Introduction. Patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) are used to understand the impact of lower limb reconstruction on patient's quality of life (QOL). Existing measures have not been developed to specifically capture patient experiences amongst adults with lower limb conditions that require reconstruction surgery. This systematic review of qualitative studies (qualitative evidence synthesis) aimed to identify what is important to these patients. Materials and Methods. MEDLINE, Embase, PsychINFO and Cinahl were searched from inception until November 2020. Studies were included if they employed qualitative research methods, involved patients requiring, undergoing or following lower limb reconstruction and explored patients' experiences of care, treatment, recovery and QOL. Mixed methods/population studies that did not separate the findings from each group and studies not in English were excluded. Included studies were analysed using thematic synthesis. The review followed the methodological framework published by the Cochrane Qualitative and Implementation Methods Group for qualitative evidence syntheses. Results. Nine studies met the inclusion criteria. Thematic synthesis identified two overarching themes:(1) areas of living key to QOL for lower limb reconstruction patients, with sub-themes: pain, daily functioning and lifestyle, identity, income and emotional wellbeing and (2) moving towards a new normal, with sub-themes: support, the ability to adapt and adjust and the ability to move forwards. The impact of lower limb reconstruction on QOL and recovery is complex and is influenced by a range of inter-related factors, which will affect patients to varying degrees depending on individual circumstances. Conclusions. The impact of lower limb reconstruction on patients' QOL is complex, may change over time and is strongly linked to their recovery. This review was conducted as part of the wider ‘PROLLIT' study, which will develop a conceptual framework to identify what outcomes are important to patients and should be included in a PROM. We will then map our conceptual framework onto existing PROMS to establish whether our identified factors are captured by current PROMS. Depending on the outcome of this work, a new PROM for patients following lower limb reconstruction may be developed

A huge commitment is required from patients and families who undergo a limb reconstruction procedure using the hexapod frame. This includes turning the struts on the frame, pin site care and intensive rehabilitation. Montpetit et al (2009) discovered that function, participation, engagement in regular activities of daily living is severely impacted during the hexapod lengthening period. Due to the long duration and burden for families, it is imperative that healthcare professionals understand the impact that the hexapod frame has on functional abilities and health related quality of life (HRQL). This project involved a retrospective review of prospectively collected data on function and HRQL during two periods of time: (1) when the hexapod frame is applied on the child's lower extremity and (2) when the lengthening phase is completed, and the hexapod frame is removed. Data from 38 children (mean age: 12 years SD 3.8) who completed lower extremity reconstruction using the hexapod frame and completed either or both the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 Generic Core Scale (PedsQL) and Pediatric Outcomes data Collection Instrument (PODCI) was included. Analysis included, standardized response means, the non-parametric Wilcoxon test and effect size calculation. A Wilcoxon signed rank test for those children who completed pre and post frame PODCI’;s revealed those scores were significantly greater once the hexapod frame was removed (Md=85.10, n=10) compared to during (Md=66.50, n=10) with a large effect size, r= 1.45. Similar, the PedsQL scores improved post frame removal (Md= 66.30, n=10) compared to during treatment (Md = 53.34, n=10), with a medium size effect, r= 0.62. All subtests improved once the frame was removed. This study provides essential insights into the burden of the hexapod frame for children and provides valuable information for all allied healthcare professionals targeted interventions for health domains. This study shows that children's function improves once the hexapod frame is removed. However, this study highlights the importance for all healthcare professional to address health domains for the duration of the hexapod procedure where the child scored lower e.g. sports and physical function, pain and comfort, happiness from the PODCI. The PedsQL identified lower mean scores in physical and emotional function

Introduction. We undertook a qualitative study to explore what is important to people with lower limb conditions requiring reconstruction (LLR) and how it impacted their quality of life (QOL), in order to develop a conceptual framework for a new patient reported outcome measure (PROM). This builds on a previous qualitative evidence synthesis of existing research to develop a preliminary conceptual framework as part of the Patient Reported Outcomes for Lower Limb Reconstruction (PROLLIT) study. Materials and Methods. Patients (n=32) and Orthopaedic staff (n=23) were interviewed (November 2020-June 2021) from three centres in England using one-to-one, semi-structured interviews. Patient interviews focused on experiences during and after LLR, including impact on QOL. Staff interviews explored important outcomes and goals for patients and how the LLR impacted QOL. Recordings were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis. Results. The conceptual framework consists of 6 overarching factors important to patients: Pain, Identity, Work, Daily lifestyle, Emotional well-being and Support. These factors are not independent of each other, rather they're all interrelated (e.g. pain impacts identity, work, emotional well-being and daily lifestyle. Work impacts identity, pain, emotional well-being and daily lifestyle). Support from the hospital, physiotherapists and family underpins the other factors and acts as a moderator of their influence. Conclusions. This conceptual framework displays key factors important to patients after a LLR. Further research is required to map these factors onto existing PROMs to establish whether the factors we identified are captured by existing PROMs

Background. Patients requiring lower limb reconstruction have often undergone significant trauma. In some patients this is a consequence of self-harm, others develop depression as a result of the accidental trauma that caused their injury. Little is known of the extent of the problem and how it changes over the course of their treatment. Design and Methods. Patients undergoing limb reconstruction in a major trauma centre were asked to complete an online questionnaire on the day of surgery. This included a Zung self-rating depression score, LEFS and EQ5D. They were asked to complete these again at subsequent post-operative time points. Results. Provisional results showed that all 3 outcome measures fluctuated over 6 months. Most patients triggered for at least mild depression on the Zung Self Rating Depression score at one or more time points. Not all patients had completed the questionnaire at all time points. Of those who did complete multiple time points, there was variation in the change in LEFS. Conclusion. Patients undergoing lower limb reconstruction are vulnerable to depression. There may be a correlation between mood and lower limb function. Gaining better understanding of these problems and how they change over time could help direct services to improve support for these patients

Aims. Lower limb reconstruction (LLR) has a profound impact on patients, affecting multiple areas of their lives. Many patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are employed to assess these impacts; however, there are concerns that they do not adequately capture all outcomes important to patients, and may lack content validity in this context. This review explored whether PROMs used with adults requiring, undergoing, or after undergoing LLR exhibited content validity and adequately captured outcomes considered relevant and important to patients. Methods. A total of 37 PROMs were identified. Systematic searches were performed to retrieve content validity studies in the adult LLR population, and hand-searches used to find PROM development studies. Content validity assessments for each measure were performed following Consensus-based Standards for the selection of health measurement Instruments (COSMIN) guidelines. A mapping exercise compared all PROMs to a conceptual framework previously developed by the study team (‘the PROLLIT framework’) to explore whether each PROM covered important and relevant concepts. Results. The systematic searches found 13 studies, while hand searches found 50 PROM development studies, and copies of all 37 measures. Although several studies discussed content validity, none were found which formally assessed this measurement property in the adult LLR population. Development of many PROMs was rated as inadequate, no PROM had sufficient content validity in the study population, and none covered all areas of the PROLLIT framework. The LIMB-Q was the most promising and comprehensive measure assessed, although further validation in a wider sample of LLR patients was recommended. Conclusion. Current PROMs used in adults requiring, undergoing, or after undergoing LLR lack content validity and do not assess all important and relevant outcomes. There is an urgent need for improved outcome measurement in this population. This can be achieved through development of a new PROM, or through validation of existing measures in representative samples. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(12):1049–1066

Background:. Lower limb reconstruction is performed in trauma centres where uplifted tariffs support the treatment of severely injured patients. Calculation of Healthcare Resource Groups (HRG4) codes is affected by the accuracy of clinical coding, determining the financial viability of this service in a district general hospital (DGH). Methods:. A prospective review of coding was performed for 17 sequential patients treated using ring fixation. Relevant clinical codes and HRG4 tariffs were obtained, allowing comparison with operation notes (including pertinent diagnostic information) and implant costs. Hexapod and paediatric cases were excluded. Results:. Mean implant costs were £3,300 and mean tariffs were £9,300. However, the tariffs for the care episodes which did not attract a code for ‘reconstruction’ were lower, averaging £4,300. Clinical outcomes were comparable to published literature. No uplift was received. Discussion:. Despite attempts to avoid mis-coding for the fledgling service and factoring ancillary costs of patient care, the ring fixation procedures which resulted in HRG4 codes other than those for limb reconstruction cost the trust more than it received. Conclusion:. Lower limb reconstruction is barely financially viable even when coding is carefully performed. It is financially easier for this Trust to transfer patients to a trauma centre

Introduction. To report our early experience and suitability over unicortical fixation system to reduce and hold the bone fragments in position during a CHAOS procedure of the femur or tibia during lower limb reconstruction surgery. Materials and Methods. We report a case series of the first consecutive 10 patients (11 bones) for which this CHAOS technique was used between May 2017 and October 2019 by the same surgeon. The novel aspect of the procedure was the use of a unicortical device, Galaxy UNYCO (Orthofix, Verona, Italy), which eliminate the need for any change of fixation during the procedure. It also means the intramedullary canal was left free for the intramedullary nailing. Results. We treated 4 femurs and 7 tibias with this technique without any loss or failure of the construct. We treated uniplanar and multiplanar deformities with the angulations between 8 degrees of valgus to 15 degrees of varus and from 0 to 8 mm translation in the AP view, from 20 degrees procurvatum to 15 degrees recurvatum and 0 to 2 mm translation on the lateral view and from 20 degrees internal rotation to 5 degrees external rotation and 0 to 10 mm translation on axial view. Conclusions. The construct was able to deal with the total tension in the system both in the correction phase and the additional stress applied during insertion of a nail such as reaming and impacting the nail to the canal. The potential advantage also included the possibility of intramedullary nailing without interference with the external fixation device

Introduction. Following bone tumour resection, lower limb reconstruction results in leg-length discrepancy in skeletally immature patients. Previously, minimally invasive endoprostheses have been associated with a high risk of complications including joint stiffness, nerve injury, aseptic loosening and infection. The purpose of this study was to examine the outcome of the Stanmore non-invasive extendible endoprostheses used in our institution between 2002 and 2009 and compare them with implants used in the past. Methods. Fifty-five children with a mean age of 11.4 years (5 to 16) underwent limb reconstruction with thirty-three distal femoral, two total femoral, eight proximal femoral and twelve proximal tibial implants. Forty-six endoprostheses were lengthened in clinic without anaesthesia using the principle of electromagnetic induction. Patients were assessed using the Musculoskeletal Tumour Society Score (MSTS) and the Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS). Results. Ten children (18.2%) died of disseminated disease. One child underwent amputation for infected prosthesis. Forty-four patients were reviewed after a mean follow-up of 41 months (16 to 98). The mean MSTS score was 80.7% (26.7-100) and the TESS score was 92.3% (55.2-99). There was no local tumour recurrence. Complications developed in sixteen patients (29.1%). Seven patients (12.7%) underwent ten revision procedures. The mean length gained per patient was 38.6mm (3.5 to 161.5) requiring a mean of 11.3 (1-40) extensions. Ten component exchanges were performed in nine patients (16.4%) after attaining the maximum lengthening capacity of the implant. Eleven patients (20%) were skeletally mature at follow-up, of which ten had equal leg-lengths and nine had full range of hip and knee movement. Overall our outcomes compared favourably with minimal endoprostheses and other non-invasive designs. Discussion. This is the largest reported series of non-invasive extendible endoprostheses, demonstrating good functional outcome with prevention of limb-length discrepancy at skeletal maturity

In certain cases of lower limb problems, the combined approach of Plastic and Orthopedic surgeons offers specific advantages. One stage operation, quicker recovery, less hospital stay and reduced cost is some to mention. We present our experience including both chronic and emergency cases that we applied the combined approach. The use of muscle flaps mainly, provided smooth postoperative course especially in patients that were at increased risk of skin necrosis due to previous operation scars or infection.

Using this approach cases such as revision knee arthroplasty or trauma had much better results

The preoperative recognition of this particular group of patients at increased risk and the planned combined intraoperative approach are the most important steps in order to avoid complications. Our choices were pedicle and free muscle flaps. We present our experience in treating patients following this regime with encouraging results overall

Functional outcomes are important for patients with bone tumors undergoing lower extremity endoprosthetic reconstruction; however, there is limited empirical evidence evaluating function longitudinally. The objective of this study was to determine the changes in function over time in patients undergoing endoprosthetic reconstructions of the proximal femur, distal femur and proximal tibia. We conducted a secondary analysis of functional outcome data from the Prophylactic Antibiotic Regimens in Tumor Surgery (PARITY) trial. Patient function was assessed with the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Score 93 (MSTS) and the Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS), which were administered preoperatively and at 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Both instruments are scored from 0-100, with higher scores indicated greater function. Mean functional scores were evaluated over time and we explored for differences among patients undergoing proximal femur reconstructions (PFR), distal femur reconstructions (DFR) and proximal tibia reconstructions (PTR). The patient-importance of statistically significant differences in function was evaluated utilizing the minimally important difference (MID) of 12 for the MSTS and 11 for the TESS. We explored for differences in change scores between each time interval with paired t-tests. Differences based on endoprosthetic reconstruction undertaken were evaluated by analysis of variance and post-hoc comparisons using the Tukey test. A total of 573 patients were included. The overall mean MSTS and TESS scores were 77.1(SD±21) and 80.2(SD±20) respectively at 1-year post-surgery, demonstrating approximately a 20-point improvement from baseline for both instruments. When evaluating change scores over time by type of reconstruction, PFR patients experienced significant functional improvement during the 3-6 and 6-12 month follow-up intervals, DFR patients demonstrated significant improvements in function at each follow-up interval, and PTR patients reported a significant decrease in function from baseline to 3 months, and subsequent improvements during the 3-6 and 6-12 month intervals. On average, patients undergoing endoprosthetic reconstruction of the lower extremity experience important improvements in function from baseline within the first year. Patterns of functional recovery varied significantly based on type of reconstruction performed. The results of this study will inform both clinicians and patients about the expected rehabilitation course and functional outcomes following endoprosthetic reconstruction of the lower extremity

Functional outcomes are commonly reported in studies of musculoskeletal oncology patients undergoing limb salvage surgery; however, interpretation requires knowledge of the smallest amount of improvement that is important to patients – the minimally important difference (MID). We established the MIDs for the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Rating Scale (MSTS) and Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS) in patients with bone tumors undergoing lower limb salvage surgery. This study was a secondary analysis of the recently completed PARITY (Prophylactic Antibiotic Regimens in Tumor Surgery) study. This data was used to calculate: (1) the anchor-based MIDs using an overall function scale and a receiver operating curve analysis, and (2) the distribution-based MIDs based on one-half of the standard deviation of the change scores from baseline to 12-month follow-up, for both the MSTS and TESS. There were 591 patients available for analysis. The Pearson correlation coefficients for the association between changes in MSTS and TESS scores and changes in the external anchor scores were 0.71 and 0.57, indicating “high” and “moderate” correlation. Anchor-based MIDs were 12 points and 11 points for the MSTS and TESS, respectively. Distribution-based calculations yielded MIDs of 16-17 points for the MSTS and 14 points for the TESS. The current study proposes MID scores for both the MSTS and TESS outcome measures based on 591 patients with bone tumors undergoing lower extremity endoprosthetic reconstruction. These thresholds will optimize interpretation of the magnitude of treatment effects, which will enable shared decision-making with patients in trading off desirable and undesirable outcomes of alternative management strategies. We recommend anchor-based MIDs as they are grounded in changes in functional status that are meaningful to patients

Introduction. There are concerns that patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) currently used for adults requiring, undergoing or after undergoing lower limb reconstruction (LLR) are not adequately capturing the range of experiences important to these patients. The ‘Patient-Reported Outcome Measure for Lower Limb Reconstruction’ (PROLLIT) study developed a conceptual framework of outcomes identified as important and relevant by adult LLR patients. This review explored whether existing PROMs address these outcomes, and exhibit content validity in this population. Materials & Methods. A range of key PROMs was selected (n=32). Systematic and hand-searches were employed to find studies assessing content validity of these PROMs in the adult LLR population, along with PROM content and development information. A systematic review of content validity of the measures was carried out following ‘COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments’ (COSMIN) guidance, alongside conceptual mapping of the content of the PROMs against the PROLLIT conceptual framework. Results. The searches uncovered very few content validity studies assessing the PROMs when applied in adult LLR patients. The COSMIN review found that these measures lacked content validity when applied in this population. The conceptual mapping found that PROMs did not capture all concepts identified as important and relevant in the PROLLIT framework. Conclusions. Existing PROMs applied in the adult LLR population lack content validity and fail to adequately capture relevant outcomes for this patient group. There is a need for a new, dedicated PROM designed for adult LLR patients

Introduction. Circular external fixators are fundamental to lower limb reconstruction, primarily in situations with a high risk of infection such as open fractures. During the Covid-19 pandemic, use of circular frames in our unit decreased, following departmental approval, due to resource management and in keeping with BOA guidelines as we opted to “consider alternative techniques for patients who require soft tissue reconstruction to avoid multiple operations”. These alternatives included the use of internal fixation (plate osteosynthesis and intramedullary nailing) as a measure to reduce the number of hospital attendances for patients and to conserve resources. This change in practice has continued in part following the pandemic with the increased use of internal fixation in cases previously deemed unsuitable for such techniques. We present our experience of this treatment strategy in the management of complex lower limb injuries, focusing on outcomes and consider the lessons learnt. Materials & Methods. Data of patients with complex lower limb injuries treated before, during and after the pandemic were collected from our in-house trauma database, theatre records and follow up clinics. The rationale for choosing other techniques over a circular frame, the type of alternative technique used, the cost of such alternatives, the need for soft tissue reconstruction, time to recovery, complications and amputation rates were compared among groups. Results. These data suggest comparable outcomes between circular frames and alternative techniques can be achieved. A notable reduction in the number of circular frames applied during the review period was observed. Furthermore, frame fixation was associated with more frequent outpatient review and the associated implications for resource management. Conclusions. Conclusion: The Covid-19 pandemic has posed great challenges to the Trauma and Orthopaedic community, forcing us to be flexible by adopting alternative treatment methods to traditional circular external fixation. These alternatives have proven feasible and potentially more cost effective, prompting their adoption in the post pandemic era. However, this change of practice is not without potential consequences and continued investigation is warranted

Introduction. Aneurysmal bone cysts commonly found in lower limbs are locally aggressive masses that can lead to bony erosion, instability and fractures. This has major implications in the lower limbs especially in paediatric patients, with potential growth disturbance and deformity. In this case series we describe radical aneurysmal bone cyst resection and lower limb reconstruction using cable transport and syndesmosis preservation. Materials & Methods. Case 1 - A 12-year-old boy presented with a two-week history of atraumatic right ankle pain. An X-ray demonstrated a distal tibia metaphyseal cyst confirmed on biopsy as an aneurysmal bone cyst. The cyst expanded on interval X-rays from 5.5cm to 8.5cm in 9 weeks. A wide-margin en-bloc resection was performed leaving a 13.8cm tibial defect. A cable transport hexapod frame and a proximal tibial osteotomy was performed, with syndesmosis screw fixation. The transport phase lasted 11 months. While in frame, the boy sustained a distal femur fracture from a fall. The femur and the docking site were plated at the same sitting and frame removed. At one-year post-frame removal he is pain-free, with full ankle dorsiflexion but plantarflexion limited to 25 degrees. He has begun graduated return to sport. Results. Case 2 - A 12-year-old girl was referred with a three-month history of lateral left ankle swelling. X-ray demonstrated an aneurysmal bone cyst in the distal fibula metaphysis. The cyst grew from 4.2 × 2.3cm to 5.2 × 3.32cm in 2 months. A distal fibula resection (6.2cm) with syndesmosis fixation and hexapod cable transport frame were undertaken. The frame was in situ for 13 weeks and during this time she required an additional osteotomy for premature consolidation and had one pin site infection. After 13 weeks a second syndesmosis screw was placed, frame removed, and a cast applied. 3 months later she had fibular plating, BMAC and autologous iliac crest bone graft for slow union. At 3 years post-operative she has no evidence of recurrence, is pain-free and has no functional limitation. Conclusions. We describe two cases of ankle syndesmosis preservation using cable transport for juxta-articular aneurysmal bone cysts. This allows wide resection to prevent recurrence while also preserving primary ankle stability and leg length in children. Both children had a minor complication, but both had an excellent final outcome. Cable bone transport and prophylactic syndesmosis stabilization allows treatment of challenging juxta-articular aneurysmal bone cysts about the ankle. These techniques are especially useful in large bone defects

The advent of modern anatomic shoulder arthroplasty occurred in the 1990's with the revelation that the humeral head dimensions had a fixed ratio between the head diameter and height. As surgeons moved from the concept of balancing soft tissue tension by using variable neck lengths for a given humeral head diameter, a flawed concept based on lower extremity reconstruction, improvements in range of motion and function were immediately observed. Long term outcome has validated this guiding principle for anatomic shoulder replacement with improved longevity of implants, improved patient and surgeon expectations and satisfaction with results. Once the ideal humeral head prosthesis is identified, and its position prepared, the surgeon must use a method to fix the position of the head that is correct in three dimensions and has the security to withstand patient activities and provide maximal longevity. Based again on lower extremity concepts, long stems were the standard of care, initially with cement, and now, almost universally without cement for a primary shoulder replacement. The incredibly low revision rates for humeral stem aseptic loosening shifted much of the attempted innovation to the challenges on the glenoid side of the reconstruction. However, glenoid problems including revision surgery, infections, periprosthetic fractures, and other complications often required the removal of the humeral stem. And, in many cases, the overall results of the procedure and the patient's long-term outcome was affected by the difficulty in removing the stem, leading surgeons to compromise the revision procedure, avoid revision surgery, or add to the overall morbidity with humeral fractures and substantial bone loss. With improved technology, including bone ingrowth methods, better matching of the proximal stem geometry to the humerus, and an understanding that the center of rotation (torque) on the humeral component is at the level of the humeral osteotomy, shorter stems and stemless humeral components were developed, now more than 10 years ago, primarily in Europe. With more than a decade of experience, our European colleagues have shown us that stemless humeral component replacement with a device that has both cortical and cancellous fixation is as effective as a stemmed device, easier to implant as well as revise when needed. The short-term results of the cancellous fixation stemless devices are acceptable, but longer follow-up is needed. Currently, the most widely used humeral components in the USA are short stem components, although the recent FDA approval of numerous stemless devices has initiated a shift from short stems to stemless devices. The truth is, short stem devices have a firm position in the USA surgeons' armamentarium today due to regulatory restrictions. A decade ago, without a predicate on the market, it was not conceivable that a stemless device that was already gaining popularity in Europe would be able to get 510K approval, and therefore would require a lengthy and expensive FDA IDE process. However, shorter stems had already been approved in the USA, as long as the stem length was 7 centimeters, matching the market predicate. Now, in 2018, based on evidence and outcomes, stemless humeral components should be the first choice when treating primary osteoarthritis of the glenohumeral joint. Short stem or longer stem devices should be reserved for those cases where stemless fixation is not possible, which is less than 10% of patients with primary OA of the shoulder

Introduction. Open fractures are managed in the UK guided by standards issued by the BOAST-4 standards. A study was undertaken to evaluate compliance with these standards in a regional trauma unit (MTU), and compared following upgrading to a Major Trauma Centre (MTC). Methods. Compliance was assessed against 11 of the 15 BOAST-4 standards (7, 9, 10 and 15 were not assessed). Patients were included with open diaphyseal tibial fractures (AO 42-), admitted to the department in the year before and the year after the Major Trauma Centre opened. Results. A total of 78 patients were evaluated; 30 within the MTU and 48 as a MTC. Of the 11 standards assessed, 6 (at least in part), achieved 100% compliance in the MTU study, and 5 in the MTC study. Compliance was poor for; antibiotic use in relation to definitive wound closure, formulating a joint plan, and undergoing surgery on a planned trauma list. In contrast, following MTC status antibiotic compliance had improved, as had evidence of joint planning, although antibiotic administration time on admission had declined. Consultant-level orthopaedic and plastic surgeon involvement at first intervention had improved, although plastic surgical input remained predominantly registrar-led. Time from injury to definitive stabilisation improved following MTS status. Discussion. This study demonstrates improvements in many aspects of care for open fracture since the MTC opened. However, further improvements can be made, particularly regarding the early treatment pathway. Since this audit a plastic surgeon with specific interest in lower limb reconstruction has been appointed

Vascularised fibular grafts (VFGs ) are a valuable surgical technique in limb salvage after resection of a tumour. The primary objective of this multicentre study was to assess the risk factors for failure and complications for using a VFG after resection of a tumour. . The study involved 74 consecutive patients (45 men and 29 women with mean age of 23 years (1 to 64) from four tertiary centres for orthopaedic oncology who underwent reconstruction using a VFG after resection of a tumour between 1996 and 2011. There were 52 primary and 22 secondary reconstructions. The mean follow-up was 77 months (10 to 195). . In all, 69 patients (93%) had successful limb salvage; all of these united and 65 (88%) showed hypertrophy of the graft. The mean time to union differed between those involving the upper (28 weeks; 12 to 96) and lower limbs (44 weeks; 12 to 250). Fracture occurred in 11 (15%), and nonunion in 14 (19%) patients. . In 35 patients (47%) at least one complication arose, with a greater proportion in lower limb reconstructions, non-bridging osteosynthesis, and in children. These complications resulted in revision surgery in 26 patients (35%). VFG is a successful and durable technique for reconstruction of a defect in bone after resection of a tumour, but is accompanied by a significant risk of complications, that often require revision surgery. Union was not markedly influenced by the need for chemo- or radiotherapy, but should not be expected during chemotherapy. Therefore, restricted weight-bearing within this period is advocated. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:853–61

Introduction:. Non-invasive extendible endoprostheses (NIEE) were primarily developed for salvage after musculo-skeletal tumour surgery in the immature skeleton. However, they may also have a unique application to manage complex limb reconstruction in revision surgery to address limb-length inequality in the mature skeleton. The aim of this study is to present the minimum 2 –year results of using non-invasive extendible endoprostheses for complex lower limb reconstruction. Methods:. Between 2004 and 2013, 21 patients were treated with 23 NIEE. The indication for surgery was salvage of infected prosthesis following primary tumor resection in 6 cases, aseptic prosthesis failure after primary tumour resection in 5 cases, aseptic non-tumor prosthesis failure in 1 case, infected non-tumor prosthesis in 8 cases and symptomatic non-union of graft reconstruction in 3 cases. There were 14 male and 7 female patients with a mean age of 49.8 years (range 19–81). Results:. The mean length gained was 41.5 mm (range 0 to 90) requiring a mean of 7 (0–25) lengthening episodes performed in the outpatient department. 4 cases required revision surgery for persistent infection. These had multiple previous surgeries and inadequate soft tissue coverage. There were also 2 early dislocations in one patient treated successfully with lengthening and 1 failure to achieve desired length. The Mean Musculoskeletal Tumour Society rating score was 19. Conclusion:. The use of NIEE is associated with good functional outcome and offers yet another way of limb salvage. A modest complication rate is noted in this series, which reflects the complexity of these cases

The purpose of this study was to review the outcomes of four children with genu valgum secondary to Hurler Syndrome treated with circular external fixators (frames) for angular correction. We retrospectively reviewed the medical and radiographic records of four children with Hurler Syndrome and genu valgum treated with frames. Three children had simultaneous bilateral tibial corrections. The fourth child had unilateral femoral correction. The mean age of the children was 14 years at application of frame. Mean duration of frame was 113 days for the tibial frames, and the femoral frame remained in-situ for 150 days. Correction was assessed clinically, and radiologically with x-rays and CT scannograms, with excellent results in all four cases. The complexities of each individual case necessitated specific and individualised treatment for each child. Complications included further deformities arising in treated and un-treated long-bones both during and after application of frame. Prior to the introduction of bone marrow transplantation, the average life expectancy of children with Hurler Syndrome was seven years. With bone marrow transplantation, affected children are now living much longer, and many develop characteristic long bone deformities in their lower limbs. These deformities are progressive and can be multifocal and polyostotic. Managament can be extremely challenging, and prior reports of management with hemiepiphysiodesis with staples and 8-plates have been mixed. We believe that this is the first series of circular frame lower limb reconstruction in children with Hurler Syndrome. The flexibility and adaptability of frames confers a unique advantage in the management of these complex deformities

We present our experience of lower limb reconstruction for patients with obvious defects in the tibia, by bone transport using a stacked Taylor Spatial Frame. A retrospective review of 40 patients treated between 2003 and 2009. There were 19 cases of infected non union, 9 cases of acute bone loss following fracture, 6 cases of chronic osteomyelitis, 4 cases of aseptic non union, 1 case of neurofibromatosis and 1 case of a loose and infected total ankle replacement. Twenty-eight out of the 40 patients reviewed have completed their treatment. Of these 28 patients, bony union was achieved in 23 patients, of whom 22 were assessed at discharge to have regained good to excellent limb function, a functional assessment was not available for review in the remaining patient. In 5 patients, docking site union failed, 3 of whom then underwent below knee amputation. Two patients required treatment with an intramedullary nail following frame treatment to achieve consolidated union of the docking site. Anatomic sagittal and coronal alignment was achieved in 19 out of 23 patients. The mean bone regenerate was 53.3 mm (range: 15-180mm), with a mean healing index of 9.2 days/mm (range: 4.4-25 days/mm). The majority of patients experienced at least one complication, these included pin site and soft tissue infections, refracture, nerve palsy and joint stiffness. Surgical stimulation of the docking site was required in 12 of the 28 patients to promote union. The use of a stacked Taylor Spatial Frame system is effective for restoring bone length and limb function in patients with bone loss following complex trauma and orthopaedic cases. The computer assisted nature of the spatial frame allows for predictable bone regenerate, minimal residual deformity and accurate bone docking