Ilizarov bone transport for the treatment of fibular osteomyelitis: a report of five cases

Advances in the Application of Bone Transport Techniques in the Treatment of Bone Nonunion and Bone Defects

Bone nonunion and bone defects frequently occur following high-energy open injuries or debridement surgeries, presenting complex challenges to treatment and significantly affecting patients' quality of life. At present, there are three primary treatment options available for addressing bone nonunion and bone defects: vascularized bone grafts, the Masquelet technique, and the Ilizarov technique. The Ilizarov technique, also known as distraction osteogenesis, is widely favored by orthopedic surgeons because of several advantages, including minimal soft tissue requirements, low infection risk, and short consolidation time. However, in recent years, the application of the Masquelet technique has resulted in novel treatment methods for managing post-traumatic bone infections when bone defects are present. Although these new techniques do not constitute a panacea, they continue to be the most commonly employed options for treating complex large bone nonunion and bone defects. This review evaluates the currently available research on the Ilizarov and Masquelet bone transport techniques applied at various anatomical sites. Additionally, it explores treatment durations and associated complications to establish a theoretical foundation that can guide clinical treatment decisions and surgical procedures for the management of bone nonunion and bone defects.

Progressive Ankle Subluxation Following Panfibular Osteomyelitis Requiring Fibular Resection

A 10-month-old boy presented with fever, a swollen left leg, and septicemic shock. He was diagnosed with panfibular osteomyelitis. Failure of combined medical and surgical treatment to achieve source control necessitated fibular resection. He subsequently developed a progressive superolateral subluxation of his left ankle, valgus deformity, and brace intolerance. Tibiotalar arthrodesis resulted in a stable plantigrade ankle, excellent weight-bearing ability, and a minor leg-length discrepancy at the 14-month postoperative follow-up.

Distally Based Peroneal Artery Perforator-Plus Fasciocutaneous Flap to Reconstruct Soft Tissue Defect Combined With Chronic Osteomyelitis in the Lateral Malleolus

Distally based peroneal artery perforator-plus fasciocutaneous (DPAPF) flaps are widely used to reconstruct soft tissue defects of the lower extremity. Treatment for soft tissue defect combined with chronic osteomyelitis in the lateral malleolus has rarely been reported. The aim of this study was to elaborate the superiority of the DPAPF flap and provide referential experience for using the DPAPF flap in this situation. Between June 2010 and December 2017, soft tissue defects in the setting of chronic osteomyelitis in the lateral malleolus were reconstructed with DPAPF flaps in 17 patients. After thorough debridement, the defect was repaired with the DPAPF flap, and patients subsequently followed an antibiotic regimen for 6 weeks. Follow-up periods for all patients were at least 24 months. The reconstruction outcomes and the satisfaction of the 17 patients were evaluated. Of the 17 flaps, 16 survived uneventfully, except one occurrence of partial necrosis. No infection occurred in the follow-up period. In the study, 17 patients except one were satisfied with flap appearance. All the patients were satisfied with the reconstruction outcomes. In a one-stage procedure, the use of DPAPF flaps is ideal for reconstructing soft tissue defects in the setting of chronic osteomyelitis in the lateral malleolus.

Treatment of segmental tibial defects by bone transport with circular external fixation and a locking plate

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of bone transport involving circular external fixation and locking plate application for the treatment of segmental tibial defects.

Methods

A retrospective review of 12 patients with segmental tibial defects who underwent bone transport with circular external fixation and locking plate application. We evaluated external fixation time, external fixation index, time to achieve union, and complications. Clinical results were assessed using the Association for the Study and Application of the Methods of Ilizarov (ASAMI) score. Generic health-related outcome was assessed using the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey questionnaire (SF-36).

Results

The mean follow-up was 25.8 months, and the mean defect size was 6.7 cm. All of the patients achieved union at the distraction callus and docking site. The average external fixation time was 299.5 days. The mean external fixation index was 16.5 days/cm, and the mean healing index was 44.9 days/cm. The functional outcomes were excellent in eight cases and good in four. The average SF-36 score was 92.

Conclusion

Bone transport with external fixation and locking plate application may be a promising method for the treatment of segmental tibial defects.

Posttraumatic Reconstruction of the Foot and Ankle in the Face of Active Infection

Posttraumatic infection of the foot and ankle is a challenging issue for orthopedic surgeons. Making the diagnosis often requires combining laboratory and radiologic testing, patient examination, and history. Patient comorbidities should be identified and optimized whenever possible. Treatment must combine effective antibiotic therapy with thorough debridement of the infected zone. Reconstruction often requires a 2-staged approach using antibiotic spacers and temporary external fixation, with the goal of obtaining a functional, pain-free limb that is free of infection.