Trifocal Ilizarov Bone Transport for a 21-cm Tibial Defect in a Chronic Smoker with Longstanding Osteomyelitis: A Complex Limb Salvage Case

Acute shortening and double-level lengthening versus bone transport for the management of large tibial bone defects after trauma and infection.

Several reconstructive procedures have been used in management of large tibial bone defects including bone graft, bone transport (distraction osteogenesis) using various external fixators, and vascularized bone graft. Each of these procedures has its limitations and complications. The study describes gradual medial fibular transfer using Ilizarov external fixators in management of patients with large tibial defect, either following infection or trauma. Between May 2011 and June 2013, 14 patients were prospectively included in the current study. The inclusion criteria were large tibial defect due to trauma or infection with severe soft tissue compromise, and small or poor tibial bone remnants making bone lengthening difficult. Exclusion criteria were patients with vascular or nerve injuries. The average age of the patients was 31.64 (± 6.5) years. Medial fibular transfer was done for all patients using Ilizarov at a rate of 0.5mm twice daily. Iliac bone graft was used in all patients after the transfer. The average segmental bone defect of the tibia was (13.2 ± 2.6), ranging between 8 and 18.6cm. Union was achieved in all patients with average fixator time was 32.42(± 4.32) weeks. Average follow-up after removal of the fixator was 40.5 (± 6.9) months. Gradual fibular transfer by Ilizarov external fixator is a reliable technique in management of post-traumatic and post-infection large tibial bone defects with good clinical outcome, and with few complications.

How to deal with large tibial bone defects is still controversial. The purpose of this research was to compare the semi-focal bone transport (SFBT) technique with traditional bone transport (TBT) technique for treating such patients. Sixty-two patients were included and retrospectively analyzed. In all cases, after radical debridement large tibial bone defects remained. Patients were treated by the SFBT or TBT technique. The distraction, consolidation duration and complications were recorded by the patients’ medical files. Based on the Association for the Study and Application of Methods of Ilizarov (ASAMI) standard, the bone and functional results were evaluated. The mean bone defect size was 7.7 ± 1.6 cm and 7.5 ± 2.1 cm for SFBT and TBT patients. The mean external fixation index (EFI) was 1.51 ± 0.14 months/cm and 1.89 ± 0.25 months/cm for SFBT and TBT patients (p < 0.05), respectively. With respect to bone and function results, there was no significant differences between the two groups (p > 0.05). The mean number of complications per patient was 1.1 ± 0.6 and 1.6 ± 0.7 for SFBT and TBT patients (p < 0.05). Compared to the traditional bone transport technique, patients using the semi-focal bone transport technique achieved better clinical effects, including shorter EFI and less complications. Therefore, the SFBT technique could be a new option for patients with large tibial bone defects.

BackgroundIpsilateral fibular transport is a novel option in limb salvage surgery for patients with large tibial defects. A less common application of the Ilizarov technique is transverse bone transport. The frame allows for gradual transport of the fibula into the adjacent tibial defect site, with precise proximal and distal alignment of the fibula, and compression at tibial contact sites. Here, we outline a method of limb salvage for large tibial bone loss using ipsilateral medial fibular transport using the Ilizarov apparatus in a group of children and adolescents.Patients and methodsWe retrospectively reviewed six consecutive patients, average age 8 years (range 3-18 years), with infection or trauma-related large tibial bone loss. All patients were treated using gradual medial transport of the ipsilateral fibula using the Ilizarov technique. The follow-up of the patients averaged 4 years, with a range of 4-7 years after removal of the circular external fixator. We reviewed patients' medical records and radiographs. We recorded the fracture type in trauma cases, length of the tibial segment replaced, time to union, additional procedures, knee and ankle range of motion, limb length, satisfaction with the reconstructive surgery compared with amputation, and possible complications.ResultThe Ilizarov ring fixation time to achieve fibular transport and bone union averaged 11 months (range from 7-17 months). The amount of tibial bone loss replaced using the Ilizarov frame with fibular transport averaged 9.8 cm, with a range of 8-11 cm. Hypertrophy of the transported fibula accompanied full weight bearing and satisfactory lower extremity joints motion occurred in all patients. Four of the six patients had a superficial pin-site infection. All patients and or parents were satisfied with the results, and none of them reported that amputation would have been a better option.ConclusionThe Ilizarov technique of ipsilateral medial fibular transport to address massive tibial bone loss led to limb salvage for our six patients, with satisfactory functional results. Adolescent patients may require iliac crest bone grafting at the docking sites if the healing response is poor. Our work shows that ipsilateral fibular gradual transport in children and adolescents provides a reasonable alternative for surgeons addressing limb salvage in patients with large tibial bone loss. Patients should be treated by surgeons familiar and experienced with the Ilizarov method.

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of three-column reconstruction of the lower leg using a single-barrel contralateral vascularized fibular graft (VFG), medial locking plate, and the ipsilateral fibula for the repair of large tibial defects after tumor resection. In this retrospective study, we reviewed 12 patients who underwent three-column reconstruction using a single-barrel contralateral VFG, medial locking plate, and the ipsilateral fibula between June 1996 and May 2020. These patients had large tibial bone defects following tumor resection. The mean age of the patients was 26.3 years (range, 11-63 years), and 7 of them were women. The mean follow-up period was 104.8 months (range, 26-284 months). The mean size of the tibial bone defect after tumor resection was 17.8 cm (range, 11-26.8 cm). The clinical and radiological outcomes were evaluated at the final follow-up. All patients survived beyond the final follow-up without recurrence of the primary bone tumor. The mean time from reconstruction to bony union at both host-graft junctions was 12.9 months (range, 4-36 months). The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score was 82.3% (range, 60%-97%). All tibial defects were reconstructed with adequate bone healing. There were 4 cases of stress fracture and graft failure; these were resolved by using longer plates and more screws. All patients were ambulatory without assistance and showed no permanent complications. Large tibial defects that occur after tumoral resection can be effectively reconstructed by three-column reconstruction using a medial locking plate, an inlay single-barrel VFG harvested from the contralateral side, and the intact ipsilateral fibula. This technique permits early weight-bearing before fibular hypertrophy and bony union.

To determine long-term outcomes and costs of Ilizarov bone transport and flap coverage for lower limb salvage. Case series with retrospective review of outcomes with at least 6-year follow-up. Academic tertiary care medical center. Thirty-four consecutive patients with traumatic lower extremity wounds and tibial defects who were recommended amputation but instead underwent complex limb salvage from 1993 to 2005. Flap reconstruction and Ilizarov bone transport. Outcomes assessed were flap complications, infection, union, malunion, need for chronic narcotics, ambulation status, employment status, and need for reoperations. A cost analysis was performed comparing this treatment modality to amputation. Thirty-four patients (mean age: 40 years) were included with 14 acute Gustilo IIIB/C defects and 20 chronic tibial defects (nonunion with osteomyelitis). Thirty-five muscle flaps were performed with 1 flap loss (2.9%). The mean tibial bone defect was 8.7 cm, mean duration of bone transport was 10.8 months, and mean follow-up was 11 years. Primary nonunion rate at the docking site was 8.8% and malunion rate was 5.9%. All patients achieved final union with no cases of recurrent osteomyelitis. No patients underwent future amputations, 29% required reoperations, 97% were ambulating without assistance, 85% were working full time, and only 5.9% required chronic narcotics. Mean lifetime cost per patient per year after limb salvage was significantly less than the published cost for amputation. The long-term results and costs of bone transport and flap coverage strongly support complex limb salvage in this patient population.

The clinical efficiency of bone transport distraction osteogenesis in the reconstruction of large tibial defects following resection of osteosarcoma remains unclear. The current study presents two cases of large tibial defects treated with bone transport distraction using an Orthofix external fixator. Case 1 was a 29-year-old man with a tibial defect 11 cm in length, while case 2 was a 16-year-old girl with a 15-cm-long defect. Bone transport distraction osteogenesis was initiated for the both cases on day 14 following resection of the tibial osteosarcoma. Bone transport distraction in case 1 and 2 was continued for 16 and 28 months, respectively, and the patients were followed up for 51 and 56 months, respectively. The two patients did not exhibit any signs of tumor recurrence or tumor metastasis during the follow-up period. The Musculoskeletal Tumor Society functional scores at final follow-up visits were 22 and 18 for case 1 and 2, respectively. Based on the experience gained in these 2 cases, a bone transport is a viable option for the reconstruction of large tibial defects following osteosarcoma resection.

Large tibial defects present a challenging scenario for the orthopaedic surgeon, particularly in the paediatric patient. Most management options, such as the vascularised fibular graft or Ilizarov technique, require microsurgical...

Background: Many studies have assessed the effects of either low intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) or demineralized bone matrix (DBM) on bone repair; however, an evaluation of the combination of these modalities (LIPUS + DBM) has not yet been considered. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate combined effects of DBM and LIPUS on fracture healing. Methods: Bilateral 5-mm tibial defects were created in male Dutch rabbits (n = 30). Animals were divided to two groups of empty defect (A) and DBM group (B), in which commercial DBM putty was used in defects. In each animal left tibia was treated with LIPUS (intensity = 30 mW/cm2, I SATA, 1 MHz, 20 min/day, pulsed duty 1:4) and the contralateral limb was used as the control. Animals, after 14, 28 and 60 days, were submitted to radiographic or computerized tomography (CT) scanning analysis. Results: At two weeks, LIPUS had no substantial effect on bone formation. Slight increase of average rates in LIPUS group (A2) were seen compared to the empty defect group (A1) at day 21 and 28. In the DBM–treated group compared with the sham LIPUS, bone-healing rate was reduced at the end of the period (60 days) after surgery. The average healing rate in group B at the end of the 60-day period was less than group A after 21 days. Conclusions: The present study discusses systemic effect of LIPUS because of non-significant results between treated group and control group and is the first to demonstrate that LIPUS decreases bone formation induced by DBM.

BackgroundDistal tibial defects following refractory osteomyelitis pose a significant orthopedic challenge, necessitating effective reconstruction. The Ilizarov bone transport technique is a potential treatment option, but its clinical outcomes specifically for distal tibial infectious defects need further evaluation.MethodsIn this retrospective observational single-arm study, we analyzed the clinical data of 22 patients who had undergone multiple debridements for refractory distal tibial osteomyelitis (DTO) and had associated bone defects, and were subsequently treated with the Ilizarov bone transport technique. Following debridement surgery, bone transport treatment was administered. Regular X-ray examinations, rehabilitation guidance, and follow-up were conducted to assess infection control, bone healing, limb function recovery, and complications. Therapeutic effects were evaluated using the Association for the Study and Application of Methods of Ilizarov (ASAMI), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score, Activities of Daily Living (ADL) score, and American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score improvement.ResultsThe mean follow-up was 29.32±20.92 months, with an average of 3.77±1.83 debridements. All bone defects healed, though 5 patients later required ankle arthrodesis. Complications included pin tract infection (n=10), axial deviation (n=3), ankle joint stiffness (n=2), non-union at the docking site (n=2), and delayed consolidation (n=2). At the last follow-up, ASAMI bone results: 15 excellent, 5 good, 2 poor (90.9% superiority rate). ASAMI functional results: 6 excellent, 14 good, 1 fair, 1 poor (90.9% superiority rate). VAS decreased from 4.86±0.83 to 0.5±0.66 (p<0.001). ADL improved from 80 (78.75–85) to 92.5 (90–95) (p<0.001). AOFAS score increased from 32 (25–38.25) to 82 (77–87.5) (p<0.001), with an 86.4% overall superiority rate.ConclusionBone transport post - debridement is a valuable salvage for reconstructing distal tibial defects post-refractory osteomyelitis, with high safety, healing rate, and good efficacy. However, further comparative studies are warranted to confirm its advantages over other treatments.

Segmental defects of the tibia are challenging therapeutic problems for both the physician and the patient. These defects may be caused by severe trauma, infection, tumors and congenital processes. Several different techniques have been described for treatment of these defects including the Papineau technique, allograft reconstruction, bone transport using the Ilizarov frame, free vascularized fibular graft, tibiofibular synostosis and medial transport of the fibula with Tuli’s technique, use of the Ilizarov frame and Huntington’s procedure. All of these techniques have their specific advantages as well as disadvantages. Some of these techniques are used rarely i.e. the Papineau technique. The procedure of choice for most large tibial defects is bone transport with Ilizarov’s technique; but in some cases the tibial remnant is inadequate for lengthening and we must use alternative treatments. In the three aforementioned techniques, the fibula is transferred with peroneal and anterior tibial muscles on a pedicle of peroneal vessels. This transfer retains a biological component of vital bone that allows for a shorter time for consolidation, increased remodeling potential and resistance to infection. It also has better long-term mechanical properties. Hypertrophy of the centralized fibula is described as attaining twice its original diameter or twice the size of the contralateral tibia. Hypertrophy has been seen in nearly all cases of the fibular centralization. Maximum hypertrophy is seen in children and besides patient age, is related to bony union and weight bearing. The reported time for hypertrophy of fibula varies from one to four years. No significant change in the diameter of the fibula was observed after five years. Fracture of tibialized fibula was not reported in many studies of fibular centralization with different techniques. In the reviewed articles, there were no cases of valgus deformity of the ankle. Either the patients were satisfied with the final results despite appearance of the lower extremity and the presence of some angular deformities, although in most cases, the deformities were mild. In this review we conclude that tibialisation of the fibula in selected cases is a reasonable alternative for the treatment of massive tibial defects.

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to compare the clinical effects of antibiotic calcium sulfate-loaded hybrid transport (ACSLHT) and traditional Ilizarov bone transport (TIBT) in the treatment of large tibial defects after trauma.MethodsEighty-five patients with large tibial defects after trauma were selected for retrospective study. The range of tibial defects was 6–22 cm. After thorough debridement and infection controlled, bone transport technique was used to reconstruct tibial defects. Forty-four patients were treated with ACSLHT technique (the ACSLHT group), while the other 41 were treated with TIBT technique (the TIBT group). Time in external fixator was evaluated by EFI score. Enneking score was used to evaluate limb functions. SAS score was used to evaluate postoperative anxiety status. In addition, complication incidence was compared, including axis deviation, docking site nonunion, infection recurrence and so on.ResultsThere was no significant difference in preoperative general data between ACSLHT and TIBT group. EFI score in ACSLHT and TIBT group was 0.6 ± 0.1 cm/month and 1.7 ± 0.3 cm/month, respectively (P < 0.05). Enneking score of ACSLHT and TIBT group was 86.5% and 75.1% (P < 0.05). SAS score of ACSLHT group was significantly lower than that of TIBT group (P < 0.05). Complication incidence in ACSLHT group was significantly lower than that in TIBT group (P < 0.05).ConclusionsCompared with TIBT group, ACSLHT group had shorter time in external fixator, better limb functions, lower postoperative anxiety score and lower complication incidence which is worth of clinical promotion.

The treatment of segmental tibial bone defects remains a surgical challenge. While Bone Transport (BT) and Induced Membrane Technique (IMT) are effective strategies for regenerating bone, there are few comparative studies between them. This investigation undertakes a comparative analysis of BT and IMT for large segmental tibial defects stabilised through plate fixation. Patients with segmental tibial defects exceeding 5cm were prospectively enrolled from 2008 to 2021 in a single institution, with a minimum follow-up duration of two years. All patients underwent either BT or IMT with plate fixation of the tibia. Procedural success, primary union as well as bone and functional outcome scores were compared. Complications, including non-unions, joint contractures and deep infections requiring surgical intervention, were also compared. 41 patients were recruited in total. 28 patients underwent Bone Transport Over a Plate (BTOP), while 13 patients underwent IMT with Plate fixation (IMTP). The procedural success rate trended higher in IMTP compared to BTOP (100% vs. 85.7%). The primary union rate also trended higher in IMTP compared to BTOP (92.3% vs. 79.2%). BTOP and IMTP achieved similar rates of satisfactory bone outcome scores (78.6% vs. 84.6%) and functional outcome scores (75% vs. 76.5%). There was no statistical difference between procedural success, primary union, bone and functional outcome scores. The complication rate in BTOP was 78.6% (22 of 28), including five docking site or regenerate non-unions, eight deep infections and nine joint contractures. IMTP had a 38.5% (5 of 13) complication rate, including one non-union, two deep infections and two joint contractures. The complication rate was 2.04 times higher in BTOP compared to IMTP (p = 0.0117). BTOP and IMTP are both equally effective techniques for regenerating bone in large tibial bone defects. However, IMTP may be a safer procedure than BTOP, with a lower probability of requiring additional procedures to address complications.

Objective To explore the curative effects of unilateral Orthofix external fixation in the treatment of tibial defects. Methods From June 2012 to February 2016, we treated 19 patients with tibial defects using unilateral Orthofix external fixation. They were 14 men and 5 women, aged from 26 to 79 years (mean, 43.0 years). The right tibia was involved in 12 cases and the left tibia in 7. The soft tissue defects averaged 6.4 cm×3.7 cm. The mean bone defect before bone transport was 8.9 cm in length. The anteroposterior and lateral X-ray films of the affected tibia were taken regularly after surgery. Edwards tibial fracture scores were used to evaluate the functional recovery and complications of the affected limb at final follow-ups. Results All the patients were followed up for 10 to 40 months (average, 18.5 months). Bone union time ranged from 4 to 16 months (average, 9.0 months). Lengths of bone transport ranged from 6 to 10 cm (average, 7.8 cm). All the bone defects were reconstructed. According to the Edwards scoring at the final follow-ups, 10 cases were rated as excellent, 6 as good and 3 as poor. Complications were observed in 4 cases, giving a complication rate of 21.1%. Conclusion Unilateral Orthofix external fixation and bone transport can lead to preferable curative effects in the management of tibial defects. Key words: Tibia; Bone defects; External fixator; Bone transport

Segmental tibial bone loss, specifically in the setting of high-energy trauma, presents a challenging problem to the treating orthopaedic surgeon. These injuries are often complicated by tissue loss, poor wound healing, and infection. Many techniques of reconstruction have been advocated from bone grafting to bone transport. Transport can accomplished using Ilizarov frames, monolateral external fixators, and intramedullary devices. Although transport over an intramedullary device offers the advantage of rigidity and controlled alignment, many authors consider prolonged external fixation and history of pin tract infection to be contraindications to this technique. To our knowledge, bone segment transport used in combination with locking plate fixation has not been described for the treatment of tibial bone defects. We describe two cases of bone transport using a combination of locked plate fixation and a monolateral external fixation frame for large tibial bone defects. This technique allows for easy correction of length and alignment, stable fixation, facilitates quicker, and easier frame removal and also allows for compression of transported segment at the time of docking.