Complications among patients with osteogenesis imperfecta following surgical interventions

Abstract

Objectives: Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a genetic bone disorder caused mainly by a defect in the COL1A1 or COL1A2 genes. This study aimed to analyze the complication using surgical interventions, including intramedullary telescopic rod fixation, Rush pin fixation, and Kirschner-wire (K-wire) fixation. Methods: This retrospective and cohort study was conducted in our institution, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A total of 23 patients with OI were treated from 2018 to 2022, out of which 19 were treated surgically. A total of 29 long bones were surgically managed. Our patients’ data were collected from the hospital’s electronic system. Results: The overall incidence of Rush pin fixation post-operative complications was 57% (five out of seven cases) and K-wire fixation was 50% (one out of two cases). The main indications for intramedullary telescopic rod implantation were osseous deformities and fractures, with the overall incidence of post-operative complications reaching around 35% (seven out of 20 cases). Conclusion: In our population, the overall incidence of complications after intramedullary telescopic rod fixation was lower than those after Rush pin fixation and K-wire fixation. In addition, more studies are needed to add to the literature new ways of tackling post-operative complications following the insertion of intramedullary telescopic rods, such as nail migration and new fractures or refractures.