Treatment of hypertrophic distal tibia nonunion and early malunion with callus distraction

Osteoperiosteal Iliac Autograft Transplantation for Unreconstructable Tibial Plafond After Malunions of Pilon Fractures in Young Patients

BACKGROUND

Malunion of tibial pilon fracture, especially with a large cartilage loss of the tibial plafond, is a tough clinical conundrum. This study describes a joint-preserving technique that mainly involves corrective intraarticular osteotomy and osteoperiosteal iliac autograft transplantation for treating these generally considered unreconstructable tibial plafond.

METHODS

Sixteen patients with an average age of 33.6 years who were treated with this joint-preserving method between 2013 and 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Ankle distraction was applied in all patients. Additional osteochondral autograft transplantation for talus was performed in 4 patients and supramalleolar osteotomy in 2 patients. The visual analog scale (VAS) score, the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score, the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) score, and the ankle range of motion (ROM) were used for outcome analysis. Radiographic assessment was conducted, and the complications were recorded.

RESULTS

At a mean follow-up of 41.1 months, the mean VAS, AOFAS, and SF-36 scores improved from 6.3, 47.6, and 38.0 to 1.7, 84.4, and 70.8, respectively (P < .001 for each). The ankle ROM improved from 27.5 to 32.2 degrees (P = .023). The mean area of ilium blocks was 3.5 cm2, and the mean external fixation time was 94.1 days. Radiographs showed that good osteointegration was found in all patients and no significant progression of osteoarthritis in 15 patients. The major complications included poor incision healing in 2 patients and severe ankle stiffness in 2 patients, with one of them developing considerable varus-type osteoarthritis but reporting no pain. No deep infection, nonunion, or malunion occurred, and no secondary arthrodesis was performed during the final follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Osteoperiosteal iliac autograft transplantation might be an alternative surgical option for reconstructing unreconstructable malunited pilon fractures with a large cartilage loss of the tibial plafond in young patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, case series.

Experimental assessment of changes in bone fragment position using infraread diodes on saw bone models with a hexapod fixator

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was an experimental assessment of changes in bone fragment position in patients with non-union of the tibia treated with a hexapod fixator.

HYPOTHESIS

We hypothesized that the use of hexapod fixators leads to differences between the planned and actual position of bone fragments.

METHODS

The study was conducted in physical models of the hexapod fixator-bone fragment system. Bone fragment displacement was measured using the Optotrak Certus Motion Capture System. We assessed differences between the planned and actual position of bone fragments.

RESULTS

Assessment of bone fragment compression demonstrated a difference between the target and actual correction ranging from 1.5% to 13.2% (depending on the force applied to bone fragments) for configuration 1, from17% to 21.3% for configuration 2, and from 13.2% to 17.9% for configuration 3. The achieved varus deformity correction constituted 93.7-98.4% of the target correction for configuration 2 and 98.3-98.9% of the target correction for configuration 3. Torsional deformity correction showed considerable discrepancies between the target and achieved correction, ranging from 65.6% to 83%.

DISCUSSION

The value of the applied compression force had no marked effect on the differences between the target and achieved correction or on the magnitude of unintended rotational and transverse displacement of bone fragments. The use of hexapod fixators helped achieve complete correction of the simulated varus deformity; however, complete correction of torsional deformities was not achieved. Deformity correction in physical models with the use of a hexapod fixator yielded instances of unintended rotational and transverse bone-fragment displacement. The use of hexapod fixators in physical models leads to differences between the planned and actual position of bone fragments.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV, case series.

Kinematic parameters after tibial nonunion treatment using the Ilizarov method

Background

Analysis of the outcomes of Ilizarov treatment of tibial nonunion shows functional deficits in the lower limbs of some patients. Biomechanical gait parameters are an important measure for assessing musculoskeletal disorder treatments that aim to restore normal gait. The purpose of our study was to compare the kinematic parameters in patients with tibial nonunion treated using the Ilizarov method and those in a control group of healthy volunteers.

Methods

The study population consisted of 23 patients (age 54.9 ± 16.4 years) who were treated for tibial nonunion using the Ilizarov method, as well as 22 healthy adult controls (age 52.7 ± 10.6 years). Kinematic parameters were measured using a Noraxon MyoMOTION System. We measured hip flexion and abduction, knee flexion, ankle dorsiflexion, inversion, and abduction during walking.

Results

Our analysis showed significant differences between the patients’ operated limbs (OLs) and the controls’ nondominant limbs (NDLs) in the ranges of hip flexion, hip abduction, and knee flexion. We observed no significant differences in knee flexion between the OL and the NOL in patients or between the dominant limb (DL) and NDL in controls. Our evaluation of the kinematic parameters of the ankle joint demonstrated significant differences between the patients’ OLs and the controls’ NDLs in the ranges of ankle dorsiflexion, ankle inversion, and ankle abduction. There were also significant differences in the range of ankle dorsiflexion and ankle abduction between the patients’ NOLs and the controls’ DLs.

Conclusion

Tibial nonunion treatment using the Ilizarov method does not ensure complete normalization of kinematic parameters assessed 24–48 months following the completion of treatment and rehabilitation.

Malunion of the Tibia: A Systematic Review

Background and Objectives: Tibial malunions are defined as tibial fractures that have healed in a clinically unacceptable position, resulting in deformity such as shortening, lengthening, abnormal rotation, or angulation. These deformities can have adverse effects on patients, such as pain and gait disturbance, as well as long term development of post-traumatic arthritis. This paper seeks to highlight some of the options for surgical management of malunions and detail the strategies and approaches used to manage these complicated cases. Materials and Methods: An exhaustive search was conducted on PubMed using the key search terms “Tibial” OR “Tibia” AND “Malunion” to be included in the title. Exclusions to the search included any article with patients aged < 18 years, any nonhuman subjects, and any article not published or translated into English. Results: A systematic review of the literature revealed 26 articles encompassing 242 patients who had undergone surgical correction for tibia malunion. A total of 19 patients suffered from complications. Methods of treatment included osteotomies, with plate and screws, external fixator, angled blade plate, intramedullary nails, Ilizarov fixator, Taylor Spatial Frame, Precise nail, and total knee arthroplasty. Restoring alignment and the articular surface led to overwhelmingly positive patient outcomes. Conclusions: Tibial malunions take many forms, and as such, there are many approaches to correcting deformities. The literature supports the following radiological parameters to diagnose tibial malunion: 5−10 degrees angulation, 1−2 cm shortening, 10−15 degrees internal rotation, and 10−20 degrees external rotation. Surgical plans should be customized to each individual patient, as there are many approaches to tibial malunion that have been shown to be successful in delivering excellent clinical outcomes.

Dynamic Gait Parameters in Patients With Nonunion of the Tibia Following Treatment With the Ilizarov Method

The purpose of this study was a comprehensive assessment of the dynamic parameters of gait in patients who underwent Ilizarov treatment for nonunion of the tibia. The experimental group consisted of 24 individuals treated with the Ilizarov method for nonunion of the tibia. The control group comprised 31 healthy individuals, matched for BMI, sex, and age. The dynamic gait parameters in patients and in the control group were measured with a Zebris pedobarographic platform. The treatment group and the control group showed statistically significant differences in terms of the following gait parameters: maximum force during braking nonoperated-limb (NOL), time maximum force during braking operated-limb (OL), time maximum force during braking NOL, maximum force during push-off NOL, time maximum force during push-off OL, and maximum force forefoot OL. Most of the evaluated gait parameters were bilaterally similar in patients group. The only significant differences between the operated and nonoperated limb were seen in terms of Time maximum force during push-off and Maximum force forefoot. The most pronounced abnormalities in dynamic gait parameters were observed in the forefoot (maximum force forefoot OL was 13.3% lower than in the control group, maximum force forefoot OL was 12.4% lower than in NOL). The patients treated with the Ilizarov method did not achieve a complete normalization of dynamic gait parameters, as their gait parameters did not equal those measured in the control group. The Ilizarov method for the treatment of tibial nonunion helps restore a symmetrical distribution of gait parameter values between the affected limb and the healthy limb. Patients continue to show the following abnormalities in their dynamic gait parameters after treatment: higher values maximum force during braking NOL, Time maximum force during braking OL, time maximum force during braking NOL, maximum force during push-off NOL, contact time forefoot NOL, contact time midfoot NOL, contact time heel NOL and smaller values of time maximum force during push-off OL.

Assessment of Lower Limb Load Distribution in Patients Treated with the Ilizarov Method for Tibial Nonunion

Background

Successful treatment of tibial nonunion should lead to a complete bone union, lack of pain, and pathological mobility of the lower extremity, as well as to the achievement of satisfactory joint mobility and muscle strength, which in turn improves its biomechanics. The objective of this study was to assess the load placed on the lower limbs in patients subjected to treatment with the Ilizarov method due to aseptic tibial nonunion.

Material/Methods

This research involved 24 participants (average age, 55 years). All were diagnosed with aseptic tibia nonunion and treated with the Ilizarov external fixator between 2000 and 2017. The control group was matched to the treated group in terms of sex and age. This study used pedobarography evaluation to assess lower limb load distribution.

Results

No differences were found in the distribution of the load over the entire foot or of the forefoot and hindfoot of the treated limb in comparison to the non-dominant limb of the controls, or in the healthy limb of the treated group compared to the dominant limb of the control group. Similarly, differences in load distribution between the operated and healthy limbs of the treated group were insignificant.

Conclusions

Patients subjected to treatment with the Ilizarov external fixator for aseptic tibial nonunion show symmetrical load distribution on both lower limbs following treatment, which does not differentiate them in this respect from healthy individuals. Treated patients presented with a symmetrical distribution of the load on the lower extremities over the entire foot surface, including the forefoot and hindfoot. Finally, the Ilizarov external fixator enables restoration of correct static biomechanics of the treated limbs over the period of aseptic tibial nonunion therapy.

Assessment of Gait after Treatment of Tibial Nonunion with the Ilizarov Method

Background: Tibial nonunion is a common bone union disorder leading to abnormal gait, and thus reducing quality of life in the social dimension. Research question: The aim of our work was to comprehensively assess gait parameters of patients who had undergone Ilizarov treatment for tibial nonunion compared to a control group of healthy individuals. Methods: This study evaluated patients treated for aseptic tibial nonunion with the Ilizarov method. 24 patients with a mean age of 55.0 years were included in the study. The control group consisted of 32 healthy volunteers with no significant medical history who were selected to match the gender and age of patients in the study group so that the groups were homogeneous. A Zebris Medical GmbH pedobarographic platform was used to assess the gait parameters. Results: For all gait parameters examined, force forefoot max, force backfoot max, step length, stance phase, swing phase and step time, we observed statistically significant differences between the group that had undergone treatment and the control group. In the group of patients, statistically significant differences between the operated lower limb and the non-operated limb were only observed for the force forefoot max and step time parameters (p = 0.029 and p = 0.045, respectively). Patients presented a longer loading of the operated limb (0.720 s) than the non-operated limb (0.635 s). For the stride time, step cadence and gait velocity parameters, healthy subjects achieved much better results during locomotion, and these differences were statistically significant at p < 0.001. Significance: Treatment of tibial nonunion with the Ilizarov method did not restore normal gait parameters in our group of patients. In fact, the gait parameters of patients were significantly worse than the healthy individuals in the control group. Furthermore, gait parameters following treatment were not symmetrical, and the dynamics of the musculoskeletal system remained impaired.

A new criterion for assessing Ilizarov treatment outcomes in nonunion of the tibia

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study was to assess a population of patients with nonunion of the tibia treated with the Ilizarov method in terms of achieved union rates and maintained union rates, determination of re-fracture factors, with a subsequent comparison of our findings with those reported in the available literature.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study was a retrospective assessment of 102 patients with nonunion of the tibia treated with the Ilizarov method in the period 2008-2015. The assessed parameters were bone union achieved during treatment, duration of stabilization with an Ilizarov external fixator, and maintained bone union at the last follow-up visit.

RESULTS

The mean age at the start of treatment was 46.7 years (11-84 years). The mean follow-up period was 7 years (2-12 years). Bone union was achieved in all patients. The mean duration of Ilizarov stabilization in the study group was 7.9 months (2.8-20.7 months). The rate of union maintained at the last follow-up visit was 95.1%.

CONCLUSIONS

All patients in our study achieved bone union, which constitutes a better outcome than those reported on average in the literature (73.7-100%). The mean length of time which the Ilizarov external fixator was in place in our patients was 8.3 months, which is consistent with the data from literature. Infection, atrophic nonunion, nonunion in 1/3 distal of tibia, and close surgery technique are risk factors of re-fracture. None of the analyzed studies assessed the proportion of patients with maintained bone union. In our study, maintained bone union was observed in 95.1% of patients at the follow-up visit at least 2 years after treatment, which indicates excellent long-term treatment outcomes in nonunion of the tibia treated with the Ilizarov method.

Tibial lengthening using a retrograde magnetically driven intramedullary lengthening device in 10 patients with preexisting ankle and hindfoot fusion

Background and purpose - Motorized intramedullary lengthening nails (ILNs) have been developed as an alternative to external fixators for long bone lengthening. The antegrade approach represents the standard method for tibial ILN insertion. In patients with preexisting ankle and hindfoot fusion a retrograde approach provides an alternative technique that has not been evaluated so far. We report the outcome of this method in 10 patients. Patients and methods - This retrospective study included 10 patients (mean age 18 years [13-25]) with preexisting ankle and hindfoot fusion who underwent tibial lengthening with a retrograde ILN (PRECICE). The mean leg length discrepancy (LLD) was 58 mm (36-80). The underlying conditions were congenital (n = 9) and post tumor resection (n = 1). The main outcome measures were: ILN reliability, distraction achieved, distraction index (DIX), time to bone healing, consolidation index (CIX), complications, and functional results. Results - All patients achieved the goal of lengthening (mean 48 mm [26-80]). Average DIX was 0.6 mm/day (0.5-0.7) and mean CIX was 44 days/cm (26-60). Delayed consolidation occurred in 2 patients and healed after ILN dynamization or nail exchange with grafting. Toe contractures in 2 other patients were resolved with physiotherapy or tenotomy. Until last follow-up (mean 18 months [12-30]) no true complications were encountered, knee motion remained unaffected, and full osseous consolidation occurred in all patients. Interpretation - In patients with LLD and preexisting ankle and hindfoot fusion distal tibial lengthening using a retrograde ILN is a reliable alternative to the standard approach with equivalent bone healing potential and low complication rates leaving the knee unaffected.

The outcomes of Ilizarov treatment in aseptic nonunions of the tibia stratified by treatment strategies and surgical techniques

Nonunions of the tibia, particularly those located in the distal third of the bone, are relatively common in clinical practice. There is no gold standard for the treatment of nonunions of the tibia. The purpose of our study was to assess the results of treatment with the Ilizarov method in patients with aseptic nonunions of the tibia, depending on the employed treatment strategies and surgical techniques. A total of 75 patients with Ilizarov treatment of aseptic nonunions of the tibia were evaluated in the study. The patients's mean age at the beginning of treatment was 46 years. The mean follow-up period was 10 years and 11 months. The evaluated patients underwent either closed technique or open technique. The operators used one of two treatment strategies: neutral fixation without compression or continued compression. The following were assessed: rates of union, ASAMI bone scores, ASAMI functional scores, treatment time, complications, duration of hospital stay. Bone union was achieved in all of the 75 evaluated patients. The results of most analyses showed no significant differences in the assessed variables, except for the ASAMI functional scores, which were higher in the group of patients who underwent closed surgery (Me = 6.00 vs. Me = 4.00). We observed better ASAMI functional score outcomes in the patients who underwent closed fixation than in the open fixation group. The different surgical techniques and treatment strategies had no effect on the number of complications, rates of bone union, length of hospital stay, duration of Ilizarov treatment, or ASAMI bone scores. For managing nonunions of the tibia we recommend the technique of closed fixation without continued compression. The Ilizarov method in the treatment of nonunions of the tibia gives good outcomes.

Distal tibial distraction osteogenesis-an alternative approach to addressing limb length discrepancy with concurrent hindfoot and ankle reconstruction

Background

Limb length discrepancy (LLD) in the setting of concurrent hindfoot and ankle deformity poses an added level of complexity to the reconstructive surgeon. Regardless of etiology, a clinically significant LLD poses additional challenges without a forthright and validated solution. The purpose of the current study is to determine whether reconstructive hindfoot and ankle surgery with concurrent lengthening through a distal tibial corticotomy is comparable to other treatment alternatives in the literature.

Patients and methods

A retrospective review of hindfoot and ankle deformity correction utilizing Ilizarov circular external fixation with concurrent distal tibial distraction osteogenesis from July 2009 to September 2014 was conducted.

Results

This study included 19 patients with a mean age of 47.47 ± 13.36 years with a mean follow up of 576.13 ± 341.89 days. The mean preoperative LLD was 2.70 ± 1.22 cm and the mean operatively induced LLD was 2.53 ± 0.59 cm. The mean latency period was 9.33 ± 3.47 days and distraction rate was 0.55 ± 0.16 mm/day. The mean distraction length was 2.14 ± 0.83 cm and mean duration of external fixation was 146.42 ± 58.69 days. The time to union of all hindfoot and ankle fusions was 121.00 ± 25.66 days with an overall fusion rate of 85.71%.

Conclusions

The successful treatment of hindfoot and ankle deformity correction in the setting of LLD using the technique of a distal tibial corticotomy and distraction osteogenesis is reported and illustrates an additional treatment technique with comparable measured outcomes to those previously described. We urge that each patient presentation be evaluated with consideration of all described approaches and associated literature to determine the current best reconstructive approach as future studies may validate or replace the accepted options at present.

Compression Osteosynthesis - An Effective Solution for Hypertrophic Nonunion of Tibia in Children

Introduction:

Hypertrophic non-union of the tibia is rare in children. Gradual deformity correction by distraction osteogenesis is the conventional management strategy for this problem. In cases with significant multiplanar deformities, this needs careful pre-operative planning and execution that involves long periods of “dynamic” phase of Ilizarov method.

Case Report:

We devised a simpler strategy of complete intraoperative deformity correction in one or two stages followed by compression osteosynthesis. We report the good outcome in four patients (3 males, and 1 female, age 4-—years) with regard to union, alignment, limb length, and function, with significantly short duration of the “dynamic” phase of Ilizarov osteosynthesis.

Conclusion:

Acute deformity correction and compression osteosynthesis is are an effective strategy in hypertrophic non-union of tibia in children. This is applicable for cases with significant deformity without shortening. This considerably shortens the “dynamic” phase of Ilizaov osteosynthesis, facilitating early return to home of patients who need to travel long distances for treatment.

Neglected Tibial Pilon Fractures: Can Arthrodesis Be Avoided?

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the outcomes of neglected pilon fractures treated by the Ilizarov fixator and to determine whether this technique was successful in avoiding an ankle arthrodesis.

DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

SETTING

Level I university trauma center.

PATIENTS

Between January 2003 and March 2015, 18 patients (mean age of 42.17 years) with an untreated pilon fracture with late presentation (>1 month) were evaluated. Six patients were women and 12 were men. The mean duration from trauma to management was 11.17 weeks (range: 7-15). All fractures were OTA/AO 43 type C. Four cases were open fractures.

INTERVENTION

Closed fracture reduction, correction of deformity, and restoration of alignment by the Ilizarov fixator.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

The radiographs were evaluated for tibial alignment, quality of reduction, and development of arthrosis. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Scale was used for functional assessment.

RESULTS

The follow-up period ranged from 18 to 168 months (mean; 38.00). The quality of reduction was excellent in 2 cases, satisfactory in 13 cases, and poor in 3 cases. The external fixator period averaged 29.06 weeks (range: 6.1-7.5 months). All fractures healed without deep infection. Ankle dorsiflexion and plantar flexion averaged 8.67 and 25.67 degrees, respectively, in 15 cases. Arthrodesis was performed for the remaining 3 cases. The mean AOFAS Ankle-Hindfoot score was 82.67. One case had mild anterior translation, and another 1 had a procurvatum of 5 degrees. Arthrosis developed in 6 ankles.

CONCLUSIONS

A satisfactory outcome was achieved after management by the Ilizarov fixator while avoiding arthrodesis in most cases of this series of neglected pilon fractures.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Intramedullary Nailing for Pilon Nonunions

Nonunions are uncommon sequelae of tibial pilon fractures, but they can present a challenging problem to the treating surgeon. Treatment strategies can range from isolated bone grafting to revision plating depending on the type of nonunion and patient factors. Here, we present our technique and clinical results for intramedullary nailing of tibial pilon nonunions.

[Comparative study on screw or buttress plate for fixation of supination-adduction type-II medial malleolar fracture]

Objective

To investigate the functional outcomes of buttress plate fixation and simple screws fixation for the treatment of supination-adduction type-II medial malleolar fractures so as to provide reference for selection of internal fixation.

Methods

Between March 2009 and December 2012, 53 patients with supination-adduction type-II medial malleolar fractures were treated with open reduction and internal fixation. Of them, buttress plate fixation was used in 30 cases (buttress plate fixation group), and screws fixation was used in 23 cases (screw fixation group). There was no significant difference in age, gender, injury cause, injury side, disease duration, and combined injuries between 2 groups ( P>0.05). Complications and full weight-bearing time were recorded; the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score and the visual analogue scale (VAS) were used to evaluate the functional outcomes. Post-operative anteroposterior and lateral X-ray films were taken to evaluate fracture reduction and union condition. And the treatment failures were recorded.

Results

There was no significant difference in incision related complication rate and infection rate between 2 groups ( P>0.05). The patients were followed up 46-91 months (mean, 64.5 months) in buttress plate fixation group and 44-86 months (mean, 59.5 months) in screw fixation group. The full weight-bearing time of the buttress plate fixation group was significantly shorter than that of screw fixation group ( t=2.05, P=0.04). During follow-up time, malunion and nonunion occurred in 2 cases and 1 case of screw fixation group; anatomic reduction and bony union were observed in the other patients of 2 groups. The union time showed no significant difference between 2 groups ( t=1.06, P=0.30). No significant difference was found in AOFAS score and good and excellent rate, VAS score, operation failure rate, and traumatic osteoarthritis rate between groups ( P>0.05).

Conclusion

For patients with supination-adduction type-II medial malleolar fracture, the angle between fracture line and tibial axial line is too small to be fixed firmly with simple screws fixation, with a relatively higher failure rate. And buttress plate fixation can reach rigid fixation, and has better functional outcomes.

Comparison of intramedullary nail, plate, and external fixation in the treatment of distal tibia nonunions

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to examine time to union of extra-articular distal tibia nonunions based on fracture type and fixation methods: intramedullary nail (IMN), plate osteosynthesis (PO), and external fixation (EF).

METHODS

This retrospective chart review included all patients who presented at a Level I trauma center with AO/OTA 43A & distal third 42A-C fracture nonunions between 2008 and 2014. Fixation methods were recorded and patient course was followed until nonunion had healed clinically.

RESULTS

Thirty-three distal tibia nonunions were included, and 29 reached eventual union (88%). Five AO/OTA fracture types were present. Mean times to union from nonunion diagnosis between original fracture types were compared (p = 0.203). Comminuted fracture types had longer times to union from nonunion diagnosis compared to simple fracture types (78 vs. 46 weeks, p = 0.051) and more revision fixations (1.5 vs. 0.5, p = 0.037). Mean time to union from nonunion diagnosis was shorter when no revision fixation was done compared to revisions (15 vs. 42 weeks, p = 0.102). Times to union from nonunion diagnosis without revision fixation were: IMN (12 weeks), PO (27 weeks), and EF (13 weeks) (p = 0.202). Times to union from definitive revision fixation were: IMN (17 weeks), PO (21 weeks), and EF (66 weeks) (p = 0.009), with EF taking significantly longer than both other methods. 21 patients (64%) underwent revision fixation. Revision fail rates were: IMN (0/6, 0%), PO (2/8, 25%), and EF (15/21, 71%). Time to union was longer in revisions that changed fixation method compared to revisions that used the same method (51 vs. 18 weeks, p = 0.030). Deep infections were also associated with longer union times (81 vs. 47 weeks, p = 0.040).

CONCLUSIONS

In this nonunion population, comminuted fracture types needed more time and revisions to reach union. Time to union was only clinically shorter when revision fixation was not performed, but IMN and PO were both successful fixation options with significantly shorter times to union than EF. Mean time to union increased even more when revision of fixation method was performed vs. exchange revision, as did nonunions with deep infections.

Effectiveness of Treatment for Distal Tibial Nonunions With Associated Complex Deformities Using a Hexapod External Fixator

OBJECTIVE

To determine the efficacy of a hexapod external fixator (TSF) and its ability to perform 6-axis correction in restoring deformities associated with distal tibial nonunions.

DESIGN

Consecutive retrospective case review.

SETTING

St. Louis University Hospital. Level 1 Trauma Center.

PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS

Thirty-seven patients with distal tibial nonunion with greater than 5 degrees of deformity in any plane. Patients were excluded who were less than 18 years of age, had tibial deformities less than 5 degrees, had proximal or middle tibial deformities, or had less than 1 year of follow-up.

INTERVENTION

Patients with distal tibial nonunions with combined deformities were treated by the senior author with a hexapod device. Preoperative mechanical axis deviation and union status were assessed. Postoperative parameters evaluated included anatomic and mechanical axis determination and adequacy of union. Metrics include long alignment films with routine clinical follow-up.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Assessment of deformity correction in 6 axes, restoration to union, and mechanical axis correction.

RESULTS

Average combined preoperative deformity was greater than 17.7 degrees. Average mechanical axis was restored within 5 degrees of the desired goal in all categories except in patients with severe preoperative valgus deformities. The complex nonunion group had a 94% union rate. Average time in the hexapod was 106.7 days. Average follow-up time was 2 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Hexapod external fixators can be used as an accurate modality to heal complex distal tibia nonunions with multifocal deformities and significant mechanical axis deviation. These difficult reconstructions are accomplished with minimum complications using these devices.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.