
| | - Abdul Hadi Abdul Wahab
- Medical Devices and Technology Centre (MEDiTEC), Institute of Human Centered Engineering (iHumEn), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 UTM Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Rabiatul Adibah Abdul Rahim
- Medical Devices and Technology Centre (MEDiTEC), Institute of Human Centered Engineering (iHumEn), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 UTM Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia.
| | - Mohammed Rafiq Abdul Kadir
- Bioinspired Devices and Tissue Engineering (BIOINSPIRA) Group, School of Biomedical Engineering & Health Sciences, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 UTM Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia; Sport Innovation and Technology Centre (SITC), Institute of Human Centered Engineering (iHumEn), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 UTM Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia.
| | - Muhammad Hanif Ramlee
- Bioinspired Devices and Tissue Engineering (BIOINSPIRA) Group, School of Biomedical Engineering & Health Sciences, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 UTM Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia; Medical Devices and Technology Centre (MEDiTEC), Institute of Human Centered Engineering (iHumEn), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 UTM Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia.
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Borzunov DY, Kolchin SN, Malkova TA. Role of the Ilizarov non-free bone plasty in the management of long bone defects and nonunion: Problems solved and unsolved. World J Orthop 2020; 11:304-318. [PMID: 32572367 PMCID: PMC7298454 DOI: 10.5312/wjo.v11.i6.304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ilizarov non-free bone plasty is a method of distraction osteogenesis using the Ilizarov apparatus for external fixation which originated in Russia and was disseminated across the world. It has been used in long bone defect and nonunion management along with free vascularized grafting and induced membrane technique. However, the shortcomings and problems of these methods still remain the issues which restrict their overall use.
AIM To study the recent available literature on the role of Ilizarov non-free bone plasty in long bone defect and nonunion management, its problems and the solutions to these problems in order to achieve better treatment outcomes.
METHODS Three databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) were searched for literature sources on distraction osteogenesis, free vascularized grafting and induced membrane technique used in long bone defect and nonunion treatment within a five-year period (2015-2019). Full-text clinical articles in the English language were selected for analysis only if they contained treatment results, complications and described large patient samples (not less than ten cases for congenital, post-tumor resection cases or rare conditions, and more than 20 cases for the rest). Case reports were excluded.
RESULTS Fifty full-text articles and reviews on distraction osteogenesis were chosen. Thirty-five clinical studies containing large series of patients treated with this method and problems with its outcome were analyzed. It was found that distraction osteogenesis techniques provide treatment for segmental bone defects and nonunion of the lower extremity in many clinical situations, especially in complex problems. The Ilizarov techniques treat the triad of problems simultaneously (bone loss, soft-tissue loss and infection). Management of tibial defects mostly utilizes the Ilizarov circular fixator. Monolateral fixators are preferable in the femur. The use of a ring fixator is recommended in patients with an infected tibial bone gap of more than 6 cm. High rates of successful treatment were reported by the authors that ranged from 77% to 100% and depended on the pathology and the type of Ilizarov technique used. Hybrid fixation and autogenous grafting are the most applicable solutions to avoid after-frame regenerate fracture or deformity and docking site nonunion.
CONCLUSION The role of Ilizarov non-free bone plasty has not lost its significance in the treatment of segmental bone defects despite the shortcomings and treatment problems encountered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitry Y Borzunov
- Department of Traumatology and Orthopedics, Ural State Medical University, Ekaterinburg 620109, Russia
| | - Sergei N Kolchin
- Orthopaedic Department 4, Ilizarov National Medical Research Centre for Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Kurgan 640014, Russia
| | - Tatiana A Malkova
- Department for Medical Information and Analysis, Ilizarov National Medical Research Centre for Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Kurgan 640014, Russia
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Aziz AUA, Wahab AA, Ramlee MH. Relationship Between Strain and Healing Process for the Use of External Fixator: A Short Review. 2018 2ND INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON BIOSIGNAL ANALYSIS, PROCESSING AND SYSTEMS (ICBAPS) 2018. [DOI: 10.1109/icbaps.2018.8527393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
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