Aim. One of the most common patient-reported complaints following intramedullary nailing (IMN) of tibial shaft fractures is anterior knee pain reported by 10% to 80% of patients. The present study aimed to compare the 12-month Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) sport and recreation activities subscale (sport/rec) scores after IMN with external
Minimally invasive fixation of pelvic fragility fractures is recommended to reduce pain and allow early mobilization. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome of two different stabilization techniques in bilateral fragility fractures of the sacrum (BFFS). A non-randomized, prospective study was carried out in a level 1 trauma centre. BFFS in 61 patients (mean age 80 years (SD 10); four male, 57 female) were treated surgically with bisegmental transsacral stablization (BTS; n = 41) versus spinopelvic fixation (SP; n = 20). Postoperative full weightbearing was allowed. The outcome was evaluated at two timepoints: discharge from inpatient treatment (TP1; Fitbit tracking, Zebris stance analysis), and ≥ six months (TP2; Fitbit tracking, Zebris analysis, based on modified Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Majeed Score (MS), and the 12-Item Short Form Survey 12 (SF-12). Fracture healing was assessed by CT. The primary outcome parameter of functional recovery was the per-day step count; the secondary parameter was the subjective outcome assessed by questionnaires.Aims
Methods
Infected and deformed neuropathic feet and ankles are serious challenges for surgical management. In this study we present our experience in performing ankle arthrodesis in a closed manner, without surgical preparation of the joint surfaces by cartilaginous debridement, but instead using an Ilizarov ring fixator (IRF) for deformity correction and facilitating fusion, in arthritic neuropathic ankles with associated osteomyelitis. We retrospectively reviewed all the patients who underwent closed ankle arthrodesis (CAA) in Ilizarov Scientific Centre from 2013 to 2018 (Group A) and compared them with a similar group of patients (Group B) who underwent open ankle arthrodesis (OAA). We then divided the neuropathic patients into three arthritic subgroups: Charcot joint, Charcot-Maire-Tooth disease, and post-traumatic arthritis. All arthrodeses were performed by using an Ilizarov ring fixator. All patients were followed up clinically and radiologically for a minimum of 12 months to assess union and function.Aims
Methods
The aim of this study was to describe the use of 3D-printed sacral endoprostheses to reconstruct the pelvic ring and re-establish spinopelvic stability after total We retrospectively reviewed 32 patients who underwent TES in our hospital between January 2015 and December 2017. We divided the patients into three groups on the basis of the method of reconstruction: an endoprosthesis group (n = 10); a combined reconstruction group (n = 14), who underwent non-endoprosthetic combined reconstruction, including anterior spinal column fixation; and a spinopelvic fixation (SPF) group (n = 8), who underwent only SPF. Spinopelvic stability, implant survival (IS), intraoperative haemorrhage rate, and perioperative complication rate in the endoprosthesis group were documented and compared with those of other two groups.Aims
Patients and Methods
The best method of treating unstable pelvic fractures that involve
the obturator ring is still a matter for debate. This study compared
three methods of treatment: nonoperative, isolated posterior fixation
and combined anteroposterior stabilization. The study used data from the German Pelvic Trauma Registry and
compared patients undergoing conservative management (n = 2394),
surgical treatment (n = 1345) and transpubic surgery, including
posterior stabilization (n = 730) with isolated posterior osteosynthesis
(n = 405) in non-complex Type B and C fractures that only involved the
obturator ring anteriorly. Calculated odds ratios were adjusted
for potential confounders. Outcome criteria were intraoperative
and general short-term complications, the incidence of nerve injuries,
and mortality.Aims
Patients and Methods
This is a prospective randomised study which compares the radiological
and functional outcomes of ring and rail fixators in patients with
an infected gap (>
3 cm) nonunion of the tibia. Between May 2008 and February 2013, 70 patients were treated
at our Institute for a posttraumatic osseocutaneous defect of the
tibia measuring at least 3 cm. These were randomised into two groups
of 35 patients using the lottery method. Group I patients were treated
with a ring fixator and group II patients with a rail fixator. The
mean age was 33.2 years (18 to 64) in group I and 29.3 years (18
to 65) in group II. The mean bone gap was 5.84 cm in group I and 5.78
cm in group II. The mean followup was 33.8 months in group I and 32.6 months
in group II. Bone and functional results were assessed using the
classification of the Association for the Study and Application
of the Method of Ilizarov (ASAMI). Functional results were also
assessed at six months using the short musculoskeletal functional
assessment (SMFA) score.Aims
Patients and Methods
We report the outcome of 28 patients with spina bifida who between 1989 and 2006 underwent 43 lower extremity deformity corrections using the Ilizarov technique. The indications were a flexion deformity of the knee in 13 limbs, tibial rotational deformity in 11 and foot deformity in 19. The mean age at operation was 12.3 years (5.2 to 20.6). Patients had a mean of 1.6 previous operations (0 to 5) on the affected limb. The mean duration of treatment with a frame was 9.4 weeks (3 to 26) and the mean follow-up was 4.4 years (1 to 9). There were 12 problems (27.9%), five obstacles (11.6%) and 13 complications (30.2%) in the 43 procedures. Further operations were needed in seven patients. Three knees had significant recurrence of deformity. Two tibiae required further surgery for recurrence. All feet were plantigrade and braceable. We conclude that the Ilizarov technique offers a refreshing approach to the complex lower-limb deformity in spina bifida.
We present a retrospective review of a single-surgeon series of 30 consecutive lengthenings in 27 patients with congenital short femur using the Ilizarov technique performed between 1994 and 2005. The mean increase in length was 5.8 cm/18.65% (3.3 to 10.4, 9.7% to 48.8%), with a mean time in the frame of 223 days (75 to 363). By changing from a distal to a proximal osteotomy for lengthening, the mean range of knee movement was significantly increased from 98.1° to 124.2° (p = 0.041) and there was a trend towards a reduced requirement for quadricepsplasty, although this was not statistically significant (p = 0.07). The overall incidence of regenerate deformation or fracture requiring open reduction and internal fixation was similar in the distal and proximal osteotomy groups (56.7% and 53.8%, respectively). However, in the proximal osteotomy group, pre-placement of a Rush nail reduced this rate from 100% without a nail to 0% with a nail (p <
0.001). When comparing a distal osteotomy with a proximal one over a Rush nail for lengthening, there was a significant decrease in fracture rate from 58.8% to 0% (p = 0.043). We recommend that in this group of patients lengthening of the femur with an Ilizarov construct be carried out through a proximal osteotomy over a Rush nail. Lengthening should also be limited to a maximum of 6 cm during one treatment, or 20% of the original length of the femur, in order to reduce the risk of complications.
We present the results of ankle fusion using the Ilizarov technique for bone loss around the ankle in 20 patients. All except one had sustained post-traumatic bone loss. Infection was present in 17. The mean age was 33.1 years (7 to 71). The mean size of the defect was 3.98 cm (1.5 to 12) and associated limb shortening before the index procedure varied from 1 cm to 5 cm. The mean time in the external fixator was 335 days (42 to 870). Tibiotalar fusion was performed in 19 patients and tibiocalcaneal fusion in one. Associated problems included diabetes in one patient, pelvic and urethral injury in one, visual injury in one patient and ipsilateral tibial fracture in five. At the final mean follow-up of 51.55 months (24 to 121) fusion had been achieved in 19 of 20 patients. A total of 16 patients were able to return to work. The results were graded as good in 11 patients, fair in six and poor in three. The mean external fixation index was 8.8 days/mm (0 to 30). One patient with diabetes developed severe infection which required early removal of the fixator. Refractures occurred in three patients, two of which were at the site of fusion and one at a previous tibial shaft fracture site. Equinus deformity of the ankle fusion occurred after a further fracture in one patient. There were two patients with residual forefoot equinus, and one developed late valgus at the fusion site. Poor consolidation of the regenerated bone in two patients was treated by bone grafting in one and by bone and fibular strut grafting in the other. Residual soft-tissue infection was still present in two patients.
We reviewed 13 patients with infected nonunion of the distal femur and bone loss, who had been treated by radical surgical debridement and the application of an Ilizarov external fixator. All had severely restricted movement of the knee and a mean of 3.1 previous operations. The mean length of the bony defect was 8.3 cm and no patient was able to bear weight. The mean external fixation time was 309.8 days. According to Paley’s grading system, eight patients had an excellent clinical and radiological result and seven excellent and good functional results. Bony union, the ability to bear weight fully, and resolution of the infection were achieved in all the patients. The external fixation time was increased when the definitive treatment started six months or more after the initial trauma, the patient had been subjected to more than four previous operations and the initial operation had been open reduction and internal fixation.
Fine-wire accepted as a minimally external fixation is invasive technique, which can provide better outcomes than traditional open methods in the management of complex fractures of the tibial plateau. Available fixators vary in their biomechanical stability, and we believe that a stable beam-loading system is essential for consistently good outcomes. We assessed, prospectively, the clinical, radiological and general health status of 20 of 21 consecutive patients with complex fractures of the tibial plateau who had been treated using a standard protocol, with percutaneous screw fixation and a neutralisation concept with a fine wire beam-loading fixator allowing early weight-bearing. Bony union was achieved in all patients, with 85% having good or excellent results. Full weight-bearing started during the first six weeks in 60% of patients. The general health status assessment correlated well with the knee scores and reflected a satisfactory outcome.
