Tibial Lengthening Over an Intramedullary Nail

Comparing the mechanical characteristics between leg lengthening using only an Ilizarov external fixator and leg lengthening over a nail using an external fixator manufactured in Vietnam

PURPOSE

The mechanical characteristics of leg lengthening over a nail (LON) using an external fixator are not well known; specifically, the number of rings and K-wires required for this method has not been determined. This study aimed to compare the mechanical characteristics of leg LON using the simplest configuration for a domestic frame and those of leg lengthening using the Ilizarov frame alone.

METHODS

The mechanical characteristics of cow tibial samples for lengthening over an intramedullary nail in combination with a domestic external fixator (LON samples) and for lengthening with the Ilizarov frame (Ilizarov samples) were evaluated by assessing axial compression, bending load, and torsional load. The research indices were compression stiffness, bending stiffness, torsion stiffness, yield axial load, ultimate axial load, yield bending load, and ultimate bending load.

RESULTS

No statistically significant differences were observed in the compression stiffness, ultimate axial load, bending stiffness, and ultimate, yield bending forces between the Ilizarov samples and LON samples. The compressive stiffness, yield axial load, and ultimate axial load of the LON samples were 98 ± 1.31 N/mm, 915 ± 23.89 N, and 1032 ± 29.86 N, respectively. The anterior-posterior bending stiffness and lateral bending stiffness of the LON samples were 122.48 ± 2.92 N/mm and 116.34 ± 3.95 N/mm, respectively. The yield anterior-posterior bending and ultimate anterior-posterior bending forces of the LON samples were 616.4 ± 3.64 N and 753.2 ± 3.49 N, respectively. The yield lateral bending and ultimate lateral bending forces of the LON samples were 624.6 ± 4.04 N and 759.0 ± 3.39 N, respectively. The axial torsional stiffness of the LON samples was 1.73 ± 0.05 N m/°, which was significantly lower than that of the Ilizarov samples (2.63 ± 0.03 N m/°).

CONCLUSION

No statistically significant differences were observed in the mechanical fixation characteristics of axial compression and bending between the Ilizarov samples and LON samples. However, the axial torsional stiffness of the Ilizarov samples was statistically greater than that of the LON samples. We recommend using the simplest configuration for domestic frames in combination with LON for limb lengthening. Partial weight-bearing is permitted in the distraction stage.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Case-control study.

Transport over a flexible nail to treat a tibial defect caused by shelling injury: A case report of a 13-year-old child

INTRODUCTION

The care of tibial traumatic fractures brought on by shelling injuries is extremely difficult, as these fractures are frequently comminuted, leading to a bone defect, extensive soft tissue damage, and an increased risk of bacterial contamination.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 13-year-old male presented with trauma to the right leg following a shelling injury. He had a Gustilo IIIa open fracture with soft tissue destruction and a 7.5 cm bone loss in the distal region of the tibial shaft. Neurovascular exams were unremarkable. Primary treatment by external fixation, wound debridement, and simple suture closure was achieved. After the external fixator was removed, distraction osteogenesis was performed to deal with the bone loss. The surgical technique chosen was transport over a flexible intramedullary nail. By the end of both distraction and consolidation phases, the patient was healed with no complications, deformities, or length discrepancies.

DISCUSSION

The objective of treating tibial shelling wounds is to restore functionality and save the patient's life and limb. Neurovascular evaluation, early bone fixation, and wound care are the basic treatment. Many techniques of distraction osteogenesis can be used to restore bone loss. With lower external fixation time and complications, transport over a nail is an important one. However, using a rigid intramedullary nail in children is contraindicated, so a flexible one was used.

CONCLUSION

In this case report, we highlight the value of proper management of open leg fractures and the importance of restoring bone loss to improve the quality of life for war victims, particularly children.

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

•

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

•

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

•

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

•

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

Complications and functional, psychological outcomes of bilateral tibial lengthening over intramedullary nail: evidence from Vietnam

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to assess the functional, psychological outcomes and complications of bilateral tibial lengthening over intramedullary nail. The intramedullary nail in this study was the Surgical Implant Generation Network (SIGN) nail.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We enrolled patients desiring stature lengthening at the 108 Military Central Hospital (Hanoi, Vietnam) from October 2011 to January 2019. A total of 104 people have been enrolled in the study and underwent the bilateral tibial lengthening procedure.

RESULTS

Average tibial lengthening was 7.1 ± 0.8 cm in men and 6.5 ± 0.6 cm in women. Percentage of tibial lengthening as compared with tibia length at the time of pre-operation was 23.9 ± 3.5% for male patients and 21.5 ± 3.7% for female patients. The outcome was excellent in 85 patients (81.7%) and good in 19 (18.3%). All patients experienced improved self-esteem and enhanced quality of life.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that bilateral tibial lengthening over nail was safe and effective provided complications are looked for and kept in check. Equinus contracture, pin tract infection, and valgus deviation were the most common complications. Valgus deviation occurs during distraction period. In patient who had neutral or valgus alignment, we recommend to use a blocking screw at the proximal segment post-operatively and use a blocking screw at the valgus distal segment at the end of distraction period to maintain the mechanical axis of both tibias. Bilateral tibial lengthening over nail should be widely employed in low-income countries.

Management of Failed External Fixation by Two-Staged Internal Osteosynthesis in the Lower Limb

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the result of a two‐stage (delayed conversion) management of nonunion after failed external fixation of the lower limb.

Methods

A case series of 25 patients (19 males and six females) enrolled in this study between February 2008 and October 2016, mean age 33.4 years (range, 22–65 years). Eight had femoral fractures, and 17 had tibial fractures. All were due to high‐energy trauma and were open fractures. All cases were presented by non‐union after external fixation in the lower limb long bones. All patients were managed by two stages (delayed conversion) osteosynthesis. The patients have been assessed for rate and time for union, range of motion of adjacent joints, the Modified functional outcome score of Karlstrom‐Olerud, and Trauma outcomes measure score.

Results

The mean follow‐up was 36.5 months (range 24–54 months). Twenty‐two cases (88%) were fully united on an average of 5.3 months. According to the Karlstrom‐Olerud scores, the final functional outcome score was excellent 12 cases, good 9 cases, accepted 2 cases, and poor in two cases. As regards the trauma outcome measure score, the mean TOM after 3 months was 26.1 (25.3–27.3), 30.4 (29.3–32.1) after 12 months, and 33.4 (32.3–40) after 24 months.

Conclusions

The technique of two‐stage treatment of nonunions of long bone after external fixation is a successful tool to achieve bony union. It could be a favorable option with a low risk of complications and a high level of functional outcomes.

Tibial lengthening over intramedullary nails: A matched case comparison with Ilizarov tibial lengthening

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to compare the results and complications of tibial lengthening over an intramedullary nail with treatment using the traditional Ilizarov method.

Methods

In this matched case study, 16 adult patients underwent 19 tibial lengthening over nails (LON) procedures. For the matched case group, 17 patients who underwent 19 Ilizarov tibial lengthenings were retrospectively matched to the LON group.

Results

The mean external fixation time for the LON group was 2.6 months and for the matched case group was 7.6 months. The mean lengthening amounts for the LON and the matched case groups were 5.2 cm and 4.9 cm, respectively. The radiographic consolidation time in the LON group was 6.6 months and in the matched case group 7.6 months. Using a clinical and radiographic outcome score that was designed for this study, the outcome was determined to be excellent in 17 and good in two patients for the LON group. The outcome was excellent in 14 and good in five patients in the matched case group. The LON group had increased blood loss and increased cost. The LON group had four deep infections; the matched case group did not have any deep infections.

Conclusions

The outcomes in the LON group were comparable with the outcomes in the matched case group. The LON group had a shorter external fixation time but experienced increased blood loss, increased cost, and four cases of deep infection. The advantage of reducing external fixation treatment time may outweigh these disadvantages in patients who have a healthy soft-tissue envelope.

Cite this article: J. E. Herzenberg. Tibial lengthening over intramedullary nails: A matched case comparison with Ilizarov tibial lengthening. Bone Joint Res 2016;5:1–10. doi: 10.1302/2046-3758.51.2000577

Nailing treatment in bone transport complications

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

Conversion of external fixation to internal fixation in a non-acute, reconstructive setting: a case series

The aim of the study is to determine the outcomes in patients who underwent conversion from an external fixator to an internal fixation device. This is a retrospective review of 18 patients (24 limbs) who underwent conversion from external to internal fixation. The patients had external fixators applied for traumatic bone defects or congenital deformities. Conversion to internal fixation was performed for reasons of patient dissatisfaction with external fixation, pin track sepsis, persistent non-union or refracture. The complexity of cases was graded using Paley's level of difficulty score. Patients were either converted acutely or delayed. Internal fixation devices were either intramedullary nails or plate and screws. Outcome was regarded as excellent if the patients were fully weight-bearing and pain-free on a mechanically well-aligned limb and without need for further surgery: good if the patient required subsequent surgery to achieve union and poor if irreversible complications occurred. Acute conversions (fixator removal and introduction of internal fixation device at same surgery) were done in 19 limbs and delayed conversion (interval between fixator removal and internal fixation) in 5. In the acute group, 17 limbs (89.4 %) had at least a good outcome, 16 of these limbs had an excellent result. Two limbs (10.6 %) had a poor result and required amputation. Both cases were after acute conversion to intramedullary nails; the original presenting diagnosis was of an infected non-union of the tibia and both had Paley scores above 7. In the delayed conversion group, all limbs (100 %) had at least a good outcome, with 4 limbs (80 %) having an excellent result. The mean external fixator time was 185 days (61-370). Both the cases with poor outcomes had longer external fixation times. This series supports the practice of conversion of external fixation to internal fixation with the majority of patients attaining good results. It identifies that plate devices appear to produce fewer deep sepsis complications, as compared to intramedullary nails, particularly when the original presenting diagnosis is a septic non-union.