Tibial Bone Transport Research Articles

Application of a customized 3D-printed osteotomy guide plate for tibial transverse transport

Enhance the efficiency of tibial transverse transport by employing customized 3D-printed osteotomy guide plates and striving to improve precision through CT evaluation for enhanced guide design. 17 diabetic foot patients were treated with the plate for tibial transverse transport. Preoperatively, we collected DICOM data from the affected tibia’s CT and designed the geometric parameters of the tibial cortical bone window. A customized 3D-printed osteotomy guide plate was then fabricated using 3D printing technology. Postoperative X-ray and CT evaluations, conducted at two and five weeks post-surgery, assessed five crucial geometric parameters of the bone window. Measurements included the distance from the upper edge of the tibial cortical bone window to the tibial plateau, the distance from the anterior edge of the tibial cortical bone window to the bone ridge, the height of the tibial cortical bone window, the center-to-center distance between the 4.0 mm diameter Schanz pin and the osteotomy Kirschner pin, and the center-to-center distance of the 4.0 mm diameter Schanz pin. These measured parameters were subsequently compared to the preoperative design parameters. The Clinical trial registration number is ChiCTR2400087174. CT measurements showed no significant differences (P > 0.05) from preoperative design parameters across the five evaluated aspects. The average osteotomy duration was 35 ± 15 min with no bone window fractures. The bone window aligned effectively with the tibial shaft, achieving complete incorporation after distraction. A 4 to 8-month postoperative follow-up confirmed full healing of the tibial surgical wound and diabetic foot wounds. Utilizing customized 3D-printed osteotomy guide plates in tibial transverse bone transport surgery enables accurate translation of preoperative virtual designs into real-time procedures, enhancing surgical efficiency and quality.

Evaluating Docking Site Local Hematoma Formation and Blood Flow on its Healing Using the Accordion Technique at the End of Tibial Bone Transport

Evaluating Docking Site Local Hematoma Formation and Blood Flow on its Healing Using the Accordion Technique at the End of Tibial Bone Transport

Application of the Modified RUST Score in Tibial Bone Transport and Factors Associated with Docking Site Complications.

Reconstruction of segmental bone defects with bone transport is a well-established treatment. Mechanical complications at the docking site after frame removal are common. These complications include malunion, non-union, axial deviation and refracture. A simple tool to assess the healing of the docking site is currently lacking. The aim of this study is to evaluate the use of the modified RUST (mRUST) score in the setting of bone transport and to identify factors associated with an increased risk of docking site complications. This retrospective study was conducted at a single tertiary centre in South Africa, included 24 patients with a tibial bone defect treated with bone transport and a circular frame between 2014 and 2023. Demographic data, clinical and bone transport characteristics were recorded. Mechanical complications, such as fracture, non-union, any angulation >5°, shortening >5 mm, or any other complication requiring reoperation, were recorded. The mRUST was adapted as a ratio for the purpose of this study to overcome the common occurrence of cortices being obscured by the frame. The mRUST ratio was applied before and after frame removal for each patient by three appraisers. Comparison between the groups with and without complications was performed regarding bone transport characteristics, docking site configuration and mRUST ratio. The correlation of the score between radiographs before and after frame removal was assessed. The inter-rater reliability of the mRUST was analysed using Fleiss Kappa statistics for each cortex individually and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for the mRUST ratio. In this study, 20 men and 4 women with a median age of 26 years were included. The overall rate of mechanical complications after frame removal was 21.7%. Complications were all related to the docking site, with two angulations, two fractures and one non-union. Demographics, bone transport characteristics and mRUST ratio before and after frame removal were similar between the two groups. Regarding the configuration of the docking site, an angle of 45° or more between the bone surfaces was associated with the occurrence of mechanical complications (p < 0.001). The correlation of the mean mRUST ratio before and after frame removal showed a moderate relationship, with a Spearman correlation coefficient of 0.50 (p-value 0.13). The inter-rater reliability of the mRUST was "fair" (kappa 0.21-0.40) for the scoring of individual cortices, except for one score which was "slight" (kappa 0.00-0.20). The ICC of the mRUST ratio was 0.662 on radiographs with the frame, and 0.759 after frame removal. This study did not find the mRUST or mRUST ratio useful in assessing the healing of the docking site to decide on the best time to remove the frame. However, a notable finding was that the shape and orientation of the bone ends meeting at the docking site might well be relevant to decrease complication rates. If the angle between the bony surfaces is 45° or more, it may be associated with an increased risk of complications. It may be worthwhile considering reshaping these bone ends at the time of debridement or formal docking procedure to be more collinear, in order to reduce the potential for mechanical complications such as non-union, axial deviation or refracture at the docking site. Kummer A, Nieuwoudt L, Marais LC. Application of the Modified RUST Score in Tibial Bone Transport and Factors Associated with Docking Site Complications. Strategies Trauma Limb Reconstr 2024;19(2):73-81.

Preliminary Outcomes of a Staged Percutaneous Retrograde Prefabricated Gentamicin-coated Intramedullary Nail to Manage Complications after Ankle Fusion through Tibial Bone Transport.

Distal tibial injuries combining bone loss, articular destruction and infection can be treated through distraction osteogenesis combined with ankle fusion. Bone transport is not without complications. This study investigates our preliminary results using a retrograde prefabricated gentamicin-coated nail (ETN PROtect®) to treat complications after infected bone defects of the distal tibial were managed by ankle arthrodesis and distraction osteogenesis. This is a retrospective case series study. All consecutive patients with bone transport complications after ankle arthrodesis and distraction osteogenesis who were subsequently operated on using a retrograde ETN PROtect® nail were analysed. The cases occurred between 2017 and 2020. The primary objective was to report on the resolution of the clinical problem and the risk of deep infection after nail implantation. Five patients have included: two docking site non-unions, two regenerated bone fractures and one hypotrophic regenerated bone. These complications were resolved in all patients (5/5, 100%). A painless, stable and plantigrade ankle arthrodesis was achieved in all cases. No patient developed a local infection or required nail removal (mean follow-up: 35.2 months). The mean LEFS score was 46.8 ± 13.8 and the mean knee ROM was 112 ± 12.7°. All patients tolerated full weight-bearing. All patients were very satisfied with the procedure (mean SAPS score was 93.8 points). The staged retrograde nailing technique using the ETN PROtect® nail may represent an effective and safe treatment for bone transport complications in high-infection-risk patients. Furthermore, the technique allows simultaneous achievement of ankle arthrodesis. The patients had good functional outcomes and were satisfied with the procedure. This strategy of using retrograde gentamicin-coated tibial nails offers a solution to resolve bone transport complications while simultaneously achieving functional ankle arthrodesis. Pujol O, Vicente M, Castellanos S, et al. Preliminary Outcomes of a Staged Percutaneous Retrograde Prefabricated Gentamicin-coated Intramedullary Nail to Manage Complications after Ankle Fusion through Tibial Bone Transport. Strategies Trauma Limb Reconstr 2023;18(3):155-162.

Tibial Bone Transport with a Single Implant All-Internal Bone Transport Nail.

A single implant all-internal magnet-driven bone transport (BT) intramedullary nail (BTN - NuVasive Specialized Orthopaedics, Inc.) has recently been introduced as a treatment method for segmental tibial bone defects. This innovation provides promise in the management of segmental bone defects as it negates numerous complications associated with circular external fixation and the need for multiple implants when considering hybrid plate assisted bone segment transport (PABST) constructs. Given the novelty of the BTN, description of the surgical application and patient outcome measures are scarce in the current literature. To date, we have treated four patients with an average age of 27 years (range: 19-44 years) using the BTN for segmental tibial defects ranging from 50-128 mm. We have accumulated data over an average follow up of 18.07 months (range: 12.96-25.13 months) demonstrating good patient tolerance of the device. Three patients successfully completed their treatment course with a calculated average bone healing index of 41.4 days/cm (range: 31.41-54.82 days/cm). One patient was noted to experience an asymptomatic docking site nonunion requiring subsequent surgery for nonunion repair. Implant-associated complications included symptomatic implant, axial malalignment, docking site nonunion, and External Remote Control technical malfunction. Injury-related complications were encountered and noted to include: superficial infection, wound dehiscence, peroneal tendonitis, and joint rigidity. In this study, the authors present a case series utilizing this implant to date and discuss our experiences with the BTN with reference to clinical indications, tibial bone preparation, BTN implantation, transport protocol, docking site procedure, and clinical/radiographic outcomes.

Complications associated with single-level bone transport for the treatment of tibial bone defects caused by fracture-related infection

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to report the outcomes of single-level bone transport with a unilateral external fixator for treatment of proximal, intermediate and distal tibial bone defects caused by fracture-related infection (FRI) and compare their complications.MethodsThe clinical records and consecutive X-ray photographs of patients with tibial bone defects treated by single-level bone transport using a unilateral external fixator (Orthofix Limb Reconstruction System) were analyzed retrospectively, from January 2012 to December 2018. Patients were divided into the proximal group (P, n = 19), intermediate group (I, n = 25), and distal group (D, n = 18) according to the location of the tibial bone defect. The Association for the Study and Application of the Method of Ilizarov (ASAMI) standard was applied to assess the bone and functional outcomes and postoperative complications evaluated by the Paley classification.ResultsA total of 62 participants were included in this study, with a median age of 36 ± 7.14 years. Sixty patients with tibial bone defects caused by FRI were successfully treated by single-level bone transport using a unilateral external fixator, with a mean bone union time (BUT) of 7.3 ± 1.71 months. According to the ASAMI criteria, there were statistical differences in bone and function results between the three groups (P vs. I vs. D, P < 0.001). The excellent and good rate of bone result in the intermediate group was higher than the other (P vs. I vs. D, 73.6% vs. 84% vs. 66.7%), and the excellent and good rate of function result in the proximal group was the highest (P vs. I vs. D, 84.2% vs. 80% vs. 73.3%). Complications were observed in 29 out of 62 patients (46.7%), with pin tract infection being the most common (14.8%), followed by axial deviation (14.8%), muscle contractures (12.7%), joint stiffness (12.7%), and soft tissue incarceration (12.7%). Other complications included delayed consolidation (12.7%), delayed union (6.3%), nonunion (4.2%), and neurological injury (8.5%). Two patients (3.2%) required below-knee amputation due to uncontrollable infection and previous surgery failure.ConclusionsPin tract infection was the most common complication in tibial bone transport using an external fixator. Complications of distal tibial bone transport are more severe and occur at a higher rate than in other parts. Axial deviation mostly occurred in the intermediate tibial bone transport.

Effectiveness of transverse tibial bone transport in treatment of diabetic foot ulcer: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Diabetic foot ulcerations (DFUs) are a common but highly morbid complication of long-standing diabetes, carrying high rates of associated major amputation and mortality. Transverse tibial bone transport (TTT) has recently been applied for treatment of DFUs with the aim of accelerating wound healing. This study was performed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of TTT in patients with DFUs. Two authors independently retrieved the platforms of PubMed, Embase and CENTRAL, to identify studies associated with treatment of DFUs with TTT. Quantitative meta-analyses were performed to pool all available outcomes about the effectiveness and complications of TTT operation, with fixed- (I2<50%) or random-effect (I2>50%) model according to I2. A total of 7 studies, involving 818 participants, were included, with 661 participants treated with TTT operation. The pooled healing rate and limb salvage rate were 0.96 (95%CI: 0.93~0.98) and 0.98 (95%CI: 0.95~1.00) respectively after treatment with TTT. The pooled mean healing time was 15.03 (95%CI: 9.05~21.00) months. When compared with the pre-operative baseline values, the ankle-brachial index (ABI, MD: 0.23; 95%CI: 0.03~0.44; p<0.001), skin temperature (MD: 1.56; 95%CI: 0.30~2.81; p<0.001), and visual analogue scale (VAS, MD: 3.70; 95%CI: 1.97~5.44; p<0.001) were significantly improved at the final follow-up. When compared with non-TTT group, the TTT group was associated with higher healing rate (OR: 10.43; 95%CI: 3.96~27.43; p<0.001) and limb salvage rate (OR: 9.65; 95%CI: 3.30~28.20; p<0.001). Concerning the complications of the TTT process, the pooled risks of fracture at transportation site and pin-site infection were 0.02 (95%CI: 0.00~0.04) and 0.08 (95%CI: 0.00~0.22), respectively; and the DFU recurrence rate in TTT group was significantly lowered comparing to that of the non-TTT group (RR: 0.18; 95%CI: 0.06~0.49; p=0.001). TTT operation was associated with high healing rate and limb salvage rate, and could significantly improve the ABI, skin temperature, and VAS after operation. When compared with the control group, TTT group provided significantly higher healing rate and limb salvage rate. However, TTT operation should be conducted with caution concerning the incidences of fracture at tibia, infection at pin channels and necrosis of skin overlying the anterior tibia.

Effect of freshening technique on docking site in tibial bone transport management

To study the effect of freshening technique on docking site in tibial bone transport management. Retrospective cohort study was conducted about the effect of freshening technique on docking site in 20 cases(15 males and 5 females) treated with tibial bone transport from January of 2014 to December of 2019. The age of patients ranged from 19 to 62 years old, with an average of (42.3±11.5)years old. Seven patients had infectious bone defect and 13 patients had non-infectious. Application of freshening technique immediately after docking included resection of invaginated skin or soft tissue, removal of closed sclerotic bone, re-apposition, increasing the contact, acute compression of freshened docking site and grafting from adjacent medullary or bone debris, followed by post-operative gradual compression. The amount of segmented bone defect ranged from 5 to 15 cm, with an average of(9.2±2.9) cm. Time required from osteotomy to contact of butt end ranged from 26 to 243 days, with an average of(109.1±51.1) days. The duration needed from 3 to 7 months with an average of(3.7±1.1) months before reaching radiological healing criterion in docking site. Fourteen out of 15 concurrent fibular osteotomy were united. Consolidation time for distracted callus ranged from 5 to 28 months, with an average of (15.0±6.5) months. Bone healing index(BHI) ranged from 0.8 to 2.8 months/cm, with an average of (1.6±0.5) months. One surgical site infection (5%) in tibial was noted. No refractures were found in follow-up ranged from 12 to 73 months, with an average of(37.6±20.3) months after fixator removal. Freshening technique immediately after docking had advantages of the shorter healing time, avoidance of refracture, and independance of necessity for remote autograft harvest.

Effectiveness analysis of modified tibial transverse bone transport technique combined with vancomycin calcium phosphate bone cement local filling and covering in treatment of diabetic foot

To investigate the effectiveness of modified tibial transverse bone transport technique combined with vancomycin calcium phosphate bone cement local filling and covering in the treatment of diabetic foot (DF). The clinical data of 22 DF patients treated with modified tibial transverse bone transport technique combined with vancomycin calcium phosphate bone cement local filling and covering between October 2019 and December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 13 males and 9 females with an average age of 61.3 years (range, 41-74 years). The duration of diabetes mellitus was 8-30 years, with an average of 12.5 years, and the duration of DF was 10-42 days, with an average of 28.2 days. There were 2 cases of grade 3 and 20 cases of grade 4 according to Wagner classification. CT angiography was performed on both lower extremities of the patients, and the blood vessels of the affected extremities were narrowed to varying degrees and the blood supply was poor. The preoperative skin temperature of affected foot was (28.27±0.91)°C, the ankle brachial index (ABI) was 0.42±0.11, and the visual analogue scale (VAS) score was 7.7±0.6. Preoperative size of DF ulcer ranged from 2.5 cm×2.0 cm to 3.5 cm×3.0 cm. The skin temperature of affected foot, ABI, VAS score, and skin wound healing of the affected foot were recorded and compared between before operation and at 3 months after operation. All patients were followed up 3-18 months, with an average of 10.5 months. The infection of 1 patient with Wagner grade 4 did not improve significantly after operation, and there was a trend of further deterioration, and the amputation of the left leg was finally performed at 22 days after operation.The remaining 21 patients recovered well after operation, the external fixator was removed at 1 month after operation, the wound healed at 3 months after operation, and there was no recurrence of ulcer in situ or other sites during follow-up. At 3 months after operation, the skin temperature of affected foot was (31.76±0.34)°C, the ABI was 0.94±0.08, and the VAS score was 2.1±0.3, which significantly improved when compared with those before operation ( t=25.060, P<0.001; t=32.412, P<0.001; t=-51.746, P<0.001). Modified tibial transverse bone transport technique combined with vancomycin calcium phosphate bone cement local filling and covering for DF patients can effectively improve the blood supply of the affected limb, promote wound healing, and improve effectiveness.

Transverse Tibial Bone Transport Enhances Distraction Osteogenesis and Vascularization in the Treatment of Diabetic Foot.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of transverse tibial bone transport on the treatment of Wagner Stage 4 diabetic foot.MethodsFrom January 2017 to October 2019, a total of 19 patients with Wagner Stage 4 diabetic foot ulcers were recruited. All patients were treated with transverse tibial bone transport. A detailed follow‐up was carried out at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after surgery. The wound healing rate and the limb salvage rate at 1 year after the surgery were evaluated. Preoperative and 3‐month postoperative digital subtraction angiography (DSA) were obtained. The level of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF) and platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) before surgery and on 1st, 4th, 11th, 18th, 28th, and 35th days after surgery were measured. Operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative complications, visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, skin temperature, Semmes‐weinstein monofilament (SWM), and ankle brachial index (ABI) were also assessed.ResultsThe wound healing rate and the limb salvage rate were both 94.74% in the patients at 1 year after the surgery. DSA showed the thickening of the calf and foot arteries, clear visualization, and a rich vascular network. The levels of VEGF, bFGF, and PDGF on the 11th, 18th, 28th, and 35th days after surgery were significantly higher than those before surgery (p < 0.05). The EGF level on the 18th, 28th, and 35th days after surgery was significantly higher than that before surgery (p < 0.05). Superficial wound complications occurred in one patient during the hospitalization. There was no movement area infection, skin flap necrosis, tibial fracture, loosening of the external fixator, or rupture in study.ConclusionTransverse tibial bone transport can improve the blood circulation of the affected limbs, promote the healing of diabetic foot wounds, and reduce the amputation rate of the affected limbs. Transverse tibial bone transport can promote the healing of Wagner Stage 4 diabetic foot.

An novel and alternative treatment method for large heel ulceration in diabetic patients: Proximal tibial cortex transverse distraction.

Heel ulceration in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major clinical challenge, manifesting with a protracted and uncertain healing process. The prefer treatment of heel ulceration is still controversial. This study aims at describing a newly alternative surgical method with the proximal transverse tibial bone transport technique, as an attempt to achieve wound healing in diabetic patients with large heel ulceration. Retrospective clinical study. A total of 21 diabetic patients with large heel ulceration were enrolled and followed up at least 6months. The following parameters were assessed: Visual analogue scale (VAS), healing time, ulcer healing rate, ulcer recurrence rate and limb salvage rate. All patients got fully follow-up and achieved wound healing uneventfully. Eighteen patients returned to independent walking without any helper while three patients walked using a crutch. Limb salvage was achieved in all 21 patients (100%). The mean wound area was 67.43 ± 13.31 cm2 (range: 46-97 cm2 ). The mean healing time was 128.62 ± 16.76 days (range: 91-160 days). 16 out of 21 patients without calcaneal osteomyelitis achieved ulcer healing with a mean duration of 124.69 ± 14.42 days (range: 91-143 days), while the other five patients with calcaneal osteomyelitis were 141.20 ± 19.12 days (range: 110-160 days). 2 out of 21 patients got superficial rupture at the previous wounds and healed after outpatient dressing change combined with oral antibiotics. The novel technique described is particularly applicable for large heel ulceration in diabetic patients. It offers a better alternative for achieving wound healing with a favourable encouraging outcome.

Calcaneogenesis: the use of tibial bone transport for treatment of massively infected hindfoot defects.

We retrospectively reviewed 10 patients which were treated by radical debridement of the infected area, Ilizarov frame application and arthrodesis with bone reconstruction by the Ilizarov apparatus using tibial transport for Hindfoot salvage. The mean age at presentation was 33.5 years (range; 24-57) and the mean follow-up was 5.1 years (range; 2-12).Patients clinical and radiographic data were assessed according to the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle- Hindfoot score. The mean preoperative American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Score was 48.3(range; 38-86) while the mean postoperative (AOFAS) was 58.5 (range; 45-73) , p value < 0.01 . Clinically all patients had anatomically stable feet with deformity correction and no signs of infection recurrence. The use of Ilizarov distal tibial bone transport to fill massive hindfoot defects proved to be a reliable method for elimination of infection and reconstruction of large defects without the need for bony or soft tissue plastic procedures. The technique also has the ability to produce a rigid limb fixation following debridement and to fill in massive hindfoot defects due to other etiologies as well.

Presence of Complications in the Transition of a Bone Transport to a Definite Internal Fixation System without Pin Holiday: Case Report

Category:Trauma; OtherIntroduction/Purpose:Bone transports are an alternative in the treatment of severe injuries of lower extremities. They are generally associated to axis problems, delayed bone union in the docking site and pin infection. There is no evidence in the need of having a window period between the transport system and the definite internal fixation. Objetive: Describe the complications seen in a group of 6 patients that went through a tibial bone transport with circular external fixator and posterior internal fixation without pin holiday.Methods:Restrospective and decriptive study of 6 patient that went through tibial bone transport between 2012-2019, in a level 1 trauma center. Inclusion criteria considered patients >18 years old, with intra or extramedular internal fixation systems. We registered different parameters including patients comorbilities, transport time, transport index, type of internal fixation used and complications during the time of observation and treatment. We registered our clinical evaluation and both laboratory and imagenologic exams.Results:100% of patients were men, with an average of 35.8 years old (22-48 yo). 66% of injuries compromised distal tibia, 83% considered open fractures. Average transport length was 7.43 centimeters (3-11cms) in 3.5 months (1.3-6 months), with average follow up of 52 months (24-72months). Tibial transport index in our study was of 1,2month/cm. The main complication in our study was bone consolidation delay in the docking site (50%), and 33% presented deep infection, all of them in the open fracture group.Conclusion:Pin holiday has been justified by the reduction in pin site infection. In our series there where no pin site infection cases, and only two deep infections which were associated with an important soft tissue injury that required free flap coverage.

STRESS FRACTURE AT DOCKING SITE AFTER BONE TRANSPORT MANAGED WITH INTRAMEDULLARY INTERLOCKING NAIL AND ILIAC AUTOGRAFT - A RARE CASE REPORT

INTRODUCTION : Distraction osteogenesis was introduced by Ilizarov and further developed by Cataneo et al. The concept of formation of new bone and soft tissues from distraction osteogenesis and freshening the sclerosed bone ends by corticotomy for stronger bony union and consolidation is applied here. Here we present a CASE REPORT : rare case of young adult operated by tibial bone transport using monolateral external xator, who presented to us after refracture near the docking site. We managed this patient with intramedullary reamed nailing and iliac crest autografting, showing good bony union and functional outcome at 3 months postoperatively. CONCLUSION : Thus from previous literature and our case ndings, we conclude that re-fractures and other complications of bone transport can be effectively managed by intramedullary reamed nailing leading to good bony union and fracture consolidation. The intramedullary nail provides rigid stability to both new bone regenerate due to callotasis and union at docking sit, signicantlydecreased rates of future refractures. This signicantly decreases patients morbidity and delivering satisfactory functional outcome.

Overview of transverse tibial bone transport and its vasculogenic mechanism

Overview of transverse tibial bone transport and its vasculogenic mechanism

Efficacy and safety of transverse tibial bone transport technique in the treatment of diabetic foot:a meta-analysis#br#

Efficacy and safety of transverse tibial bone transport technique in the treatment of diabetic foot:a meta-analysis#br#

The clinical effect and imaging features of accordion maneuver in promoting bone healing at the docking site after tibial transport under ultrasonic monitoring

Objective: To explore the imaging features and clinical effect of accordion maneuver in promoting the bone healing at the docking site after tibial transport under ultrasonic monitoring. Methods: Retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 16 patients with tibial bone transport who were admitted to the Department of Orthopedics, the second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University from May 2018 to October 2019. All the patients were treated with accordion maneuver to promote bone healing at the docking site under ultrasound monitoring. There were 14 males and 2 females, aged (45.3±14.3) years (range: 6 to 61 years). Before tibial bone transport, the length of the tibial defect of 16 patients was (6.0±2.6) cm (range: 2.0 to 12.1 cm). The operation steps of accordion maneuver were as follows: pressurization for 2 weeks, suspension for 12 days, distraction for 2 weeks, retraction for 2 weeks, and then stop the operation to consolidate the bone mineralization. During accordion treatment, ultrasound was used to monitor the size of hematoma, Adler grade of blood flow signal and the changes of new callus in and around the docking site. X-ray was performed to monitor bone healing at the docking site. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to analyze the correlation between the size of hematoma, the resistance index of blood flow signal and the bone healing time of the docking site. Paley healing criterion was used to evaluate the bone healing and functional recovery of the patients. Results: During accordion maneuver, ultrasound examination showed that the Adler grade of blood flow signals around the docking site increased gradually before retraction and then decreased gradually, but the degree of callus mineralization continued to increase gradually. After 2 weeks of pressure on the docking site, hematoma was observed in 14 patients by ultrasound examination. X-ray showed that all docking sites had bony healing, with the healing time of (30.8±4.9) weeks (range: 23 to 40 weeks).The size of the hematoma was negatively correlated with the healing time of the docking site (r=-0.819,P<0.01). No hematoma was found in 2 patients, and after continuous observation for 20 weeks, there was still no obvious callus connection at the docking site. After bone cortical removal, ultrasound examination showed hematoma formed at the docking site. Accordion maneuver was continued, and the docking site healed at 30 and 32 weeks after surgery, respectively. There was a negative linear correlation between hematoma size at 2 weeks of compression and the blood flow resistance index at 2 weeks of retraction in 16 patients (r=-0.801, P<0.01). The patients were followed-up for (14.5±3.2) months (range: 10.6 to 20.2 months). At the last follow-up, 12 patients were evaluated as excellent and 4 were evaluated as good by Paley healing criteria. Conclusion: The distraction and compression stress applied in accordion maneuver can promote bone healing at the docking site, and ultrasound can monitor early signs of bone healing at the docking site to help determine the tendency of bone healing.

The monitoring value of ultrasonography in the treatment of bone union at the docking site after tibial bone transport by accordion maneuver

recruited. The accordion operation was performed at the docking site after bone transport. The specific operation process was compression, suspension of adjustment, distraction, retraction. Ultrasound was used to monitor the hematoma, blood flow and callus in and around the docking site at each stage. Results (1) At the compression, there were 14 cases with hematoma and 2 cases without hematoma. (2) The size of hematoma was negatively correlated with the bone healing time of the docking site and the blood flow resistance index. (3) The Adler grading of blood flow gradually increased before the retraction, and then gradually decreased. But the degree of callus mineralization continued to rise. Conclusion (1) Ultrasound can dynamically monitor the change trend of hematoma, blood flow and new callus at the docking site during accordion operation, so as to predict the tendency of bone healing at the docking site. (2) This study can preliminarily demonstrate that the compression stress applied in accordion technique can promote the bone healing at the docking site.

Treatment of diabetic foot with vaccum sealing drainage combined with transverse tibial bone transport

To summarize the effectiveness and experience of Wanger grade 3-5 diabetic foot treated with vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) combined with transverse tibial bone transport. Between March 2015 and January 2018, 21 patients with refractory diabetic foot who failed conservative treatment were treated with VSD combined with transverse tibial bone transport. There were 15 males and 6 females, aged 55-88 years (mean, 65 years). The diabetes history was 8-15 years (mean, 12.2 years). The duration of diabetic foot ranged from 7 to 84 days (mean, 35.3 days). The size of diabetic foot ulcer before operation ranged from 2 cm×2 cm to 8 cm×5 cm. According to Wanger classification, 8 cases were rated as grade 3, 11 cases as grade 4, and 2 cases as grade 5. Among the 21 cases, angiography of lower extremity before operation was performed in 5 cases, CT angiography of lower extremity in 16 cases, all of which indicated that the arteries below the knee were narrowed to varying degrees and not completely blocked. Preoperative foot skin temperature was (29.28±0.77)℃, C-reactive protein was (38.03±31.23) mg/L, leukocyte count was (9.44±2.21)×10 9/L, and the visual analogue scale (VAS) score was 6.8±1.5, and ability of daily living (Barthel index) was 54.3±10.3. After operation, 2 patients with Wanger grade 4 and smoking history failed treatment and had an major amputation (amputation above ankle joint) at 30 days and 45 days after operation, respectively. One patient with Wanger grade 5 and chronic heart failure died of cardiac arrest at 60 days after operation. The remaining 18 patients were followed up 6-24 months (mean, 9.2 months). The external fixator was removed at 40-62 days after operation, with an average of 46 days. All the wounds healed, with a healing time of 50-120 days (mean, 62.5 days). The pain of 18 patients' feet was relieved obviously, and there was no recurrence of ulcer in situ or other parts. There was no complication such as tibial fracture and ischemic necrosis of lower leg skin after operation. After ulcer healing, the foot skin temperature was (30.86±0.80)℃, C-reactive protein was (22.90±18.42) mg/L, VAS score was 2.4±1.2, and Barthel index was 77.3±4.6, all showing significant differences when compared with preoperative ones ( P<0.05); the leukocyte count was (8.91±1.72)×10 9/L, showing no significant difference ( t=1.090, P=0.291). VSD combined with transverse tibial bone transport can effectively promote the healing of Wanger grade 3-5 diabetic foot wounds, but smokers, unstable blood glucose control, and chronic heart failure patients have the risk of failure.

Effect of transverse tibial bone transport on expression of serum angiogenesis-related growth factors

To investigate the effect of transverse tibial bone transport on the expression of angiogenesis-related growth factors in the serum of diabetic foot patients. Between January 2018 and December 2018, 10 patients who suffered from diabetes mellitus accompanied with Wagner stage 4 diabetic foot underwent transverse tibial bone transport. There were 5 males and 5 females with an average age of 59.2 years (range, 51-70 years). The duration of diabetes was 2-60 months, with an average of 24.2 months. The duration of diabetic foot was 30-120 days, with an average of 54.1 days. Peripheral venous blood was taken at 1 day before operation and at 1, 4, 11, 18, 28, and 35 days after operation. The serum was centrifuged and subjected to ELISA test to detect the expression levels of serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). The levels of serum VEGF, bFGF, and EGF increased rapidly at 11 days after operation, and the expression levels of the factors at 11, 18, 28, and 35 days were significantly higher than those before operation ( P<0.05). The expression level of PDGF increased suddenly at 18 days after operation, and the expression level of PDGF at 18, 28, and 35 days was significantly higher than that before operation ( P<0.05). Transverse tibial bone transport for the treatment of diabetic foot can significantly increase the expression of serum angiogenesis-related growth factors in early stage, which may be the mechanism of promoting the healing of diabetic foot wounds.