Ilizarov Group Research Articles

Ilizarov External Fixator Versus Orthofix LRS in Management of Femoral Osteomyelitis: A Propensity Score Matched Analysis.

Treatment of osteomyelitis (OM) is challenging. Ilizarov bone transport is a commonly used technique for management of OM. The recently introducedlimb reconstruction system (LRS) has been effectively used for management of OM. It was suggested to be easier in use and less invasive. The present retrospective study aimed to compare LRS and Ilizarov bone transport in management of femoral OM using a propensity score matched analysis. The present retrospective study included 80 consecutive patients with femoral OM. The studied patients were managed either using Ilizarov external fixator (n = 40) or Orthofix LRS (n = 40). The clinical outcome measurements included union time, limb length discrepancy, additional operative procedures, refracture and infection. Patients in the LRS group were exposed to significantly higher frequency of bone transport (30.0 versus 15.0%) and lower frequency of acute compression and lengthening (10.0 versus 32.5%). Patients in Ilizarov group had significantly higher frequency of tobramycin pellets as compared to their counterparts. The studied groups were comparable regarding the operative complications including pin-tract infection, non-union at docking site and refracture. Patients in the Ilizarov had significantly shorter time to union (8.2 ± 3.2 versus 11.0 ± 5.6 months, p = 0.012). No statistically significant differences were found between the studied groups regarding the quality-of-life domains. Use of Ilizarov external fixator and Orthofix LRS devices proved to be effective and reliable. Their influences on patients' quality appear to be comparable.

The Clinical Application of Double Taylor Spatial Frame in Segmental Tibial Fracture.

Multi-planar external fixation has been used for the management of segmental tibial fractures with severe soft tissue injuries. However, fewer specialized studies have been reported. The primary aim of this study was to describe our experience of treating fractures of this type using the Taylor Spatial Frame and Ilizarov external fixation methods. We retrospectively analyzed 33 patients with segmental tibial fracture treated at our institution between January 2016 and December 2020. The patients were divided into double Taylor Spatial Frame (D-TSF) and Ilizarov groups based on the external fixation structure. Baseline demographic data included sex, age, injury side and cause, open or closed fracture, time from injury to surgery, complications, and external frame removal and fracture healing time. The hip-knee-ankle angle (HKA) was measured from preoperative, immediate postoperative, and final follow-up full-length X-rays of bilateral lower limbs. We determined the degree of deviation in the HKA by calculating the difference between the measured angle and the ideal value of 180°; the absolute value was used to assess recovery of the lower limb force line. At the final follow-up, Johner-Wruhs tibial fracture outcome criteria (J-W TFOC) were used to classify the postoperative function of the affected limb as excellent, good, moderate, or poor. Count data were analyzed with the chi-square test or Fisher's exact test; the Mann-Whitney U test was used for rank data. No statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of sex, age, side of injury, cause of injury, closed or open fracture, or time between injury and surgery, which indicates that the groups were comparable (p > 0.05). A statistically significant difference was observed in external frame removal and fracture healing time between the D-TSF and Ilizarov groups (36.24 ± 8.34 vs 45.42 ± 10.21 weeks, p = 0.009; 33.33 ± 8.21 vs 42.00 ± 9.78 weeks, p = 0.011). The Johner-Wruhs criteria were used to assess the function of the affected limb, the D-TSF group performed better in correcting the lower limb force line than the Ilizarov group. A statistically significant difference in terms of excellent ratings was observed between the two groups (18/2/1/0 vs 5/5/1/1, p = 0.010). Postoperative follow-up X-rays demonstrated a significant improvement in the HKA in both groups immediately after surgery and at the final follow-up compared to the angle before surgery. At the final follow-up, a statistically significant difference was observed in the degree of deviation in the HKA between the two groups (1.58° ± 0.84° vs 2.37° ± 1.00°, p = 0.023). The D-TSF treatment is associated with minimal secondary damage to soft tissue, a straightforward and minimally invasive procedure, multiplanar stable fracture fixation, and optimization of fracture alignment and lower limb force lines, therefore, it is highly effective therapeutic option for segmental tibial fracture.

Debridement-Reconstruction-Docking Management System Versus Ilizarov Technique for Lower-Extremity Osteomyelitis.

Osteomyelitis causes marked disability and is one of the most challenging diseases for orthopaedists to treat because of the considerable rate of infection recurrence. In this study, we proposed and assessed the debridement-reconstruction-docking (DRD) system for the treatment of lower-extremity osteomyelitis. This procedure comprises 3 surgical stages and 2 preoperative assessments; namely, pre-debridement assessment, debridement, pre-reconstruction assessment, reconstruction, and docking-site management. We evaluated the use of the DRD system compared with the Ilizarov technique, which is defined as a 1-stage debridement, osteotomy, and bone transport. This retrospective cohort included 289 patients who underwent either DRD or the Ilizarov technique for the treatment of lower-extremity osteomyelitis at a single institution between January 2013 and February 2021 and who met the eligibility criteria. The primary outcome was the rate of infection recurrence. Secondary outcomes included the external fixator index (EFI), refracture rate, and the Paley classification for osseous and functional results. An inverse-probability-weighted regression adjustment model was utilized to estimate the effect of the DRD system and Ilizarov technique on the treatment of lower-extremity osteomyelitis. A total of 131 and 158 patients underwent DRD or the Ilizarov technique, respectively. The inverse-probability-weighted regression adjustment model suggested that DRD was associated with a significant reduction in infection recurrence (risk ratio [RR], 0.26; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.13 to 0.50; p < 0.001) and EFI (-6.9 days/cm, 95% CI; -8.3 to -5.5; p < 0.001). Patients in the DRD group had better Paley functional results than those in the Ilizarov group (ridit score, 0.55 versus 0.45; p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between the 2 groups in the rate of refracture (RR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.42 to 1.79; p = 0.71) and Paley osseous results (ridit score, 0.51 versus 0.49; p = 0.39). In this balanced retrospective cohort of patients with lower-extremity osteomyelitis, the use of the DRD system was associated with a reduced rate of infection recurrence, a lower EFI, and better Paley functional results compared with the use of the Ilizarov technique. Therapeutic Level III . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

The Management of Tibial Bone Defects: A Multicenter Experience of Hexapod and Ilizarov Frames.

Bone defects may be managed with bone transport or acute shortening and lengthening using circular external fixation devices. We performed a multicenter retrospective cohort study to compare the outcomes between the Ilizarov frames and hexapod frames for the management of bone defects. Patients treated for bone defects using either Ilizarov or hexapod frames were included for analysis in two specialist institutions. Primary outcomes were time to consolidation, bone healing index (BHI), and external fixator index (EFI). Radiographic parameters included the medial proximal tibial angle, lateral distal tibial angle, posterior proximal tibial angle, and anterior distal tibial angle. There were 137 hexapods and 90 Ilizarov frames in total. The mean time to follow-up was 3.7 years in the hexapod group and 4.0 years in the Ilizarov group. Hexapods had a significantly lower time to consolidation (253 days versus 449 days) (P < 0.0001) and BHI (59.1 days/cm versus 87.5 days/cm) (P < 0.0001). Hexapods had a significantly better EFI (72.3 days/cm versus 96.1 days/cm) (P = 0.0009). Hexapods may confer a significant advantage over Ilizarov frames in the management of bone defects. Time to consolidation, radiographic parameters, BHI, and EFI are all superior in hexapods.

Efficacy comparison of vascularized iliac crest bone flap and Ilizarov bone transport in the treatment of traumatic bone defects of the tibia combined with large soft tissue defects

BackgroundTraumatic tibial defect complicated with soft tissue defect is a difficult problem in clinic. Vascularized iliac crest bone flap (VIBF) and Ilizarov bone transport are effective methods to treat tibial defects with limited defect length, which most need to be explored accordingly.MethodsIn this study, a total of 68 patients with traumatic tibial defect (ranging from 4 to 10 cm) and large soft tissue defect were collected retrospectively. The soft tissue defects were repaired by latissimus dorsal musculocutaneous flap (LD), anterolateral thigh flap (ALTF) or both. Thirty-three cases were treated with vascularized iliac crest bone flap transplantation and 35 cases were treated with Ilizarov bone transport. Intraoperative and postoperative follow-up data (including operation time, blood loss, bone union time, external fixation time, external fixation index, complication rate, reoperation rate, and functional evaluation) were recorded, and comparative analysis was performed.ResultsThe median follow-up time was 32 months. Compared with Ilizarov group, the VIBF group exhibited statistically faster bone union time (6.3 ± 1.0 vs. 18.2 ± 3.0 months). Moreover, the VIBF group showed shorter EFT (7.3 ± 1.0 vs. 19.2 ± 3.0 months) and a better EFI (34.8 ± 9.2 vs. 84.2 ± 23.7 days/cm). The excellent and good rate of lower limb appearance evaluation in VIBP group was significantly better than that in Ilizarov group. The complication rate and reoperation rate were significantly higher in Ilizarov group.ConclusionIn summary, compared with Ilizarov bone transport, VIBP has the advantages of faster healing, shorter external fixation time, lower complication and reoperation rate, and better appearance within the limited defect length. Ilizarov bone transport is still preferred when the defect length exceeds the maximum repair length of the iliac flap. The daily handling required by bone transport process is painful.Level of evidenceIII, Case–control study.

Outcome analysis of ilizarov and monorail fixators in the treatment of nonunion of long bones: A systematic review and proportion meta-analysis

IntroductionNonunion of long bones is a major complication following fractures that requires a substantial amount of investment both monetary and time from patients and surgeons. The need to comprehensively understand the complications, outcomes and distraction capability is profound, which necessitates a review of current evidence on special fixators used for distraction. The current systematic review aims to study the available literature on distraction osteogenesis using special fixators (Ilizarov and Limb Reconstruction System) in the management of nonunion (infected and non-infected). MethodsCochrane Library, PubMed, Scopus were searched until January 2022. The review included all original studies which used Ilizarov or Monorail Fixators/LRS in the treatment of nonunion of long bones. The quality of studies was assessed using the Modified Coleman Methodology Score. ResultsA total of 35 original studies with Ilizarov (n = 29) and LRS (n = 8) were selected including two comparative studies. The pooled data meta-analysis and the subgroup analysis of these studies found both Ilizarov and LRS fixator yield similar functional outcomes for the treatment of long bones nonunion. ConclusionThe review was conducted to understand the scenario of nonunion in long bones. Pin tract infection is found to be the most common complication followed by adjacent joint stiffness and deformity. In our review we observed that both external fixator time and index were lower in LRS compared to Ilizarov group. Further RCT are required comparing Ilizarov and LRS fixators to effectively comment upon the superiority of the implants.

Prospective evaluation of the role of limb reconstruction system in fracture non-union of femur: a case series

Traditionally the Ilizarov’s ring fixator was used in the management of non-union of long bones, especially in the cases with infection. But limb reconstruction system (LRS) is a viable lightweight, technically easier alternative for the same. The aim of this study was to assess the functional outcome, the radiological outcome and the complications associated with the management of fracture non-union femur treated with LRS. A prospective case series was undertaken comprising of 10 patients. Both infected and non-infected shaft of femur fractures were enrolled. Patients underwent debridement, implant removal and definitive fixation with LRS. Post-operative radiological outcome and functional outcome using the ASAMI (Association for the Study and Application of the Method of Ilizarov group) score. In 70% cases the mechanism of injury was road traffic accident. Mean period of non-union before admission was 11.9 months, mean time for union was 10.10 months, with 90.0% cases successfully uniting. 70% cases underwent lengthening following Ilizarov’s principles. ASAMI radiological outcome was excellent in 70%, good in 10%, fair in 10% and poor in 10% cases. ASAMI functional outcome was excellent in 60%, good in 10%, fair in 10% and poor in 20% cases. Pin tract infection was the most common problem at 70.0% while knee stiffness at 40% was the most common true complication. Thus by this study it can be expressed that LRS is a feasible alternative to ring fixators for the management of fracture non-union shaft of femur.

Plating versus Ilizarov Technique for Complex Tibial Plateau Fractures: A Comparative Study on Functional Outcome and Patient Satisfaction

Objective To compare clinical and functional outcomes and complications of open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) by plating and Ilizarov technique in complex tibial plateau fractures. Methods This study is a randomized clinical trial accompanying 56 patients having Schatzker type V and VI tibial plateau fractures. We divided patients into two groups for management. Group I; open reduction internal fixation and Group II; ilizarov technique. We conducted study at the orthopedics department, Jinnah Post-Graduate Medical Center, Karachi, from April-2018 to Oct-2020. The endpoint was to assess patients’ satisfaction and clinical and functional outcomes up to an 18-month follow-up. Results The etiology of tibial fracture was mainly road traffic accident (RTA); 17 (70.9%) in ORIF versus 23 (71.8%) in the Ilizarov group. According to clinical outcomes, excellent extension lag was achieved in 100% of patients in both groups. Most patients had excellent knee flexion, thigh atrophy and instability outcomes (54.1% vs 59.37%, 87.5% vs 81.2% and 83.3% vs. 87.5%). The functional outcome assessment was done and recorded for 18 months of follow-up. There was no significant difference in normal walking, stair climbing, squatting, jumping and duck walking between the groups. The overall rate of complications was similar; 11 (45.8%) in ORIF versus 17 (53.12%) in the illizarov group (p=0.78). Conclusion Our study concludes that there is an excellent clinical and functional outcome found in both procedures as both are safe and effective procedures with fewer complications Keywords Complex Tibial Plateau Fractures, ORIF, Ilizarov Technique

A study on the outcome of open tibial fractures managed definitively by external fixator

Introduction: High energy tibial diaphyseal open fractures are a common occurrence in modern times. In a resource strapped country like India, AO unilateral external fixator is a cheap, technically easier method for the definitive management of the same. The aim of the paper is to present the results of the treatment of 33 patients with open tibia fractures, as well as the complications that accompany the treatment of these fractures. Method: An observational prospective study was undertaken including all open diaphyseal tibia fractures with Gustilo Anderson classification Type II, IIIA, IIIB and Ganga hospital open injury severity score of 6-12. Patients underwent debridement, definitive fixation with exfix, and later Patellar Tendon Bearing Cast after removal. Outcome was measured by the Association for the Study and Application of the Method of Ilizarov Group score. Results: In 81.8% cases the mechanism of injury was road traffic accident. Mean time for complete weight bearing was 19.33 weeks, mean time for union was 26.18 months. ASAMI Radiological outcome was Excellent in 45.5%, Good in 30.3%, Fair in 9.1% and Poor in 15.2% cases. ASAMI Functional outcome was Excellent in 33.3%, Good in 51.5%, Poor in 15.2% cases. Pin tract infection was found in 39.4% and malunion in 24.2%. The mean time for union (p=0.0004), incidence of non-union (p=0.014) was found to be statistically significant to the severity of initial injury. Conclusion: Thus by this study it can be expressed that external fixator is a feasible implant in the definitive management of open tibia fractures.

Use of the limb reconstruction system for the management of non-union of the tibia: A prospective case series

Introduction: Management of fracture non-unions of the tibia are demanding due to the hampered vascular supply, poor bone quality and the deficient soft tissue cover. Instead of the traditional Ilizarov’s ring fixator which is bulky, technically demanding and has a poor patient compliance, the Limb Reconstruction System (LRS) is a viable alternative. The aim of this study is to assess the functional and radiological outcome and the complications associated with the management of fracture non-union tibia treated with LRS. Method: A prospective case series was undertaken comprising of 20 patients. Both infected and non-infected shaft of tibia fractures were enrolled. Patients underwent debridement, implant removal and definitive fixation with LRS. Radiological and functional outcome were assessed using the ASAMI (Association for the Study and Application of the Method of Ilizarov Group) score. Results: In 90% cases the mechanism of injury was road traffic accident. Mean period of non-union before admission was 12.85 months, mean time for union was 9.30 months, with 95.0% cases successfully uniting. 55% cases underwent lengthening following Ilizarov’s principles. ASAMI Radiological outcome was Excellent in 80%, Good in 15% and Poor in 5% cases. ASAMI Functional outcome was Excellent in 40%, Good in 50% and Poor in 10% cases. Pin tract infection was the most common problem at 70.0% while ankle stiffness at 35% was the most common true complication. Conclusion: Thus by this study it can be expressed that LRS is a feasible alternative to ring fixators for the management of fracture non-union shaft of tibia.

Effectiveness of bone transport with a locking plate versus conventional bone transport for tibial defects

To investigate the effectiveness difference between bone transport with a locking plate (BTLP) and conventional bone transport with Ilizarov/Orthofix fixators in treatment of tibial defect. The clinical data of 60 patients with tibial fractures who met the selection criteria between January 2016 and September 2020 were retrospectively analyzed, and patients were treated with BTLP (BTLP group, n=20), Ilizarov fixator (Ilizarov group, n=23), or Orthofix fixator (Orthofix group, n=17) for bone transport. There was no significant difference in gender, age, cause of injury, time from injury to admission, length of bone defect, tibial fracture typing, and comorbidities between groups ( P>0.05). The osteotomy time, the retention time of external fixator, the external fixation index, and the occurrence of postoperative complications were recorded and compared between groups. The bone healing and functional recovery were evaluated by the Association for the Study and Application of the Method of Ilizarov (ASAMI) criteria. All patients of 3 groups were followed up 13-45 months, with a mean of 20.4 months. The osteotomy time was significantly shorter in the BTLP group than in the Ilizarov group, and the retention time of external fixator and the external fixation index were significantly lower in the BTLP group than in the Ilizarov and Orthofix groups ( P<0.05). Twenty-two fractures healed in the Ilizarov group and 1 case of delayed healing; 16 fractures healed in the Orthofix group and 1 case of delayed healing; 18 fractures healed in the BTLP group and 2 cases of delayed healing. There was no significant difference between groups in fracture healing distribution ( P=0.824). After completing bone reconstruction treatment according to ASAMI criteria, the BTLP group had better bone healing than the Orthofix group and better function than the Ilizarov groups, showing significant differences ( P<0.05). Postoperative complications occurred in 4 cases (20%) in the BLTP group, 18 cases (78%) in the Ilizarov group, and 12 cases (70%) in the Orthofix group. The incidence of complication in the BTLP group was significantly lower than that in other groups ( P<0.05). BTLP is safe and effective in the treatment of tibial defects. BTLP has apparent advantages over the conventional bone transport technique in osteotomy time, external fixation index, and lower limb functional recovery.

Pilot Study of Additive Effect of "Offloading Ilizarov Frame" To Reduce "Reverse Sural Flap" Surgery Complications: A Clinical Trial.

A reverse sural flap is an available surgical technique because it provides robust axial blood circulation to flaps with a substantially larger surface area. We aimed to assess Ilizarov frames outcome after reverse sural flaps among patients with traumatic injuries to the distal portion of the leg. Patients with traumatic distal injury of leg in Shoha-e Tajrish Hospital in 2022-2021 were recruited and treated with reverse sural flaps. Interventional group was followed by Ilizarov frames application (group A). For the second group, just conventional dressings and proper positioning were done after surgery (group B). Between the two groups, the duration of surgery, the degree of flap swelling, the time from surgery to discharge and flap failure, surgical site infection, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and other complications were compared using SPSS 25 software. Of 26 recruited patients, twenty consented to participate in this study. The average time from initial injury to reconstruction surgery, the mean duration of surgery, the mean time from surgery to discharge and the degree of swelling of the flap was compared between these two groups. The results showed better outcome in Ilizarov group, but the flap swelling grade was the only statistically significant factor between groups (P value= 0.03). The use of "offloading Ilizarov frames" to protect reverse sural flaps resulted in a considerable reduction in the flap swelling. It is a safe, quick, easy, and effective technique.

A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF FUNCTIONAL AND RADIOLOGICAL OUTCOME OF HIGH ENERGY PROXIMAL TIBIA FRACTURE USING ILLIZAROV EXTERNAL FIXATOR VS HYBRID EXTERNAL FIXATOR

Background: In High energy proximal tibia fracture aim is to achieve adequate reduction and stability without signicantly compromising the soft tissue integrity and vascularity . External xator minimizes soft tissue dissection and minimize other complications. Method: 60 patients' high energy proximal tibia fracture with cases were considered in the study. 30 patients were treated with Ilizarov external xator and 30 patients were treated with hybrid external xator. Results were analyzed both clinically and radiologically using Johner and Wruh's criteria. Results: Mean time of union was 22 week in ilizarov xator group and 34 week in hybrid xator group. Pin tract infection occured in 6 patient (20%) in ilizarov xator group and 4 patient in hybrid xator group. Joint stiffness occured in 3 Patient (10 %) in ilizarov group and 10 patient in hybrid xator group.Shortning occured in 2 patient (6.6 %) in ilizarov xator group and 2 patient in hybrid xator group. Overal results in ilizarov group were excellent in 23 patient (76.7%), good in 5 patient (16.67%) , fair in 2 patient (6.67%) while in hybrid group excellent in 16 patient( 53.33%),good in 10 patient(33.33%),fair in 4(13.33%)patient. Conclusion: External xators are excellent modalities in treatment of high energy proximal tibia fracture with ilizarov method has advantage of early mobilization and early union but require long operative time and bulky framework on other hand hybrid xator has simpler construct ,lesser operative time but has lesser stability , longer union time and longer immobilization time.

Intentional Temporary Limb Deformation for Closure of Soft-Tissue Defects in Open Tibial Fractures.

(1) Evaluate intentional temporary limb deformation for closure of soft-tissue defects as a reconstruction strategy in open tibia fractures and (2) analyze the deformity parameters required for such reconstruction. Multicenter retrospective cohort. Level I trauma center. Nineteen patients 18 years of age and older at the time of initial trauma, with a Gustilo-Anderson type IIIB or IIIC open tibia fracture treated with hexapod external fixation and intentional bony deformity created to facilitate soft-tissue closure. Intentional limb deformation for soft-tissue closure, followed by gradual correction with a hexapod external fixator. Radiographic healing, radiographic assessment of limb alignment, and functional and bony Application of the Method of Ilizarov Group score. The average age was 45.3 (20-70), and 79% of patients were men. The most common mechanism of injury was motor vehicle accidents. The distal 1 of 5 of the tibia was the most common fracture location, with 37% of these involving the articular surface at the plafond. After wound closure, deformity correction was initiated after 30 days on average. Varus and apex posterior were the most common initial deformity required for primary soft-tissue closure. Bony and functional Application of the Method of Ilizarov Group outcomes were good or excellent in 94% of patients. Intentional deformation followed by a gradual correction can be an effective strategy to obtain bone union and soft-tissue coverage in certain open fractures. This technique, in essence, converts these injuries from type IIIB to IIIA. This strategy obviates the need for flap coverage and results in satisfactory outcomes. Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

A comparative study of functional and radiological outcome in management of type IIIB tibial fractures by AO and ilizarov external fixator

Background a nd Objectives: Tibia fractures are relatively common & Annual incidence of open tibial fracture is 11.5 /1,00,000 persons. Majority of these fractures are open diaphyseal fractures, of which 60% are Gustillo type III. Open fractures of tibia are more commonly seen than any other long bones because of the subcutaneous location of the bone. External fixators offer several advantages in management of open tibial fractures. AO and Ilizarov are types of external fixators. Ilizarov technique is cost effective, primary and definitive treatment and offer acceptable stability for the fracture, minimal operative trauma and good access to soft tissues and offers high union rates. AO is simple and safe to apply can be used in management of open tibial fractures. This study was conducted to determine the comparison of Radiological & Functional outcome & complications of the acute Open tibial fractures treated with primary Ilizarov external fixator and AO external fixator. Materials and Methods: Randomized comparative Study period was from November 2017 to May 2019. Age group between 18– 60 years was considered. The follow up would be for one year. Initially for every 3 weeks in first 6 weeks for wound care, every 6weeks for one year and assessed by Radiological evidence of union of fracture and Functional assessment by Patient’s Functional and Bone results are assessed based on ASAMI and functional assessment done by knee and ankle joint Range of motion & complications. Results: This is a prospective study population consists of 40 patients with IIIB open Tibia fractures of mean age in AO group is 44.3 +/- 10.6 years with male preponderance. In AO group majority of fractures were 42B3 (40%) & 43A3 (35%). Ilizarov group majority are 43A3 (25%), 15% fractures of each 41A3, 42A1, 42A3 & 42C3. Mean Radiological union time was 22.84 +/- 2.3 weeks in AO group, 24.95 +/- 4.6 weeks in Ilizarov group & Non union rate is 1 (5%) case in both the group. ASAMI bone results &

Surgical treatment outcomes of the Ilizarov and internal osteosynthesis methods in posttraumatic pseudarthrosis of the tibia\u2014a retrospective comparative analysis

IntroductionThis study compared surgical treatment outcomes of the Ilizarov and internal osteosynthesis methods in posttraumatic pseudarthrosis of the tibia.Material and methodsIn a retrospective comparative study, 75 patients were treated with the Ilizarov technique for aseptic posttraumatic pseudarthrosis of the tibia in the period 2000–2016. We compared them with the 51 patients from the control group, treated for tibial bone union disturbances using internal osteosynthesis methods, i.e., internal-fixation plates and intramedullary nails. The study groups were compared in terms of the rates of union, time to union, and the baseline-to-postoperative difference in lower leg deformity.ResultsUnion rate in the Ilizarov group was 100% and the control group was 51.92% (p < 0.001). The median time to union suggests that patients from the Ilizarov group needed a shorter time to achieve bone union (203.00 days vs. 271.00 days) (p = 0.091). The effect size in the Ilizarov group was larger both in terms of reducing both limb deformity and shortening (it is worth noting, however, that the Ilizarov treatment was used in patients with higher baseline values of both these parameters). We observed no significant difference in terms of time to union between the group of patients with at least one risk factor for disturbance in fracture healing and the group with no risk factors. The following risk factors were considered: diabetes mellitus, corticosteroid therapy, smoking, alcohol dependence, and advanced lower-extremity vascular disease (p = 0.827).DiscussionOur study demonstrated a high effectiveness of the Ilizarov method in the treatment of aseptic posttraumatic pseudarthroses of the tibia. The Ilizarov method seems to be worth considering in all cases where either the patient or the nature of injury is associated with additional risk factors and whenever there is a need for leg deformity correction or leg elongation.

Management of Complex Distal Femur Fractures: Comparative Study between Ilizarov External Fixation and Double Plating

Abstract Background In this prospective randomized clinical study, we report results of management of type C2 and C3 distal femur fractures by Ilizarov external fixator in comparison with double plating through separate medial and lateral approaches with a mean of 42.8 ± 6.84 weeks follow-up. Patients and Methods In this study we managed 30 cases with highly comminuted distal femoral fractures AO classification type C2 or C3. Fifteen cases were surgically managed by Ilizarov technique and the other fifteen cases were surgically managed by double plating technique. We compare between both group as regard clinical, radiological results and rate of complications. Results while using Knee society score, the results are the following: In Ilizarov group: 7 cases (46.67%) are excellent, 4 cases (26.67%) are good, 3 cases (20.00%) had fair results while 1 case (6.67%) had poor results. In internal fixation group, 8 cases (53.33%) had excellent results, 3cases (20%) had good results, 2 cases (13.33%) had fair results while 2 cases (13.33%) had poor results. Conclusion In fixation of complex distal femur fracture, both Ilizarov and double plating methods had no significant difference in clinical outcome by knee society score and in rate of complications. Ilizarov allow earlier weight bearing and less blood loss while double plating gives better ROM of knee joint and rapid radiological healing. Level of Evidence Level I Randomized controlled study.

Ilizarov versus internal fixation in management of complex tibial plateau fracture. Which is better?

Abstract Back ground In this prospective randomized clinical study, we report results of management of complex tibial plateau fracture shatzker five and sex (type 41C) by Ilizarov external fixator in comparison with internal fixation according to three column classification with average follow up 18 months Patients and Methods In this study we managed 40 cases with complex tibial plateau fracture shatzker five and sex (type 41c). Twenty cases were surgically managed by Ilizarov technique and the other twenty cases were surgically managed by double internal fixation. We compare between both group as regard clinical, radiological results and rate of complications. Results while using Knee society score, the results are the following Regarding ilizarov group the range of knee society score is 31-90 with Mean±SD 76.05±14.86 (11 excellent, 4 good, 3fair, 2 poor) while group with internal fixation the range of knee society score is 44-93 with Mean±SD 73.95±13.38 (8 excellent, 5 good, 3 fair, 4 poor).According to these results; p value is 0.641 with no significant difference between two groups. Conclusion ilizarov is superior when compared with internal fixation as by ilizarov we can achieve more biological fixation especially when there highly comminuted fractures Complications rate was higher in internal fixation group (7cases) while external fixation group complications were presented in (3 cases).

Screw Internal Fixation and Ilizarov External Fixation: A Comparison of Outcomes in Ankle Arthrodesis

The purpose of this study was to compare the mid-term clinical outcomes between screw internal fixation and Ilizarov external fixation in patients who underwent ankle arthrodesis and to elucidate the differences between the 2 fixation methods. This study investigated 43 ankles in 41 patients who underwent ankle arthrodesis at 1 of the 2 study institutions. There were 15 men and 26 women, and their mean age was 66.2 (range 49 to 87) years. The primary disease included osteoarthritis (OA) (79%), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (16.3%), and Charcot joint (4.7%). Patients were divided into 2 groups depending on the surgical approach: the screw group (S) and the Ilizarov group (I). The following items were evaluated and compared between the 2 groups: patient characteristics, Tanaka-Takakura classification based on preoperative plain X-ray images, duration of surgery, blood loss, surgical complications, time to start weightbearing, and the Japanese Society of Surgery of the Foot (JSSF) standard rating system for the ankle-hindfoot. Duration of surgery was significantly shorter in the S group (162.3 versus 194.9 min), and the amount of blood loss was also significantly lower in the S group (29.2 versus 97.5 ml). Preoperative JSSF scale was significantly lower in the I group (44.8 versus 33), but postoperative JSSF scale was not significantly different between the 2 groups (82.1 versus 77.9). The S group had satisfactory clinical outcomes with a shorter duration of surgery and smaller amount of blood loss than the I group. However, severe patients in the I group achieved similar treatment outcomes.

The outcome following fixation of complex open distal femur fractures

Background: Distal femur fractures account for less than 1% of all fractures and 4%–6% of all femur fractures. Soft tissue damage, comminution and articular extension makes the treatment difficult and they often result in unsatisfactory outcome and poor knee function. Open fractures further complicate the situation. In our study we compared functional outcome, time of union and complications of open complex distal femoral fractures treated with delayed plating or primary Ilizarov ring fixator. Material and Methods: we retrospectively reviewed 23 cases presented at department of Orthopedics, from January 2011 to January 2017. All skeletally mature patients with AO type C distal femur fractures and up to Gustilo Anderson grade IIIA were included. Pathological fractures, types IIIB and IIIC open fractures and patients with other fractures in the ipsilateral limb were excluded from the study. Patients in group A were treated with delayed plating and in group B with primary Ilizarov.Result: Out of the 23 cases, all cases in both groups showed radiological union between 16-22 weeks. 3 cases of group A showed shortening of >2 cm while Ilizarov group had none. In 5 cases of group A, primary bone grafting done during surgery having severe comminution (C3 type) and in one case secondary bone grafting done after 5 months for delayed union. Out of 12 cases of group A, 5 patients (42%) achieved full flexion. In group B limited knee flexion was seen in all cases with mean flexion at final follow-up of 92°. Conclusion: Delayed fixation with autologous fibular grafting and distal femoral locking plate provides adequate restoration of knee motion and early knee mobilization with high risk of infection. Whereas Ilizarov fixator shows better outcome in terms of infection control, LLD management, lesser number of surgeries, lesser hospital stay, earlier post-op rehabilitation and acceptable knee function.