Effectiveness of synthetic versus autologous bone grafts in foot and ankle surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: All orthopaedic procedures, comprising foot and ankle surgeries, seemed to show a positive trend, recently. Bone grafts are commonly employed to fix bone abnormalities resulting from trauma, disease, or other medical conditions. This study specifically focuses on reviewing the safety and efficacy of various bone substitutes used exclusively in foot and ankle surgeries, comparing them to autologous bone grafts. METHODS: The systematic search involved scanning electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane online library, and Web of Science, employing terms like 'Bone substitute,' 'synthetic bone graft,' 'Autograft,' and 'Ankle joint.' Inclusion criteria encompassed RCTs, case-control studies, and prospective/retrospective cohorts exploring different bone substitutes in foot and ankle surgeries. Meta-analysis was performed using R software, integrating odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Cochrane's Q test assessed heterogeneity. RESULTS: This systematic review analyzed 8 articles involving a total of 894 patients. Out of these, 497 patients received synthetic bone grafts, while 397 patients received autologous bone grafts. Arthrodesis surgery was performed in five studies, and three studies used open reduction techniques. Among the synthetic bone grafts, three studies utilized a combination of recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor BB homodimer (rhPDGF-BB) and beta-tricalcium phosphate (ß-TCP) collagen, while four studies used hydroxyapatite compounds. One study did not provide details in this regard. The meta-analysis revealed similar findings in the occurrence of complications, as well as in both radiological and clinical evaluations, when contrasting autografts with synthetic bone grafts. CONCLUSION: Synthetic bone grafts show promise in achieving comparable outcomes in radiological, clinical, and quality-of-life aspects with fewer complications. However, additional research is necessary to identify the best scenarios for their use and to thoroughly confirm their effectiveness. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Level II.

Initiating chemotherapy in joint arthroplasty patients increases the risk of periprosthetic joint infections.

BACKGROUND: Total Joint Arthroplasties (TJAs) are becoming more popular, resulting in a growing economic burden due to potential postoperative complications, with periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) playing a significant role. The effect of immunosuppression on PJI risk, particularly in cancer patients following chemotherapy, is unknown. The hypothesis of this study investigated whether chemotherapy increases PJI rates in patients who received post-arthroplasty chemotherapy within one year of surgery. METHODS: Data from the M161Ortho dataset of PearlDiver patient records database were utilized using ICD-9, ICD-10, and CPT codes. The cohort includes Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA), Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA), and Total Shoulder Arthroplasty (TSA) patients who underwent post-arthroplasty chemotherapy within one year after surgery between 2010 and 2022. Patients in the matched control group did not receive post-arthroplasty chemotherapy. Pre-arthroplasty chemotherapy recipients, PJI, and post-op first year revisions were excluded. Analyses including the linear logistic regression were performed via R statistical software. RESULTS: Totally, 17,026 patients (8,558 TKAs, 6,707 THAs, and 1,761 TSAs) were included. At two (OR = 1.59, p = 0.034), three (OR = 1.57, p = 0.009), and four (OR = 1.40, p = 0.032) years for TKA, and two (OR = 2.27, p = 0.008), three (OR = 2.32, p < 0.001), and four (OR = 2.25, p0.001) years for THA, PJI rates were significantly higher in the chemotherapy group. TSA patients had a significant rise in PJI after four years (OR = 2.20, p = 0.031). CONCLUSIONS: This study reveals a possible relationship between postoperative chemotherapy and an increased incidence of PJI in patients with arthroplasty. Chemotherapy suppresses the immune system, rendering patients more vulnerable to infections. Additional research is required to confirm these findings.

Intravenous Drug Abuser Treated for Chronic Infected Open Forearm Fracture with Shortening and Primary Wound Closure.

Neglected and open forearm fracture wounds accompanied by shortening are complex injuries that are seldom reported in the known literature. We describe a patient with a history of chronic intravenous drug abuse (IVDA) and a neglected forearm wound with radius and ulna fractures with chronic osteomyelitis managed by limb salvage. The patient had a history of IVDA and a neglected forearm wound with fractures in both the radius and ulna, along with chronic osteomyelitis. The approach taken to manage this complex injury involved limb salvage. The case emphasizes the treatment challenges associated with patients who had IVDA and neglected their wounds. Thorough evaluation combining clinical and radiological assessments, followed by appropriate surgical planning and intervention, played a crucial role in restoring the functional status of the limb. Neglected open fracture wounds in the forearm are uncommon and have limited documentation in the existing literature. The described patient's chronic history of IVDA and the disregarded open forearm osteomyelitis exemplify the severe consequences that can arise from injectable drug abuse in the upper extremity. In such cases, limb preservation and optimization of functional outcomes become paramount. To the best of our knowledge, this is one among the few reported cases of this nature, highlighting the significance of sharing such experiences to enhance medical understanding and inform future treatment approaches.

Treatment of Periprosthetic Joint Infection in Total Knee Arthroplasty with a Temporary Intramedullary Nail: Is a Long or Short Nail Better?

To our knowledge, no studies have compared postoperative outcomes between patients who received a temporary short or long intramedullary (IM) nail in the setting of infected total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare short-term outcomes for patients who underwent long or short IM nail insertion for treatment of periprosthetic knee infection. Specifically, we compared: (1) success rates; (2) patient reported/functional outcomes; and (3) complications between patients implanted with a short or a long IM nail following PJI of the knee. A retrospective chart review was performed for patients who underwent two-stage exchange arthroplasty with a temporary long or short IM nail between November 2010 and June 2018 at our institution (n = 67). Continuous and categorical variables were assessed using t-test/Mann-Whitney U test and chi-squared test, respectively. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the effect of IM nail length on success rate while adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, and race. A total of 36 patients underwent temporary treatment with a long IM nail, while 31 patients received a short IM nail. There were no differences in success rate for reimplanted patients treated with long and short IM nails (odds ratio 0.992; p = 0.847). Fewer patients with a long IM nail went on to reimplantation (52.8 vs. 83.9%; p = 0.007). There was no difference in satisfaction (7.86 vs. 7.68; p = 0.515), pain scores (3.39 vs. 4.45 points; p = 0.126), or Knee Society score outcome scores (150.61 vs. 166.26 points; p = 0.117) between long or short IM nail patients. Following reimplantation, there was no difference in the number of patients who became reinfected (15.8 vs. 11.5%; p = 0.679) or went on to amputation (0 vs. 7.7%; p = 0.210). Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a rare but serious postoperative complication following TKA. Our findings suggest that the use of long and short IM nails during two-stage exchange can have equal utility in PJI patients with severe bone defects.

Fusion Revision Surgery With Reamer-Irrigator-Aspirator to Harvest Autograft After Spinal Pseudarthrosis.

Background and purpose Spinal pseudarthrosis (SPA) is a common complication after attempted cervical or lumbosacral spinal fusion surgery. Revision surgeries usually necessitate bone graft implementation as an adjunct to hardware revision. Iliac crest bone graft is the gold standard but availability can be limited and usage often leads to persistent postoperative pain at the donor site. There is scant literature regarding the use of reamer-irrigator-aspirator (RIA)-harvested bone graft in lumbar spinal fusion. This is a collaborative study between orthopedic surgery and neurosurgery departments to utilize femur intramedullary autograft harvested using the RIA system as an adjunct graft in SPA revision surgeries. Materials and methods A retrospective review was conducted at a single center between August 2014 and December 2017 of patients aged ≥ 18 years and diagnosed with cervical, thoracic, or lumbar SPA who underwent revision fusion surgery using femur intramedullary autograft harvested using the RIA system. Plain radiographs and CT scans were utilized to confirm successful fusion. Results Eleven patients underwent 12 SPA revision surgeries using the RIA system as a source for bone graft in addition to bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) and allograft. The mean amount of graft harvested was 51.3 mL (range: 20-70 mL). Nine patients achieved successful fusion (81.8%). The average time to fusion was 9.1 months. Four patients (36.4%) had postoperative knee pain. Regarding patient position and approach for harvesting, 66.7% (n = 8) of cases were positioned prone and a retrograde approach was utilized in 91.7% (n = 11) of cases. Interpretation This is the first case series in known literature to report the RIA system as a reliably considerable source of autologous bone graft for SPA revision surgeries. It provides a useful adjunct to the known types of bone grafts. Patient positioning and the approach choice for graft harvesting can be adjusted according to the fusion approach and the surgeon's preference.

Efficacy of Infection Eradication in Antibiotic Cement-Coated Intramedullary Nails for Fracture-Related Infections, Nonunions, and Fusions.

Antibiotic cement-coated intramedullary nails (ACCINs) are increasing in popularity as a viable solution for the treatment of fracture-related infections (FRIs), infected long bone nonunions, and arthrodeses without an external fixator. ACCINs effectively manage to fulfill three of the basic principles for eradicating osteomyelitis: dead space management, antibiotic delivery, and bone stability. We performed a retrospective review of 111 patients who were treated with ACCINs between January 2014 and December 2020. In our series, 87.4% (n = 97) of patients achieved healed and uninfected bone or stable arthrodesis at a mean follow-up of 29.2 months (range, 6-93 months). Additionally, 69.1% (n = 67) of healed patients were resolved after only one procedure, and the remainder (30.9%, n = 30) healed after one or more additional procedures. The mean number of additional procedures was 2.1 (range, 1-6 additional procedures). The overall limb salvage rate was 93.7% (n = 104). The majority of the total cohort were successfully treated in only one surgery. This study suggests that ACCINs are effective in the treatment of FRIs, infected long bone nonunions, and infected ankle and knee arthrodeses.

Survival and Outcomes of 1.5-Stage vs 2-Stage Exchange Total Knee Arthroplasty Following Prosthetic Joint Infection.

BACKGROUND: Traditional management of prosthetic joint infection following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) consists of a 2-stage approach. However, 1.5-stage exchange has seen preliminary success, whereby metal femoral and all-polyethylene tibia components are placed without intention for subsequent second stage. We sought to examine all patients who underwent a 1.5-stage exchange TKA at a single institution compared to historical 2-stage controls. We assessed the following: (1) infection-free survivorship and risk factors for reinfection; (2) 1-year surgical/medical outcomes; (3) patient-reported outcomes (ie, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score for Joint Replacement [KOOS JR]); and (4) radiographic outcomes. METHODS: We reviewed all patients undergoing a 1.5-stage (between 2015 and 2019) and 2-stage exchange TKA (between 2011 and 2016) at a single institution. A total of 162 knees were included (1.5-stage: 114; 2-stage: 48) with mean clinical follow-up of 2.6 years. KOOS JR scores and radiographic outcomes were evaluated at last clinical follow-up. RESULTS: The 1.5-stage exchange TKA resulted in a 10.1% difference in infection-free survival (85.1% vs 75.0%, P = .158), compared to 2-stage exchange. Prior prosthetic joint infection was found to be an independent risk factor for reinfection (P = .030). Overall, postoperative complications were lower among 1.5-stage exchanges (8.8% vs 31.3%, P < .001). KOOS JR scores improved more from baseline among 1.5-staged (Δ24.7 vs Δ16.6, P < .001). Radiographic review did not demonstrate any progressive radiolucent lines, subsidences, or failures in either group. CONCLUSION: A 1.5-stage exchange TKA is an effective alternative to the traditional 2-stage protocols with noninferior infection eradication and absence of radiographic complications at over 2 years of mean follow-up.

Resorbable polylactide membrane for the treatment of segmental bone defects.

INTRODUCTION: Segmental bone defects are a challenging clinical problem. In animal studies and craniomaxillofacial surgery, resorbable polylactide membrane (OrthoMesh; DePuy Synthes, West Chester, PA) shows promise for treatment of bone defects. This study presents the results of the treatment of segmental bone defects with resorbable polylactide membrane, bone morphogenic protein-2 (BMP-2), and autograft. METHODS: This study was approved by the institutional review board. All patients with a segmental bone defect treated with a resorbable polylactide membrane by a single surgeon from 2010 to 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Data related to demographic variables, surgical details, and union were collected. RESULTS: Eleven patients with median age of 37 years (range 22-62 years) were included in the study with segmental bone defects in the tibia (n = 3), femur (n = 4), or forearm (n = 4). Median bone defect size was 6 cm (range 3-12 cm). Etiology of bone defects included osteomyelitis (n = 7), oncologic resection (n = 3), and post-traumatic aseptic nonunion (n = 1). Flap coverage was performed in two patients. Median radiographic follow-up was 24 months (range 5-75 months). Ten patients (10/11) achieved union at a median of 17 months (range 5-46 months). Seven patients required reoperation for any reason with six patients requiring repeat grafting. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this study is the largest series of patients with segmental bone defects treated with resorbable polylactide membrane. Resorbable polylactide membrane in combination with BMP-2 and autograft represents a safe and effective method of bone graft containment in segmental bone defects measuring up to 12 cm in this series. Ten of 11 patients achieved union at a median time of 16 months with 6 patients requiring repeat grafting. These results compare favorably with the induced membrane technique. This study is limited by its retrospective design, absence of control and comparison groups, and low patient numbers. Future prospective randomized study of the induced membrane technique and resorbable polylactide membrane should be undertaken to determine preferred approaches for treatment of segmental bone defects.

Comparison of single-stage and delayed gastrocnemius flap procedures for soft-tissue defects of the knee and proximal tibia.

PURPOSE: Gastrocnemius flaps provide reliable reconstructive solutions to soft-tissue loss of the knee and proximal tibia following orthopedic procedures. While this technique has been used and studied, little is known about its prophylactic application. Single-stage and delayed approaches were compared with respect to the timing of débridement, complications, and relationship between microorganisms and complications. METHODS: Gastrocnemius flaps for soft-tissue defects of the knee joint were retrospectively reviewed. Success of the flap procedure was defined as a healed soft-tissue envelope, no evidence of infection, a good blood supply to the flap, and adherence of the flap to its bed. Independent sample t test was used to compare the corresponding parameters (level of statistical significance was 0.05). RESULTS: Of 43 flaps (43 patients), 18 were performed during a single-stage procedure along with the orthopedic procedure and 25 were delayed. Success of the single-stage (100%) and delayed flaps (88%) was not significantly different (p = 0.083). Complication rate did not differ significantly for single-stage (11%) and delayed flaps (24%) (p = 0.272). We were unable to establish a relationship between complications and microorganisms. CONCLUSION: Results indicate both approaches are reliable. Single-stage gastrocnemius flaps may eliminate the need for a second surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III (Therapeutic, Retrospective cohort).

Immunological evaluation of patients with orthopedic infections: taking the Cierny-Mader classification to the next level.

Introduction: Cierny-Mader osteomyelitis classification is used to label A, B, or C hosts based on comorbidities. This study's purpose was to define the "true" host status of patients with orthopedic infection using serologic markers to quantify the competence of their immune system while actively infected. Methods: Retrospective chart review identified patients at a single-surgeon practice who were diagnosed with orthopedic infection between September 2013 and March 2020 and had immunological laboratory results. All patients were A or B hosts who underwent surgery to eradicate infection. Medical history, physical examination, and Cierny-Mader classification were recorded. Laboratory results included complement total, C3, C4, immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin M (IgM), immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin E (IgE), rheumatoid factor, and antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) panel. Clinically significant results were defined as flagged abnormal. Normal complement levels and normal IgG levels were considered abnormal when infection was present. Results: Of 105 patients, 99 (94 %) had documented lab abnormalities. Clinically significant abnormalities were found in 33 of 34 (97 %) type-A hosts and 66 of 71 (93 %) type-B hosts. Eleven of 105 (10.5 %) patients were formally diagnosed with primary immunodeficiency by a hematologist. IgG deficiency, of either low or normal value, in the face of infection comprised 91 % (30 of 34) type-A hosts and 86 % (56 of 71) type-B hosts. Six (5.7 %) patients received IgG replacement therapy. Twenty-eight patients had abnormal total complement levels (low or normal): 7.4 % (2 of 34) A hosts and 40 % (26 of 71) B hosts ( p = 0.002 ). B hosts had statistically significantly lower complement levels and significantly more no-growth cultures ( p < 0.03 ). Thirteen of 14 patients with recurrent infections had low or normal IgG levels. IgM was significantly lower between reinfected patients and those without reinfection ( p = 0.0005 ). Conclusions: Adding immunologic evaluation to the Cierny-Mader classification more accurately determines patients' true host status and better quantifies risk and outcome with respect to orthopedic infection. Immunologically deficient A hosts should be quantified as B hosts. IgG deficiencies may be addressed when deemed appropriate by the consulting hematologist/immunologist. Patients with recurrent infections had significantly lower IgM levels than their nonrecurrent infection counterparts.

Chronic Quadriceps Tendon Rupture Reconstruction with Sartorius Muscle Transfer: A Report of Five Cases.

Disruption of the knee extensor mechanism is an unfavorable situation because efficient mobilization requires a functioning knee extensor apparatus. The purpose of this retrospective study was to report our technique of sartorius muscle transfer for restoration of extension mechanism function and the outcomes of five patients. Patients with ruptured knee extensor mechanism secondary to trauma or knee arthroplasty-related issues were studied retrospectively. In all patients, sartorius muscle was transferred to restore the quadriceps tension deficit. Increase in the knee active range of motion, increase in the extensor mechanism power by one grade on Medical Research Council scale, and improvement in the extension lag were observed in all patients. The sartorius muscle transfer can be a reliable option to restore the knee extensor mechanism in chronic quadriceps tendon injuries. Our initial results are promising and showed improvement of the extensor mechanism muscle power, increased knee active range of motion, and decreased knee extension lag. The complications we observed did not impair the successful outcome of the sartorius transfer and were anticipated given the complexity of the studied cases. We encourage additional studies of sartorius muscle transfer to treat chronic quadriceps tendon injuries.

Reconstructive Options for Tibial Bone Defects.

Segmental bone defects of the tibia are amenable to multiple treatment options including classic bone transport, shortening and then lengthening, induced membrane technique, transport over a nail, free fibular grafting, and medial transport of the ipsilateral fibula. These treatment options have relative advantages and disadvantages, depending on defect size, soft-tissue characteristics, the presence or absence of infection, and associated morbidity. Relatively, few large comparative studies exist, and surgeons are left to their own experience and the opinion of experts within the field to guide surgical decision-making.

Knee Arthrodesis for Recurrent Periprosthetic Knee Infection.

Knee arthrodesis for recurrent periprosthetic knee infection is a limb salvage procedure that simultaneously provides a stable limb for weight-bearing and effective eradication of the chronic infection. Knee arthrodesis is a final resort for limb salvage that is appropriate for patients with multiple recurrent revisions for infection, a history of failed 2-stage exchanges, medical comorbidities, and an inability to tolerate multiple additional procedures. Another important consideration is whether the patient has a poor soft-tissue envelope that leaves knee arthrodesis as the only viable option. The procedure is a definitive surgery to eliminate return trips to the operating room. DESCRIPTION: This technique involves knee arthrodesis using a long intramedullary rod inserted proximally through the piriformis fossa that spans the entire medullary canal of the femur and the tibia. Before insertion, the surgeon may elect to create a long antibiotic cement-coated intramedullary rod. The rod is locked proximally and distally. An alternative method for large bone defects (>6 cm) at the level of the knee is to create intercalary antibiotic-impregnated cement spacers. ALTERNATIVES: Alternative surgical treatments for this problem include above-the-knee amputation or resection arthroplasty, neither of which provides a functional limb for weight-bearing. The most common alternative methods for knee arthrodesis include external fixation using circular or biplanar frames, as well as short intramedullary modular rods. RATIONALE: Knee arthrodesis using a long intramedullary rod is a very effective and efficient method of fusion. With recurrent periprosthetic knee infections, metaphyseal bone loss is common and short knee-fusion rods may not provide adequate stability. Long rods for knee arthrodesis use the diaphysis for stability and have the additional advantage of being easily accessible for removal in the event of a recurrent infection with a well-healed fusion. Long intramedullary rods also provide the additional advantages of immediate weight-bearing. Immediate weight-bearing on the affected limb is critical because often these patients have been unable to bear weight preoperatively secondary to pain and infection. External fixation techniques are effective but come with pin-site problems. Pin-site problems are amplified in patients with obesity who have large soft-tissue envelopes, and the long intramedullary rod avoids pin problems in such patients. Antibiotic cement coating of the long intramedullary rod also provides local antibiotic delivery.

Treatment with posterior capsular release, botulinum toxin injection, hamstring tenotomy, and peroneal nerve decompression improves flexion contracture after total knee arthroplasty: minimum 2-year follow-up.

PURPOSE: No definite treatment option with reasonable outcome has been presented for old and refractory flexion contracture after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We describe a surgical technique for 21 refractory cases of knee flexion contracture, including 12 patients with history of failed manipulation under anesthesia (MUA). METHODS: Retrospective review was conducted for procedures performed by a single surgeon between 2005 and 2016. Twenty-one knees (19 patients) with knee flexion contracture after primary TKA were treated with all the following procedures: posterior capsular release, hamstring tenotomy, prophylactic peroneal nerve decompression, and botulinum toxin type A injections. Twelve of the 21 knees had at least 1 prior unsuccessful MUA before this soft-tissue release procedure. Mean age at intervention was 60 years (range 46-78 years). Mean preoperative knee range of motion (ROM) was - 27° extension (range - 20° to - 40°) to 100° flexion (range 90°-115°). All radiographs were evaluated for proper component sizing and signs of loosening. RESULTS: Full extension was achieved immediately after surgery in all patients. Only one knee required repeat botulinum toxin type A injection. All patients had full extension at mean follow-up of 31 months (range 24-49 months). No significant change was observed in knee flexion after the procedure (n.s.). Significant improvement was noted in the postoperative Knee Society Score (KSS) (mean 80, range 70-90) when compared with preoperative KSS (mean 45, range 25-65) (p = 0.008). CONCLUSION: The proposed surgical technique is efficacious in treating patients with refractory knee flexion contracture following TKA to gain and maintain full extension at minimum 2-year follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, retrospective case series.

Marjolin's Tumor Complicating Chronic Periprosthetic Infection of a Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Marjolin's tumor is a term used to describe a malignancy developing in the setting of a chronic wound, infection, or other tissue subject to chronic inflammatory changes. These malignancies usually present after many years of chronicity, and can range from lower grade basal cell carcinomas to high-grade sarcomas. We present the case of a squamous cell carcinoma that developed within a chronic periprosthetic infection of a total knee arthroplasty of 7 years duration. The intra-articular location, association with an orthopaedic implant, and brief latency period are all unique features of this case.

Trapezius Muscle Transfer for Restoration of Elbow Extension in a Traumatic Brachial Plexus Injury.

Voluntary elbow extension is essential for optimal upper limb positioning required for daily living activities, particularly above-shoulder maneuvers. The authors present a case of traumatic brachial plexus injury in which paralysis of the musculature selectively supplied by the posterior cord was based on magnetic resonance imaging and nerve conduction studies. An attempt at a radial nerve graft at another center was not effective. Ipsilateral hand function improved after multiple local tendon transfers were performed. Restoration of active elbow extension was not possible using the posterior deltoid or the latissimus dorsi because they were denervated by the primary trauma and so the trapezius muscle was used as a donor muscle unit to restore voluntary elbow extension. The patient resumed biking 6 weeks after the transfer procedure. At 2-year follow-up, full active elbow extension was regained, elbow extension power scored 4 of 5, and the patient reported that he could ride his bicycle for 70 miles.

Preoperative Evaluation and Optimization for Reconstruction of Segmental Bone Defects of the Tibia.

Reconstruction of segmental bone defects requires a large commitment both on the part of the patient and the physician. Investing in preoperative evaluation and optimization is the only logical way to pursue such an endeavor. Unfortunately, detailed studies regarding segmental bone defects and preoperative factors are relatively lacking owing to the relatively low incidence of the problem. Fortunately, other orthopaedic pathologies (arthritis, ligamentous injuries about the knee) have high prevalence and consistency, allowing detailed analysis of preoperative factors. We review this literature, and that directly involving segmental bone defects when available, to guide surgeons planning segmental bone defect reconstruction.

Treatment Options for Nonunion With Segmental Bone Defects: Systematic Review and Quantitative Evidence Synthesis.

OBJECTIVES: To determine which reconstruction treatment of long bones nonunion with segmental bone defects (SBDs) is effective to restore bone length and union with good function. DATA SOURCES: PubMed was used to identify published literature on treatment of SBD caused by fracture nonunion regardless of infection between January 1975 and December 2014. STUDY SELECTION: We included retrospective cohort studies with a minimum sample size of 10 consecutive patients with minimum follow-up of 18 months and available data on radiographic and functional outcomes. DATA EXTRACTION: Literature review revealed 24 publications with a sample size of 504 patients (395 males, 109 females). Data on bone union and functional outcome and complications were collected and analyzed based on validated classification systems. DATA SYNTHESIS: Two outcome groups were categorized for bone union and functional outcome, success, and failure. We then performed heterogeneity test to examine the variability or differences in the methods used by these studies and based on that we determined whether the fixed effect or random effect method is appropriate in examining the summary or pool estimate. Pool estimate was examined for bone union and functional outcome in each surgical modality and in each anatomic location when data were available. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of SBD can be challenging. This quantitative evidence synthesis shows that bone union was achieved by different procedures with variable bone union and functional outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Retrograde reamer/irrigator/aspirator technique for autologous bone graft harvesting with the patient in the prone position.

In recent years, the Reamer/Irrigator/Aspirator (RIA) system (Synthes, West Chester, Pennsylvania) has emerged as an extremely effective alternative in harvesting large volumes of autologous bone graft through reaming of the femoral intramedullary canal. The technique has been described in the literature as using an antegrade approach to the femur with the patient in the supine or prone position. It has also been described as a retrograde approach in the supine position. In this article, we describe a new technique-a retrograde femoral approach with the patient in the prone position. This technique allows for more efficient preparation by eliminating the need to reposition, reprepare, and redrape the extremity, thus decreasing operative time and risk of infection. Although we present this technique for use in ankle and hindfoot arthrodesis, we think it can be valuable in any prone-position procedure, including spine surgery.