Submuscular plating after distraction osteogenesis in children

The results of femoral lengthening using domestic unilateral external fixation and then plating: the first case series in Vietnam

Introduction and importance

This study aimed to assess the results of femoral lengthening using an external fixator and then plating.

Case presentation

This prospective case series study enrolled 11 patients who underwent femoral lengthening and then plating (LATP) between January 2019 and April 2023. The average age of patients was 14.45 ± 7.54 years. One patient with a femur was lengthened and plated, and one tibia was lengthened over a nail simultaneously. The average femoral lengthening was 8.41 ± 1.35 cm.

Clinical discussion

The femoral healing result was excellent in seven femurs and good in four femurs; the functional outcome was excellent in five patients and good in six patients. Pin-track infection occurred in all patients. A limited range of motion of knee flexion occurred in eight patients. Femoral varus and procurvatum deviation occurred during distraction in four and two patients. Femoral LATP was considered an attractive alternative to intramedullary lengthening nails in a low-income country.

Conclusion

Our research suggests that femoral LATP was an effective method. However, the most common complications were pin-site infection and extensive knee contracture. Further research should be done with a larger sample size and longer follow-up time.

Level of evidence

Level IV-prospective observational case series study.

Results of Ilizarov external fixator lengthening compared to lengthening and then plating in management of femoral shortening in children

Femoral shortening in children is a challenging condition with complex functional and psychological implications. We study the results of Ilizarov external fixator (IEF) lengthening compared to lengthening and then plating (LAP) in the management of femoral shortening in children. Forty patients were included in the study and equally divided randomly into 2 groups, in group I LAP was used and in group II lengthening by IEF only was done. The two groups were analyzed for postoperative variables to adjudge the surgical outcomes. The mean follow up time was 24.05 ± 2.99 months, The gained length was 5.60 ± 0.60 cm in group 1 and 5.48 ± 0.64 cm in group II, group I had a shorter external fixator period (3.96 ± 0.22) months, better healing index (24.6 ±2.76) days/cm, earlier complete weight-bearing (5.55 ± 0.78) months than group II. The period of hospitalization for group I was longer more than group II. The complications were less in group I (n=7, 35%) than in group II (n=11, 55%). There was no significant correlation between the healing index with age, also no significant difference was detected between the healing index and gender. There was a significant correlation between the gained length and complete weight-bearing. This study efficiently demonstrates that LAP may be better than lengthening with IEF alone in the management of femoral shortening in children.

Treatment of 18 cm lower limb length discrepancy using lengthening over nail technique in tibia and lengthening and plating in femur - A case report

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

The management of extreme limb-length discrepancy remains a challenge for surgeons. Limb lengthening using an external fixator is a popular method for managing limb-length discrepancy; however, it had many complications. Other techniques using external fixators have been described, such as lengthening over a nail (LON) technique and lengthening and then plating (LATP), which decrease external fixator duration, equinus contracture, pin-site infection, bone alignment, and bone fracture. Only a few cases of management of extreme limb-length discrepancy due to hip dysplasia using LATP and LON techniques are reported in the literature.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report a 24-year-old case of an 18 cm lower limb length discrepancy, who had tibial lengthening and Chiari pelvic osteotomy for treatment of congenital hip dislocation 12 years ago. The treatment for the patient was underwent the lengthening over nail technique in the tibia and lengthening and then plating in the femur. 9 months post-operative, the tibia and femur are union. The patient reported no pain and could walk and climb stairs without a crutch.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

Following pelvic osteotomy, leg lengthening is a good treatment for limb-length discrepancy due to hip dysplasia. The LON technique or LATN in the tibia and in the femur is an alternative choice for the treatment of extreme limb-length discrepancy. Lengthening and then plating could be widely employed in patients who are not suitable for the LON technique. Although the patient had gained the 18 cm lengthening, the range of motion of the left knee joint and left ankle joint was unrestricted, and without neurovascular complication.

CONCLUSION

Following pelvic osteotomy, LON technique in the tibia and or LATP in the femur is considered an alternative choice for the treatment of extreme limb-length discrepancy due to hip dysplasia. LATP should be widely employed in patients who are not suitable for limb lengthening over a nail.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

A case report.

Plate fixation after lengthening with an external fixator in patients with achondroplasia : A comparative study between two centers

BACKGROUND

This study compared internal fixation with a plate after lengthening (PAL) with an external fixator with the conventional method (CM) in terms of radiologic and clinical outcomes in the lower extremities of patients with achondroplasia.

METHODS

In this study 20 patients (50 lower extremity long bones) who underwent PAL or CM were divided into 2 cohort groups. The amount of lengthening, percentage lengthening, external fixator index (EFI), external fixator time, Li regeneration index, complication rate, and knee range of motion (ROM) were compared between the groups.

RESULTS

The median age was 9.4 years (range 6-16 years) in the PAL group and 12 years (range 9-16 years) in the CM group (p = 0.01). Males comprised 80% of the patients in the PAL group and 47% of the patients in the CM group (p = 0.02). The median amount of lengthening in the PAL and CM groups was 7.5 cm (range 5.5-9.5 cm) and 6.0 cm (range 5.5-9.0 cm), respectively (p < 0.01). The median percentage of lengthening in the PAL and CM groups was 44.6% (range 20.0-70.1%) and 43.0% (range 20.5-57.3%), respectively (p = 0.01). The median external fixator time in the PAL and CM groups was 127 days (range 94-185 days) and 180 days (range 105-355 days), respectively (p < 0.01). The median EFI in the PAL and CM groups was 21 days/cm (range 10-33 days/cm) and 27 days/cm (range 15-59 days/cm), respectively (p < 0.01). The Li regeneration index was 3 (interquartile range, IQR 2-4) in both groups (p = 0.2). The total complication rate was similar between the groups.

CONCLUSION

In patients with achondroplasia, after lengthening with an external fixator, internal fixation with a plate can be a reliable alternative to the conventional method.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III therapeutic.

Tibial Lengthening along Submuscular Plate with Simultaneous Acute Tibial Deformity Correction by High-Energy Osteotomy: A Comparative Study

Submuscular plating and osteotomy using power saw have shown the benefits in certain situations of limb lengthening. However, no previous studies combining both procedures have been conducted for acute tibial deformity correction and limb lengthening. Nineteen cases were enrolled in this study. Ten patients received tibial lengthening with acute knee angular deformity correction using high-energy osteotomy (Group 1), and nine patients received tibial lengthening only with osteotomy using multiple drills and osteotome (Group 2). Radiographic parameters retrieved before and after the operation included leg-length discrepancy, tibial length, length gained, mechanical lateral distal femoral angle (mLDFA), medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), and mechanical axis deviation (MAD). There were significant differences between groups in terms of external fixator index (EFI) (p = 0.013) and healing index (HI) (p = 0.014), but no significance in the length gained (p = 0.356). The latest postoperative mLDFA (p = 0.315), MPTA (p = 0.497), and MAD (p = 0.211) of Group 1 were not distinguishable from Group 2. The functional outcomes were excellent, and there were no permanent complications. Despite showing a longer healing time, this alternative lengthening procedure which combines fixator-assisted plate lengthening in the tibia with simultaneous surgical intervention of acute tibial deformity correction using an oscillating saw is appropriate for patients with leg-length discrepancy and angular deformity of the tibia.

Functional outcomes and complications of tibial lengthening using unilateral external fixation and then plating. A prospective case series

Introduction

Material and methods

Results

Conclusion

Level of evidence

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Patients with a narrow intramedullary cavity, joint contracture, pediatric patients are not suitable for LON or motorized nail.

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Tibial lengthening using external fixater then plating was safe and effective provided complications were kept in check.

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Equinus contracture, pin-site infection, and valgus alignment were the most common complications.

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Tibial lengthening then plating should be widely employed in patients who were not suitable for limb lengthening over a nail.

Treatment of femoral defective osteomyelitis with minimal invasive plates

Although recent treatment modalities reduced chronic osteomyelitis, it is still a challenging problem for both orthopaedic surgeons and patients. Especially treatment of femoral osteomyelitis with defective nonunion is reasonably difficult. Most accepted treatment option is external fixation. But the duration needed for external fixation may be too long for patient compliance. To reduce external fixation duration several methods were described. In this study we described a method for reconstruction of infected femoral defective nonunions using minimal invasive plates.

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Minimal invasive plating can reduce external fixator duration in treatment of defective femur osteomyelitis.

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Minimal invasive plating reduces relapse of infection in treatment of defective femur osteomyelitis.

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In treatment of defective femur osteomyelitis stepped treatment could be a favourable option.

Submuscular Plate Stabilisation After Lengthening: Standard and Modified Techniques

Introduction:

Submuscular plating after lengthening shortened the period of external fixation in distraction osteogenesis of the femur. In the femur, where monolateral or ring fixators had been used for the distraction, plates, could be inserted laterally, anteriorly or medially. Specific technical modification of the plate insertion, however, would be necessary to accommodate the femoral varus angular correction created at the end of the distraction, in the pelvic support osteotomy lengthening.

Material and Methods:

We reviewed a series of eight cases with standard and modified techniques of plating after lengthening. The amount of lengthening, the period of distraction, the external fixator index and the associated complications were assessed.

Results:

The mean lengthening was 5cm, with a range of 3cm to 9cm. The external fixation index, the period of external fixators in days in relation to the length of distraction in cm, was between 18 days/cm to 58 days/cm. One patient with quadriceps contracture, underwent quadriceplasty to improve knee flexion. Three patients with transient knee stiffness had resolution with aggressive physiotherapy. One patient with transient hypoesthesia recovered spontaneously. None of the patients developed joint subluxation, deep infection, re-fracture or implant failures.

Conclusion:

Standard and modified techniques of plating after lengthening were safe and required only a short period of external fixation. The modified technique offered an easier way of plate insertion in a deformed bone.

Plate-assisted Lengthening of the Femur and Tibia in Pediatric Patients

BACKGROUND

Limb lengthening over a percutaneous plate can be used during pediatric distraction osteogenesis to decrease the time of external fixation.

METHODS

A retrospective, consecutive 2-surgeon experience of pediatric femoral and tibial lengthenings with a plate-assisted lengthening (PAL) technique was performed. The plate was placed at the time of index corticotomy. The primary outcome measures of external fixation index, consolidation index, and complications were assessed for each lengthening.

RESULTS

From 2005 to 2012, 38 lengthenings (23 femur, 15 tibia) in 30 patients were performed by a PAL technique. All patients experienced successful distraction and consolidation. The average achieved lengthening was 3.80±0.98 cm (range, 2.2 to 6.4) with an average consolidation index of 27 days/cm and a mean external fixation index of 13.1±4.29 days/cm (range, 7.8 to 30). Patients returned to full weight-bearing activity after an average of 98.3±28.5 days. There were an average of 1.08±1.05 total complications and 0.39±0.75 severe complications per lengthening. Complications were encountered most commonly during femoral lengthening, including procurvatum and varus deformity through the regenerate. These deformities were usually corrected by frame adjustment before removal.

CONCLUSIONS

PAL is a safe technique that minimizes time of external fixation, accelerates rehabilitation and weight-bearing, and can be successfully used on the femur or tibia. The most common complications are angular deformities of the regenerate that can be treated with adjustment before or at the time of plate locking.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV-retrospective case series.

Management of pediatric open tibia fractures with supracutaneous locked plates

We evaluated the novel application of supracutaneous locked plates in pediatric open tibia fractures. Pediatric open tibia fractures stabilized with a locked supracutaneous plate from January 2011 to December 2014 were reviewed. Twenty-eight children, mean age 8.9 years, with 29 open tibia fractures were included. Nine of these children who had metaphyseal or metadiaphyseal fractures did not require joint spanning. The mean follow-up duration was 13.5 months. The mean time to uneventful union was 11.46 weeks, with no unacceptable malunion. Supracutaneous locked plates showed early union and no refractures. They could favorably replace tubular external fixators in stabilizing pediatric open tibia fractures.

Submuscular plating of the femur through an anterior approach after bone distraction

The method of osteogenesis by distraction is a known technique in orthopaedics for the management of bone defects secondary to trauma, infections or tumours. New strategies have been developed for decreasing the external fixator time. The use of the minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis technique is a secure approach through a percutaneous fixation technique in the anterior aspect of the femur that permits minimal dissection of the soft tissues while preventing cross-contamination with the pin tracts of the external fixators. The goal of this article is to show that a new surgical technique, to preserve the benefits related to the internal fixation and at the same time decrease the risk of infection, can be used to perform femoral plating after bone distraction with a low contact plate through an anterior approach to the femur while still taking adequate care of the soft tissues.

Monofocal bone transport technique for bone defects greater than 5 cm in tibia: our experience in a case series of 24 patients

BACKGROUND

As the tibial bone defect increases in size, the problems in treatment also increase. The treatment may be problematic but different treatment approaches can be used. Among these approaches, distraction osteogenesis is a method an orthopedic surgeon with limited conditions can use although it has a longer treatment period. In our case series, we evaluated current treatment approaches.

METHOD

Retrospective study based on patient records and radiographs. We evaluated our cases with tibial bone defects Type B and greater than 5 cm. Twenty four cases were operated between 1995 and 2013. Clinical follow-up consisted of physical examination, review of radiographs, and Association for the Study of the Method of Ilizarov (ASAMI) scoring system of bone and functional results.

RESULTS

The defects had an average lenght of 7.01 cm (SD:2.88) (range, 5-18). The mean follow-up time from removal of the apparatus to the time of the last clinic visit averaged 74.08 ±24.17 months (range: 39-122). The Ilizarov frame was placed for transport and until bone was solid, average of 275.5 ± 70.6 days (range: 190-437 days). The mean external fixator time (EFT) was 350.91 ± 89.22 days (range: 261-627 days). The mean external fixator index (EFI) was 52 days/cm (range: 34.8-62.8 days/cm). Bone union was obtained in 23/24 (95.8%) patients. Seven patients suffered from stiffness (2 knee, 5 ankle) from which 3 patients developed equinus deformity and required tenoplasty (Achilles tendon lengthening at the time of frame removal. After reaching docking site, 5 patients needed intramedullary nailing to speed up union. Twelve (50%) cases had excellent radiological results, 8 (33%) cases had good, 2 (8%) cases fair and 2 (8%) cases had poor results. Regarding the functional ASAMI scoring system 14 (58%) cases had excellent, 9 (38%) cases had good and one case (4%) had fair result.

CONCLUSION

According to our experience, the Ilizarov bone transport technique remains a reliable method to repair bone defects. However, the treatment time is lengthy with a considerable risk of complications. We found closed intramedullary nailing as an effective and easy solution for cases without pin tract infections to manage the nonunion problem of the docking site and this option should be considered where the surgeon envisages difficulties of healing or the patient has lost patience with the frame. Careful selection of case and patient profile can optimize the outcomes.

Does Integrated Fixation Provide Benefit in the Reconstruction of Posttraumatic Tibial Bone Defects?

BACKGROUND

Limb salvage in the presence of posttraumatic tibial bone loss can be accomplished using the traditional Ilizarov method of distraction osteogenesis with circular external fixation. Internal fixation placed at the beginning of the consolidation phase, so-called integrated fixation, may allow for earlier removal of the external fixator but introduces concerns about cross-contamination from the additional open procedure and maintenance of bone regenerate stability.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

Among patients deemed eligible for integrated fixation, we sought to determine: (1) Does integrated fixation decrease the time in the external fixator? (2) Is there a difference in the rate of complications between the two groups? (3) Are there differences in functional and radiographic results between integrated fixation and the traditional Ilizarov approach of external fixation alone?

METHODS

Between January 2006 and December 2012, we treated 58 patients (58 tibiae) with posttraumatic tibial bone loss using the Ilizarov method. Of those, 30 patients (52%) were treated with the "classic technique" (external fixator alone) and 28 (48%) were treated with the "integrated technique" (a combination of an external fixator and plating or insertion of an intramedullary nail). During that period, the general indications for use of the integrated technique were closed physes, no active infection, and a healed soft tissue envelope located at the intended internal fixation site; the remainder of the patients were treated with the classic technique. Followup on 30 (100%) and 28 (100%) patients in the classic and integrated techniques, respectively, was achieved at a minimum of 1 year (mean, 3 years; range, 1-8 years). Adverse events were reported as problems, obstacles, and complications according to the publication by Paley. Problems and obstacles are managed by nonoperative and operative means, respectively; in addition, they resolve completely with treatment. Complications, according to the Paley classification, result in permanent sequelae. Functional and radiographic results were reported using the Association for the Study and Application of Methods of Ilizarov scoring system.

RESULTS

Overall, there was a mean of four (range, 2-5) surgical procedures to complete the tibial reconstruction with a similar incidence of unplanned surgical procedures (obstacles) between the two groups (p = 0.87). Patients treated with integrated fixation spent less time in the external fixator, 7 months (range, 5-20 months) versus 11 months (range, 1-15 months; p < 0.001). There were seven problems, 15 obstacles, and zero complications in the classic group. Ten problems, 15 obstacles, and one complication occurred in the integrated fixation group. There was no difference in the severity (p = 0.87) or number (p = 0.40) of complications between both groups. Good to excellent Association for the Study and Application of Methods of Ilizarov function and bone scores were obtained in 100% and 98% of patients, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The integrated fixation method allows for a more efficient limb salvage surgical reconstruction in patients carefully selected for that approach, whereas the frequency of adverse events and ability to restore limb lengths was not different between the groups with the numbers available. Careful placement of external fixation pins is critical to decrease cross-contamination with planned internal fixation constructs. In this study of posttraumatic tibial bone defect reconstruction, good/excellent results were found in all patients after a mean of four surgical procedures; however, a larger multicenter prospective study would allow for more robust and generalizable conclusions.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, therapeutic study.

Bone Transport for Reconstruction in Benign Bone Tumors

Background

The aim of this study was to assess the results of using the Ilizarov apparatus to transport bones in the treatment of benign bone tumors.

Methods

Seven patients (six males and one female) with benign bone tumors were treated by bone transport with an Ilizarov apparatus at our institution. Their mean age at surgery was 14.4 years (range, 4.8 to 36.9 years). The histological diagnoses were osteofibrous dysplasia (4), giant-cell tumor (1), intraosseous cavernous hemangioma (1), and aneurysmal bone cyst (1). Three radiological indices were used for evaluating the results: an external fixation index, a distraction index, and a maturation index. The bone and functional results were evaluated according to the Association for the Study and Application of the Method of Ilizarov classification.

Results

Five patients had bone union at the reconstructed site, one patient had a local recurrence, and the other had a nonunion at the docking site. The mean length of distraction was 7.3 cm (range, 5.1 to 12.1 cm). The mean external fixation index was 26.0 day/cm (range, 19.8 to 32.5 day/cm), the distraction index was 9.6 day/cm (range, 6.8 to 12.0 day/cm), and the maturation index was 14.9 day/cm (range, 8.0 to 22.5 day/cm). Ultimately, the bone and the functional results were rated excellent in six cases and good in one case.

Conclusions

Bone transport using the Ilizarov apparatus is a good treatment option in patients with bone defects after the resection of an active or aggressive benign bone tumor.

Limb Lengthening with a Submuscular Locking Plate

Introduction

Limb-lengthening with a submuscular locking plate provides a good alternative for patients, especially children, in whom lengthening over an intramedullary nail would be difficult.

Step 1 External Fixation for Lengthening with Submuscular Plating

The first operation is divided into two steps, submuscular plating and external fixation with corticotomy; due to the anatomical characteristics, the procedures differ in the tibia and femur.

Step 2 Lengthening

Start distraction at seven to ten days after surgery and continue until the target length is achieved.

Step 3 Locking of the Distal Segment and Removal of the External Fixator

When the target length has been achieved, place screws into the distal segment through plate holes and remove the fixator.

Step 4 Postoperative Care

Start with partial weight-bearing, obtain a radiograph every four to eight weeks, and allow full weight-bearing with crutches when osseous consolidation is observed.

Results

We prospectively performed limb lengthening using an external fixator and a submuscular locking plate in ten patients¹⁶.IndicationsContraindicationsPitfalls & Challenges.

Limb lengthening for post-traumatic shortening over a pre-implanted femoral locking plate

Attempts have been made to refine techniques involved in distraction osteogenesis to improve patient compliance and reduce complications. The prolonged use of external fixators for limb lengthening is associated with a number of problems, and in addition patient satisfaction with a cumbersome external fixator may be low. To reduce the complication rate and facilitate early removal of the external fixator by protecting the regenerate bone, lengthening over an intramedullary nail is being increasingly described. These techniques have limitations when used in skeletally immature patients and carry a risk of deep intramedullary infection. Post-traumatic limb length discrepancy is not uncommon after high-energy injuries are fixed in a shortened position secondary to bone loss. The plate applied at the time of injury may be incorporated into any subsequent lengthening process. A detailed description of the technique of lengthening over a pre-implanted distal femoral plate is followed by presentation of 2 case examples.

Does lengthening and then plating (LAP) shorten duration of external fixation?

BACKGROUND

Classic bone lengthening requires patients wear external fixation for the distraction and consolidation phases and there is fracture risk after frame removal. Our technique of lengthening with the Taylor Spatial Frame(TM) and then insertion of a locked plate allows earlier removal of the external fixator during consolidation. Plate insertion is accomplished through a clean pin-free zone avoiding contamination and before frame removal maintaining bone position.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

We asked (1) whether lengthening and then plating (LAP) decrease the time for external fixation (2) how alignment and complications compare with those of the classic method.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective case-matched comparison between LAP and the classic technique with 27 extremities in each group. We compared time wearing the frame, bone healing index, external fixation index, joint ROM, alignment, and complications.

RESULTS

The time wearing the frame and external fixation index were lower in the LAP group (4.5 versus 6.2 months and 1.5 versus 2 months/cm). Deviation from normal alignment was observed in seven and six patients in the LAP and classic group, respectively. Varus malalignment in two patients in the LAP group was associated with plate breakage. The incidence of pin-tract infection was greater in the classic group (12 versus two). No deep infections occurred in the LAP group.

CONCLUSIONS

The LAP technique shortened the time patients wore the external fixator but was associated with a high incidence of varus deformity. Stronger plates may help prevent deformity and allow earlier removal of the frame.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, therapeutic study (retrospective study). See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Clinical application of locked plating system in children. An orthopaedic view

In recent years, the locked plating system has gained favour in the treatment of certain fractures in adults; however, there is not much information regarding its use in children. We think there could be some advantages and applications such as: an alternative to external fixation, the bridge plating technique, unicortical screws, removal of hardware, metadiaphyseal fractures, periarticular fractures, poor quality bone, and allograft fixation. However, there are some disadvantages to keep in mind and the final decision for using it should be based on the osteosynthesis method principle the surgeon would like to apply. In this review article we discuss the up-to-date possible clinical applications and issues of this system.