Appraisal of the role of external skeletal fixation in the management of sequelae of open tibial fractures

Treatment Options for Nonunion With Segmental Bone Defects: Systematic Review and Quantitative Evidence Synthesis

OBJECTIVES

To determine which reconstruction treatment of long bones nonunion with segmental bone defects (SBDs) is effective to restore bone length and union with good function.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed was used to identify published literature on treatment of SBD caused by fracture nonunion regardless of infection between January 1975 and December 2014.

STUDY SELECTION

We included retrospective cohort studies with a minimum sample size of 10 consecutive patients with minimum follow-up of 18 months and available data on radiographic and functional outcomes.

DATA EXTRACTION

Literature review revealed 24 publications with a sample size of 504 patients (395 males, 109 females). Data on bone union and functional outcome and complications were collected and analyzed based on validated classification systems.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Two outcome groups were categorized for bone union and functional outcome, success, and failure. We then performed heterogeneity test to examine the variability or differences in the methods used by these studies and based on that we determined whether the fixed effect or random effect method is appropriate in examining the summary or pool estimate. Pool estimate was examined for bone union and functional outcome in each surgical modality and in each anatomic location when data were available.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment of SBD can be challenging. This quantitative evidence synthesis shows that bone union was achieved by different procedures with variable bone union and functional outcomes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

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

Our experience in the management of segmental bone defects caused by gunshots

PURPOSE

Bone and soft-tissue defects in the leg can be caused by high-energy trauma. One of the causes of extensive bone defects are gunshot injuries. The incidence of these has been noticeably increasing in recent years in countries with political instabilities due to the random availability of weapons. The aim of this study is to focus on the essentials of treatment of post-gunshot tibial bone loss using the Ilizarov concept.

METHODS

In the period between June 2011 and July 2013, 30 patients with open tibial fractures after gunshots comprised the present study with an average follow-up of 18 months. The bone defect was associated with soft-tissue loss in 18 cases. All cases were subjected to extensive debridement of all devitalized tissues back to the healthy bone with viable soft tissue coverage. All cases were treated by the Ilizarov external fixator using the bifocal bone transport technique.

RESULTS

The overall bone results were satisfactory in 28 cases (93.3 %). The overall functional results were satisfactory in 22 cases (73.3 %). The bone end results were significantly affected by age and smoking, while the functional end results were significantly affected by smoking, the presence of infection at the time of presentation, and complications during the procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

Bone transport is a reliable method in the treatment of gunshot bone defects of the tibia after extensive debridement of all the devitalized tissues. The Ilizarov external fixator allows the functional use of the limb throughout the course of treatment, preventing disuse osteoporosis and increasing patient satisfaction.

The use of twin-ring Ilizarov external fixator constructs: application and biomechanical proof-of principle with possible clinical indications

Background

In peri- or intra-articular fractures of the tibia or femur, the presence of short metaphyseal bone fragments may make the application of an Ilizarov external fixator (IEF) challenging. In such cases, it may be necessary to bridge the adjacent joint in order to ensure stable fixation. The twin-ring (TR) module of circular external fixation is proposed as an alternative method that avoids joint bridging, without compromising stability of fixation. The aim of this study is to present the experimental tests performed to compare the biomechanical characteristics of the single- and TR IEF modules. The clinical application of the TR module in select patients is also presented and the merits of this technique are discussed.

Methods

In this experimental study, the passive stiffness and stability of the single-ring (SR) and twin-ring (TR) IEF modules were tested under axial and shear loading conditions. In each module, two perpendicular wires on the upper surface and another two wires on the lower surface of the rings were used for fixation of the rings on plastic acetal cylinders simulating long bones.

Results

In axial loading, the main outcome measure was stiffness and the SR module proved stiffer than the TR. In shear loading, the main outcome measure was stability, the TR module proving more stable than the SR.

Discussion

The TR configuration, being stiffer in shear loading, may make joint bridging unnecessary when an IEF is applied. If it is still required, TR frames allow for an earlier discontinuation of bridging; either case is in favour of a successful final outcome.

Conclusion

The application of the TR module has led to satisfactory clinical outcomes and should be considered as an alternative in select trauma patients treated with an IEF. Biomechanically, the TR module possesses features which enhance fracture healing and at the same time obviate the need for bridging adjacent joints, thereby significantly reducing patient morbidity.