Circular External Fixator Research Articles

A safe technique for insertion of heel wires for hindfoot external fixation frames

Anatomical atlases document classical safe corridors for the placement of transosseous fine wires through the calcaneum during circular frame external fixation. During this process, the posterior tibial neurovascular bundle (PTNVB) is placed at risk, though this has not been previously quantified. We describe a cadaveric study to investigate a safe technique for posterolateral to anteromedial fine wire insertion through the body of the calcaneum. A total of 20 embalmed cadaveric lower limbs were divided into two groups. Wires were inserted using two possible insertion points and at varying angles. In Group A, wires were inserted one-third along a line between the point of the heel and the tip of the lateral malleolus while in Group B, wires were inserted halfway along this line. Standard dissection techniques identified the structures at risk and the distance of wires from neurovascular structures was measured. The results from 19 limbs were subject to analysis. In Group A, no wires pierced the PTNVB. Wires were inserted a median 22.3 mm (range 4.7 to 39.6) from the PTNVB; two wires (4%) passed within 5 mm. In Group B, 24 (46%) wires passed within 5 mm of the PTNVB, with 11 wires piercing it. The median distance of wires from the PTNVB was 5.5 mm (range 0 to 30). A Mann-Whitney U test showed that this was significantly closer than in Group A (Hodges-Lehmann shift, 14.06 mm; 95% confidence interval (CI) 10.52 to 16.88; p < 0.0001). In Group B, with an increased angle of insertion there was greater risk to the PTNVB (rs = -0.80; p < 0.01). Insertion of wires using an entry point one-third along a line from the point of the heel to the tip of the lateral malleolus (Group A) appears to be the safer technique. An insertion angle of up to 30° to the coronal plane can be used without significant risk to the PTNVB. Insertion of wires halfway along a line from the point of the heel to the tip of the lateral malleolus (Group B) carried a significantly higher risk of injury to neurovascular structures and, if necessary, an angle of insertion parallel to the coronal plane should be used. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:1054-9.

Tratamiento del pie de Charcot complejo mediante cirugía en un solo tiempo con fijador circular estático. Serie de casos

ObjectiveWe present a case series report of patients with Charcot foot treated by single-stage surgery with static circular fixation. Material and methodRetrospective review of 10 cases treated with static circular external fixation since 2016, with the following inclusion criteria: 1) Deformity with any of the following: ulcers, osteoporosis, osteomyelitis or instability 2) peripheral neuropathy, 3) failed orthopaedic treatment. Exclusion criteria: 1) peripheral vascular obstruction without revascularization, 2) inability to comply with treatment, 3) non-ambulatory patients, 4) medical contraindication for surgery. Of the 10patients, 7men and 3women, 6had involvement of the left foot and 4of the right one. The average age of our patients was 58 years (range 39-71). We also evaluated Eichenholtz and Brodsky classification, presence of ulcers, osteomyelitis and instability. All were treated with circular external fixation with a medium follow up of 17 months (11-24 months). Postoperatively we evaluated limb salvation, ulcer healing, stability and re-ulcerations. ResultsIn all patients a functional plantigrade foot was achieved, cutaneous ulcer healed without recurrence. Four cases presented superficial pin infection, solved with local wound care. We had wire ruptures in 2 cases, which did not require replacement. We had a traumatic tibial fracture after frame removal, orthopedically solved. All patients were satisfied and would opt for the same technique, if necessary. Conclusionsof the study In Charcot foot, the objectives are to avoid amputation and achieve a functional plantigrade foot, without ulcer.Single-stage surgery with static circular external fixation is reproducible in our country, and also a valid technique for those cases in which internal fixation may not be the best option.

Minimally Invasive Surgery Using the Circular External Fixator to Correct Neglected Severe Stiff Equinocavus Foot Deformities

Background: Stiff equinocavus deformities of the foot are challenging to treat, often requiring extensive soft tissue dissection and bone removal. These procedures frequently yield suboptimal results and not infrequently amputation. Minimally invasive surgery using a circular external fixator potentially avoids the trauma to the soft tissue and may lead to improvement in outcomes and a lower amputation rate. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of minimally invasive surgery using a circular external fixator and limited soft tissue release to correct stiff equinocavus deformities. Methods: The treatment outcome of 29 patients (31 feet) with stiff equinocavus deformities of the foot and ankle treated with minimally invasive surgery and circular external fixation were reviewed after a mean follow-up period of 63 months. Patients’ demographics and cause of the deformities were recorded. Weight bearing radiographs of the foot were compared pre and postoperatively. Results: Outcome was satisfactory (plantigrade foot with improvement/resolution of pain) in 21 of 31 extremities, fair in 6 of 31 extremities, and poor in 4 of 31 extremities. In the majority of patients, a significant improvement in the equinocavus deformities was achieved with a statistically significant improvement in calcaneus and navicular height. Two patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth and severely insensate feet had a poor outcome, resulting in transtibial amputation. Conclusion: Minimally invasive surgery with gradual correction of neglected stiff equinocavus deformities using a modular circular external fixator is a reliable initial limb salvage strategy. Minimally invasive surgery and gradual correction of neglected severe stiff equinocavus deformities using the modular circular external fixator to gradually correct neglected severe stiff equinocavus deformities, is a safe initial limb salvage strategy which may simplify secondary procedures such as arthrodesis. Level of evidence: IV.

Radius regeneration after open fracture and extrusion: a case report

Level 4; case report.

High Rate of Union for Aseptic Distal Tibial Nonunions in Adults Treated With Slow Gradual Compression via Circular External Fixation.

To evaluate the healing rate of aseptic nonunions of the distal third of the tibia treated with Ilizarov slow gradual compression and deformity correction. Retrospective cohort study. Tertiary referral center. Ninety-four consecutive adult patients with 94 distal third tibial aseptic nonunions. Ilizarov external fixation and slow gradual compression; most patients also underwent bone grafting, deformity correction, or both before the initiation of compression. Rate of bony union. Eighty-seven of 94 cases (92.6%) healed after slow gradual compression across the nonunion site with a circular external fixator. Four of the 7 patients who failed treatment healed after additional operative treatment, and the remaining 3 refused further care. Circular external fixation with slow gradual compression was successful in treating aseptic nonunions of the distal third of the tibia in 92.6% of cases. Careful selection of patients for this treatment method can lead to a high success rate with a relatively low rate of major complications. Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Functional outcomes of the failed plate fixation in distal tibial fractures salvaged by hexapod external fixator.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and functional outcomes of failed plate fixation in distal tibia fractures salvaged with hexapod circular fixators. The database of a specialized limb reconstruction center was searched for all patients with failed plate fixation undergoing limb reconstruction with a circular external fixator between 2008 and 2017. Patients between the ages of 18-65years, with a symptomatic distal tibia malunion or non-union following plate and screw fixation were included. The SF-12 and Foot Function Index (FFI) scoring systems were used to measure clinical and functional outcomes. Ten patients with a mean age of 38 ± 13years met the inclusion criteria. Seven patients had an infected non-union, two hypertrophic non-unions, and one a malunion. The mean follow-up was 41.7 ± 28.3months. The mean duration of external fixation was 232.9 ± 146.6days. The SF-12 demonstrated a mean score of 49.4 ± 7.7 for the physical component and a mean score of 55.3 ± 8.1 for the mental component. Five patients (50%) scored above 45 points for the SF12 physical component, and nine patients (90%) scored above 45 points for the mental component, indicating good outcome can be achieved. The mean FFI score was 24.9 ± 19.9, and six patients had a score below 14 points (good outcome). Radiological union was observed in all 10 patients at a mean of 29 ± 14months. The results of this study suggest that hexapod circular external fixation is an attractive surgical alternative for the treatment of failed plate fixation of distal tibial fractures, and can reliably achieve bony union and result in very satisfactory clinical outcomes. Level IV case series.

The deformity correction and fixator-assisted treatment using Ilizarov versus Taylor spatial frame in the foot and ankle.

This study was to report the comparison of outcomes between Ilizarov ring fixator (IRF) and Taylor Spatial Frame® (Smith & Nephew, Memphis, Tenn.; TSF) in terms of the effectiveness of ankle-foot deformities correction, follow-up results, and complications. Fourteen patients with ankle-foot deformities were corrected using circular external fixation (IRF group = 7 patients; TSF group = 7 patients) and related procedures. Baseline data and treatment variables were recorded. The patients’ mean age was 42.9 years. Mean follow-up time was 6.5 months. Most common cause of deformity/traumatic condition was posttraumatic equinus. There were successful results in 8 patients (57.1%), partial successful results in 5 patients (35.7%), and revision-needed in 1 patient (7.1%). TSF group demonstrated significantly higher rate of successful results than IRF group (P=0.033). A trend of lower complication rate was found in TSF group (P=0.286). Deformity corrections using TSF provided significantly better clinical scores and higher rate of successful outcome than conventional IRF.

Tibia Malunion with Angular Deformity: Corrective Osteotomy and Intramedullary Fixation with the Chipping Technique

There are few options for correcting severe malunion of tibial shaft. Acute correction by close wedge osteotomy followed by fixation with plate is a standard treatment for this but associated with shortening and non-union. Gradual correction with circular external fixation is able to correct the deformity without producing shortening. However it is uncomfortable and require tedious nursing and rehabilitative care. Chipping the non-union site was associated with a favorable outcome for femur fracture because it biologically enhances fracture healing. However, there is no report on chipping osteotomy for tibia mal-union. We consider chipping osteotomy as a treatment option for this patient who refuses to have external fixation for his treatment. Patient achieved corrected alignment of tibia and fracture union in 5 months. However he develops problem with wound healing of the wound.

Outcomes of segmental tibia fractures treated with circular external fixation at a single centre in a developing world setting

Background: Segmental tibia fractures historically are treated with special consideration due to their complexity, high complication rate and the propensity for associated injuries. Circular external fixators (CEFs) offer several potential advantages in this situation due to their modularity and minimally invasive application. These advantages have been demonstrated in several developed countries but not as yet in the developing world. This analysis aimed to evaluate if these beneficial outcomes are reproducible in a developing world environment. Methods: We retrospectively assessed the data pertaining to skeletally mature patients who sustained segmental tibia fractures and were treated with CEFs between January 2008 to December 2015. These cases were performed in our tertiary hospital and overseen by a consultant with limb reconstruction experience. Union rates, time to union and complications encountered over a median of 10 months (range 6–20 months) follow-up period were among the outcomes measured. Results: Fourteen male and three female patients with a median age of 34 years were included. Sixteen patients (94%) were injured as a result of high energy trauma, nine patients (53%) had associated injuries, fourteen cases (83%) were compound injuries and there were no cases of compartment syndrome. Fifteen patients (88%) united with the use of the initial CEF at a median of 25 weeks (16–52 weeks), the two cases of non-union were treated with adjustments to the CEF and distraction across the affected fracture site with ultimate union. Two cases (12%) of superficial pin infection were encountered and one case (6%) of deep infection occurred after union of the fractures necessitating removal of the CEF. Three cases (18%) developed malunion. Conclusion: Circular external fixators used for segmental tibia fractures, when applied in a developing setting by clinicians with limb reconstruction experience, display a satisfactory union rate and acceptable complication frequency, as compared to that achieved in developed countries. Level of evidence: Level 4

An audit of circular external fixation usage in a tertiary hospital in South Africa

Background: Circular external fixation is a well-known treatment modality in reconstructive orthopaedic surgery and is frequently used for deformity correction, limb lengthening, limb salvage, and complex diaphyseal and periarticular fractures. The current use of this treatment modality in the South African context remains largely unknown. This retrospective review aims to describe the indications, outcomes and complications of the use of circular external fixation in a tertiary hospital in South Africa. Materials and methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 480 patients treated with circular external fixation in a specialist limb reconstruction unit. We report on patient demographics, comorbidities, indications and outcomes. Results: The final cohort consisted of 346 men and 134 women with a mean age of 35.5 years (SD 14.9, range: 5–73). Comorbidities were identified in 163 (34.0%) patients. These included diabetes in 14 (2.9%) patients and smoking in 102 (21%) patients. HIV infection was diagnosed in 120 patients (25%) with a mean CD4 count of 425 cells/mm3 (SD: 223, range: 82–1056). The mean time in external fixator was 24.6% weeks (SD: 15.3, range 4–159). The treatment objective was achieved in 441 patients (92%). The overall complication rate excluding pin-site infection was 26%. Pin-site infection occurred in 88 patients (18.3%) but had no impact on the outcome of treatment. Conclusion: Circular external fixation treatment objectives can be achieved in a high percentage of patients in the context of a South African specialist reconstruction unit. This study shows favourable outcomes in deformity correction, limb lengthening, limb salvage, and complex diaphyseal and periarticular fractures. Comorbid factors, including HIV, diabetes and smoking had no effect on achieving the planned outcomes, but smoking did increase the overall time in external fixator. Level of evidence: Level 4

Staged humerus lengthening with monolateral fixation followed by a circular frame: Technique of fixator change

Monolateral external fixator (MEF) has been commonly used for limb lengthening in both upper and lower extremities. Since MEF can only lengthen or shorten the bone, sagittal, coronal, and torsional deformities need to be corrected acutely at the time of MEF application. Acute correction, particularly torsional correction, may endanger the radial or peroneal nerves. Gradual correction of torsion may be safely achieved using a circular external fixator (CEF) frame. We present a case study of humeral lengthening with derotation to describe a technique, whereby it is possible to first lengthen with MEF and then derotate with CEF. This is a case report of a 14-year-old boy with a history of neonatal sepsis and growth arrest of the proximal humerus that led to a short right humerus and loss of external rotation. Humerus lengthening was achieved (6.6 cm) using MEF. Conversion to CEF was done after the distraction phase and prior to regenerate bone consolidation. Two 2/3 rings were connected to the proximal and distal fixation half-pins, and then the six connecting struts were added. The rotation deformity correction was then performed gradually to achieve 60° of external rotation. The described technique to convert the MEF into CEF is versatile and can be employed in the clinic safely and without sedation.

External fixation versus open reduction and internal fixation of pilon fractures: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives: Pilon fractures are challenging to treat and associated with complications such as skin necrosis and superficial and deep infections that can potentially lead to amputation. This meta-analysis aimed to compare the postoperative outcomes following open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) versus external fixation for pilon fractures. Methods: We searched several databases from January 1990 to July 2017, for any observational or experimental studies that evaluated the postoperative outcomes of pilon fractures. We pooled the effect sizes using fixed-effect models that compared the postoperative outcomes of ORIF versus external fixation. Descriptive and qualitative data were also extracted. Results: Of the 485 articles identified, 13 were eligible for the meta-analysis, with a total of 683 pilon fractures in 679 patients. The pooled estimate for major infection in external fixation of pilon fractures showed comparable events compared to those who underwent ORIF (odds ratio [OR] = 1.06, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.56–1.96, I2= 42.2%). External fixation was also found to be associated with higher events for minor infection (OR = 2.83, 95% CI: 1.63; 4.93, I2= 0.00%), delayed union (OR = 2.42, 95% CI: 1.02; 5.72, I2= 0.00%), nonunion (OR = 1.58, 95% CI: 0.79; 3.18, I2= 0.00%), malunion (OR = 3.14, 95% CI: 1.65; 5.97, I2= 0.00%), and posttraumatic arthritis (OR = 2.55, 95% CI: 1.40; 4.63, I2= 0.00%). These results did not change even after doing sensitivity analysis comparing limited internal fixation with external fixation, uniplanar external fixation, and circular external fixator, to ORIF. Conclusions: External fixation was associated with the same chance of having adverse events that required additional procedure(s) or intravenous antibiotics compared to ORIF in pilon fractures, but the difference in bone healing complication was much more observed. ORIF allows accurate articular reduction with comparable infection rates and lower bone healing complications.

Circular external fixation in the management of tibial plateau fractures in patients over the age of 55 years

CITATION: Marais, L. C. & Ferreira, N. 2018. Circular external fixation in the management of tibial plateau fractures in patients over the age of 55 years. SA Orthopaedic Journal, 17(4):35-40, doi:10.17159/2309-8309/2018/v17n1a5.

Deformity and Clinical Outcomes Following Operative Correction of Charcot Foot: A New Classification With Implications for Treatment.

The historic treatment of Charcot foot arthropathy has been immobilization during the active phase of the disease process, followed by accommodative bracing of the acquired deformity. Evidence derived from modern patient-reported outcomes investigations has convinced many surgeons to attempt operative correction of the acquired deformity with a goal of improving quality of life. Over a 12-year period, 214 patients (9 bilateral) underwent reconstruction of the acquired deformity associated with midtarsal Charcot foot arthropathy. Over time, 3 patterns of deformity were observed based on weight-bearing pattern, relationship of the forefoot to the hindfoot, and integrity of the talocalcaneal joint. A valgus deformity pattern was present in 138, varus in 48, and dislocation of the talocalcaneal joint in 37. A consistent operative strategy was employed. Surgery included percutaneous tendon-Achilles lengthening, resection of infection when present, attempted correction of the structural deformity by wedge resection at the apex of the deformity, and immobilization with a 3-level static circular external fixator. Additional deformity pattern-specific procedures were added over time. Clinical outcomes were based on the historic metrics of limb salvage and resolution of infection and the functional metric of the ability to walk with commercially available therapeutic footwear. Seven patients died within a year of surgery, and 15 underwent partial- or whole-foot amputation. Overall, 173 of 223 feet (77.6%) achieved a favorable clinical outcome. Patients with a valgus deformity pattern were most likely to achieve a favorable clinical outcome (120 of 138, 87.0%). Patients with a dislocation pattern were less likely to achieve a favorable clinical outcome (26 of 37, 70.3%), and those with a varus deformity pattern were least likely to achieve a favorable clinical outcome (27 of 48, 56.3%). Operative correction of the acquired deformity of Charcot foot arthropathy was performed with a goal of improving quality of life. Stratification of patients by deformity pattern allowed alterations of the basic surgery to afford improved outcomes. In addition to achieving historic goals of resolution of infection and limb salvage, almost 80% of the patients were able to achieve the functional goal of independent ambulation with commercially available therapeutic footwear. The clinical outcomes achieved in this retrospective case series appear to support the modern paradigm of operative correction of deformity in this complex patient population. This realistic appreciation of outcome expectations should both be helpful in counseling patients on the risk-benefit ratio associated with surgery and provide a benchmark to measure newer strategies of treatment. Level IV, retrospective case series.

Hybrid Fixation for Ankle Fusion in Diabetic Charcot Arthropathy.

Ankle fusion is difficult to achieve in the diabetic Charcot ankle Brodsky type 3a because of the poor quality of the bone and the inability to achieve a stable biomechanical construct. The aim of this study was to report the outcome of ankle fusion using a combination of an intramedullary nail and a circular external fixator in patients with diabetic Charcot arthropathy. We prospectively studied 24 patients with diabetic Charcot arthropathy of the ankle who were treated by fusion of the tibiotalar joint using a combined retrograde intramedullary nail and Ilizarov external fixator. Their mean age was 50.7 ± 6.9 (range, 43-62) years. The mean follow-up after surgery was 36.4 ± 5.8 (range, 24-98) months. Twenty-two patients (92%) achieved clinical and radiographic solid bony fusion. No patients in this series needed amputation. All the patients were pain free, and the mean American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society Score (AOFAS) improved significantly from 34.6 ± 6.8 to 66.4 ± 4.5 at the last follow-up. Two patients developed an ulcer over the heel due to a prominent nail. The ulcer healed after nail removal. Eight patients developed pin tract infection. We report a successful outcomes of ankle fusions using combined intramedullary nail locked only proximally and ring external fixator (hybrid fixation) in patients with diabetic Charcot arthropathy. Level IV, case series.

Optimizing Bone Defect Reconstruction-Balanced Cable Transport With Circular External Fixation.

Distraction osteogenesis has proven effective in the management of tibial bone loss from severe trauma and infection. Unfortunately, pain and scarring from wires and half pins dragging through the skin and the required prolonged time in the external fixator make treatment difficult. Cable bone transport has been shown to improve cosmesis and decrease pain during transport. However, the published methods have limitations in that they have poor control of transport segment alignment, do not allow for lengthening of the limb, and do not permit weight bearing during the treatment process. We describe a novel method of cable bone transport that addresses each of these limitations with excellent control of alignment including the transport segment, easy conversion to allow limb lengthening, and full weight bearing throughout the treatment process. In addition, the method facilitates multifocal transport and safe conversion to intramedullary nail fixation, both of which can be used to substantially shorten the time of reconstruction.

Comparison of Treatment between Distal Tibial Osteotomy without Fibular Osteotomy and Tibiotalar Arthrodesis for Medial Ankle Arthritis in Older Individuals

Category: Ankle Arthritis Introduction/Purpose: Advanced to end-stage ankle osteoarthritis in highly active older individuals has traditionally been treated using tibiotalar arthrodesis. Distal tibial osteotomy without fibular osteotomy, a type of joint preservation surgery, has garnered attention in recent years, but patient satisfaction has yet to be compared between the two treatments. Objective: To compare distal tibial osteotomy and tibiotalar arthrodesis for ankle osteoarthritis (stage IIIb and above under the Takakura classification) in older individuals. Methods: Subjects and Method: A total of 35 patients aged&gt;60 years old who showed medial ankle arthritis were examined. Patients were either treated with tibiotalar arthrodesis (n=18) or distal tibial osteotomy (n=17). The patients’ mean age was 72.1 years (range, 60–81 years) in the tibiotalar arthrodesis group and 67.2 years (range, 60–80 years) in the distal tibial osteotomy group. For distal tibial osteotomy, a circular external fixator was used in all cases. Osteotomy was performed after performing synovectomy and microfracture surgery using ankle arthroscopy. At the time of fixation with a circular external fixator, foot ring (calcaneal) fixation was also performed. In addition, joint distraction was performed, and distraction arthroplasty was also simultaneously performed. Results: The mean preoperative VAS score was 8.2 for tibiotalar arthrodesis (TA) and 8.0 for distal tibial osteotomy (DTO). The mean postoperative VAS score was 1.9 for TA and 1.7 for DTO. The mean preoperative AOFAS score was 40.1 for TA and 43.1 for DTO. The mean postoperative AOFAS score was 86.2 for TA and 90.0 for DTO. The mean preoperative SF-36 physical component score was 30.5 for TA and 38.5 for DTO. The mean preoperative SF-36 mental component score was 33.5 for TA and 37.5 for DTO. The mean postoperative SF-36 physical component score was 42.5 for TA and 56.4 for DTO. It was significantly higher with the DTO (p&lt;0.05). Conclusion: The mean postoperative SF-36 mental component score was 44.0 for TA and 59.7 for DTO. It was significantly higher with the DTO (p&lt;0.05).Superior SF-36 scores were obtained for DTO compared to TA. The fact that the Japanese lifestyle involves tatami mats was thought to have contributed to the superiority of DTO in patient satisfaction.

Deformity and Clinical Outcomes Following Surgical Correction of Charcot Foot

Category: Diabetes Introduction/Purpose: There is growing acceptance that the historic accommodative treatment of the acquired deformity associated with Charcot Foot arthropathy leads to very poor patient reported outcomes. Surgical correction of the acquired deformity is now advised with the goals of improving ambulation and quality of life. Methods: Over a twelve-year period, 214 consecutive patients (9 bilateral) underwent surgi-cal reconstruction of the acquired deformity associated with symptomatic midtarsal dia-betes- associated Charcot Foot arthropathy. The patterns of midtarsal deformity were ar-bitrarily stratified into three clinical groups based on observed weight bearing pattern, radiographic relationship of the forefoot to the hindfoot and integrity of the talo-calcaneal joint. All patients were followed for a minimum of one year. All had weight bearing radiographs before surgery and at a minimum of one year following surgery. A VALGUS deformity pattern was present in 138, VARUS in 48 and DISLOCATION of the talo-calcaneal joint in 37. Surgery included tendon-Achilles lengthening and an attempt at bony correction of the non-plantigrade clinical deformity. Immobilization in all cases was accomplished with a three level static circular external fixator. Clinical outcomes were based on suc-cessfu1 resolution of infection and the ability to resume independent walking with com-mercially-available therapeutic footwear. Results: Seven patients died within a year of surgery. Overall, 173 of 216 feet (80.1%) achieved a favorable clinical outcome rating. The VALGUS deformity pattern was the most common, with 120 of 138 patients (89.6%) achieving a favorable clinical outcome rating. There were two transtibial and one transmetatarsal amputations in this group. Twenty-seven of the 48 patients (58.7%) with a VARUS deformity pattern achieved a favorable clinical outcome rating, with seven undergoing transtibial, one Syme’s and one transmetatarsal amputation. There were thirty- seven patients with a valgus deformity pattern characterized by loss of integrity, i.e. DISLOCATION, of the talo-calcaneal joint. Correction of deformity and a favorable clinical outcome rating was achieved in twenty-six (72.2%), with one knee disarticulation and two transtibial amputations. Conclusion: Overall, 176 of 223 (77.6%) patients, many with severe structural deformity and osteomyelitis, achieved a favorable clinical outcome. Patients with a VARUS deformity pattern, or loss of integrity of the talocalcaneal joint, were less likely to achieve a favora-ble clinical outcome rating. This retrospective case series suggests a reasonably good probability of improving clinical outcomes in this complex patient population. This de-formity stratification should be helpful going forward when counseling patients with non-plantigrade diabetes- associated Charcot Foot deformity on the risk-benefit ratio associat-ed with surgical correction of their acquired deformity.

The treatment of segmental tibial fractures: does patient preference differ from surgeon choice?

IntroductionSegmental tibial fractures are complex injuries with a prolonged recovery time. Current definitive treatment options include intramedullary fixation or a circular external fixator. However, there is uncertainty as to which surgical option is preferable and there are no sufficiently rigorous multi-centre trials that have answered this question. The objective of this study was to determine whether patient and surgeon opinion was permissive for a randomised controlled trial (RCT) comparing intramedullary nailing to the application of a circular external fixator. Materials and methodsA convenience questionnaire survey of attending surgeons was conducted during the United Kingdom’s Orthopaedic Trauma Society annual meeting 2017 to determine the treatment modalities used for a segmental tibial fracture (n=63). Patient opinion was obtained from clinical patients who had been treated for a segmental tibial fracture as part of a patient and public involvement focus group with questions covering the domains of surgical preference, treatment expectations, outcome, the consent process and follow-up regime (n=5). ResultsBased on the surgeon survey, 39% routinely use circular frame fixation following segmental tibial fracture compared to 61% who use nail fixation. Nail fixation was reported as the treatment of choice for a closed injury in a healthy patient in 81% of surgeons, and by 86% for a patient with a closed fracture who was obese. Twenty-one percent reported that they would use a nail for an open segmental tibia fracture in diabetics who smoked, whilst 57% would opt for a nail for a closed injury with compartment syndrome, and only 27% would use a nail for an open segmental injury in a young fit sports person. The patient and public preference exercise identified that sleep, early functional outcomes and psychosocial measures of outcomes are important. ConclusionWe concluded that a RCT comparing definitive fixation with an intramedullary nail and a circular external fixator is justified as there remains uncertainty on the optimal surgical management for segmental tibial fractures. Furthermore, psychosocial factors and early post-operative outcomes should be reported as core outcome measures as part of such a trial.

Treatment with Circular External Fixation of Bicondylar Tibial Fractures: Potential in Accurate Reduction and Efficacy on Functional Results.

Surgical reconstruction of bicondylar tibial fractures with external fixation relies on indirect fracture reduction that could affect anatomical restoration. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the radiographic and clinical outcomes of tibial bicondylar fractures treated with circular external fixation. A total of 20 bicondylar fractures of the proximal tibia in 20 patients treated with circular external fixation were included in the study. Two fractures were open. Mean clinical and radiographic follow-up was 37.3 months after frame removal. Angular, translation, and length deformities were assessed on nonweight-bearing anteroposterior, lateral, and two 45 degrees oblique views. The medial proximal tibia (MPTA) and posterior proximal tibia angles (PPTA) were calculated in all cases. The condylar widening was calculated in relation to the width of the femoral condyles. Joint depressions or gaps of the articular surface were identified on the four views of the knee. The modified Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee scoring system was used for clinical evaluation. The MPTA was good in 18 (90%) and fair in 2 patients (10%). The PPTA was good in 13 (65%), fair in 6 (30%), and poor in 1 patient (5%). The articular reduction was good in 12 (60%) and fair in 8 patients (40%). The condylar widening was good in 15 (75%) and fair in 5 patients (25%). Mechanical axis deviation was within the normal range in 11/12 patients (91.7%). All fractures consolidated. One deep infection was successfully treated with local debridement, the mean modified HSS knee score at the latest follow-up was 90.5 (range: 67-100). Articular reconstruction and tibia alignment based on radiographic evaluation in the present study, along with functional results compare favorably with those of external and internal fixation presented in the literature.