Repeated Induced-Membrane Technique Failure without Infection: A Series of Three Consecutive Procedures Performed for a Single Femur Defect

[Modified Masquelet technique : Technique of the induced membrane in the course of time]

The reconstruction of long bone defects as a result of primary traumatic, secondary infection or tumor-related loss of substance continues to represent a surgical challenge. Callus distraction via segment transport, vascularized bone transfer and the induced membrane technique (IMT) are established methods of reconstruction. In recent decades IMT has experienced increasing popularity due to its practicability, reproducibility and reliability. At the same time, the original technique has undergone numerous modifications. The results are correspondingly heterogeneous. This overview is intended to explain the basic principles of IMT and to provide an overview of the various modifications and their complications.

Masquelet technique in military practice: specificities and future directions for combat-related bone defect reconstruction

Because of its simplicity, reliability, and replicability, the Masquelet induced membrane technique (IMT) has become one of the preferred methods for critical bone defect reconstruction in extremities. Although it is now used worldwide, few studies have been published about IMT in military practice. Bone reconstruction is particularly challenging in this context of care due to extensive soft-tissue injury, early wound infection, and even delayed management in austere conditions. Based on our clinical expertise, recent research, and a literature analysis, this narrative review provides an overview of the IMT application to combat-related bone defects. It presents technical specificities and future developments aiming to optimize IMT outcomes, including for the management of massive multi-tissue defects or bone reconstruction performed in the field with limited resources.

Management of segmental bone defects of the upper limb: a scoping review with data synthesis to inform decision making

PURPOSE

Injuries to the long bones of the upper limb resulting in bone defects are rare but potentially devastating. Literature on the management of these injuries is limited to case reports and small case series. The aim of this study was to collate the most recent published work on the management of upper limb bone defects to assist with evidence based management when confronted with these cases.

METHODS

Following a preliminary search that confirmed the paucity of literature and lack of comparative trials, a scoping review using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) was conducted. A literature search of major electronic databases was conducted to identify journal articles relating to the management of upper limb long bone defects published between 2010 and 2020.

RESULTS

A total of 46 publications reporting on the management of 341 patients were reviewed. Structural autograft, bone transport, one-bone forearm and the induced membrane technique were employed in an almost equal number of cases. The implemented strategies showed similar outcomes but different indications and complication profiles were observed.

CONCLUSION

Contemporary techniques for the management of post-traumatic upper limb bone defects all produce good results. Specific advantages, disadvantages and complications for each modality should be considered when deciding on which management strategy to employ for each specific patient, anatomical location, and defect size.

Induced membrane technique: a critical literature analysis and proposal for a failure classification scheme

The reconstruction of long-bone segmental defects remains challenging, with the three common methods of treatment being bone transport, vascularized bone transfer, and the induced membrane technique (IMT). Because of its simplicity, replicability, and reliability, usage of IMT has spread all over the world in the last decade, with more than 300 papers published in the PubMed literature database on this subject so far. Most of the clinical studies have reported high rates of bone union, yet some also include more controversial results with frequent complications and revision surgeries. At the same time, various experimental research efforts have been designed to understand and improve the biological properties of the induced membrane. This literature review aims to provide an overview of IMT clinical results in terms of bone union and complications and to compare them with those of other reconstructive procedures. In light of our findings, we then propose an original classification scheme of IMT failures distinguishing between preventable and nonpreventable failures.