Induced membrane technique for malignant bone tumours of the humerus.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to report on mid- to long-term results following large humeral tumoral resection and reconstruction with the induced-membrane technique in skeletally immature patients suffering from primary malignant bone tumours. METHODS: A retrospective analysis identified all children who underwent the two stages of a humeral reconstruction using the induced-membrane technique for primary malignant humerus tumours between 2002 and 2020. Functional assessment was conducted by an independent observer using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) scoring system for the upper limb. Radiological assessment was performed by two independent observers and the healing index was calculated (i.e., months/cm). RESULTS: Eight adolescents (5 osteosarcomas and 3 Ewing sarcoma), with a mean age of 14.2 years (SD = 2.7), were included. The mean length of the bone resection was 17.4 cm (SD = 3.8), and the mean delay of the resection and reconstruction stages was 9.4 months (SD = 4). The mean follow-up was 6.6 years (SD = 4.3). The mean MSTS score was 77.4% and the global average healing index was 1.04 months/cm (SD = 2.2). Four complications (i.e., prominence device, fracture, aseptic pseudarthrosis, radial palsy) and one local recurrence were observed in four patients, requiring four unplanned surgical procedures in three patients. One patient died fourteen years after the initial treatment due to a lung recurrence. CONCLUSION: The induced-membrane technique is an effective and safe alternative for reconstructing large humeral bone defects after tumour resection in adolescents. Although this is a two-stage technique, it gives good functional results comparable to other strategies found in the literature. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Mechanisms of the Masquelet technique to promote bone defect repair and its influencing factors.

The Masquelet technique, also known as the induced membrane technique, is a surgical technique for repairing large bone defects based on the use of a membrane generated by a foreign body reaction for bone grafting. This technique is not only simple to perform, with few complications and quick recovery, but also has excellent clinical results. To better understand the mechanisms by which this technique promotes bone defect repair and the factors that require special attention in practice, we examined and summarized the relevant research advances in this technique by searching, reading, and analysing the literature. Literature show that the Masquelet technique may promote the repair of bone defects through the physical septum and molecular barrier, vascular network, enrichment of mesenchymal stem cells, and high expression of bone-related growth factors, and the repair process is affected by the properties of spacers, the timing of bone graft, mechanical environment, intramembrane filling materials, artificial membrane, and pharmaceutical/biological agents/physical stimulation.

Surgical repair of large segmental bone loss with the induced membrane technique: patient reported outcomes are comparable to nonunions without bone loss.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the outcomes of patients with segmental bone loss who underwent repair with the induced membrane technique (IMT) with a matched cohort of nonunion fractures without bone loss. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis on prospectively collected data. SETTING: Academic medical center. PATIENTS: Two cohorts of patients, those with upper and lower extremity diaphyseal large segmental bone loss and those with ununited fractures, were enrolled prospectively between 2013 and 2020. Sixteen patients who underwent repair of 17 extremities with segmental diaphyseal or meta-diaphyseal bone defects treated with the induced membrane technique were identified, and matched with 17 patients who were treated for 17 fracture nonunions treated without an induced membrane. Sixteen of the bone defects treated with the induced membrane technique were due to acute bone loss, and the other was a chronic aseptic nonunion. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Healing rate, time to union, functional outcome scores using the Short Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment (SMFA) and pain assessed by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). RESULTS: The initial average defect size for patients treated with the induced membrane technique was 8.85 cm. Mean follow-up times were similar with 17.06 ± 10.13 months for patients treated with the IMT, and 20.35 ± 16.68. months for patients treated without the technique. Complete union was achieved in 15/17 (88.2%) of segmental bone loss cases treated with the IMT and 17/17 (100%) of cases repaired without the technique at the latest follow up visit. The average time to union for patients treated with the induced membrane technique was 13.0 ± 8.4 months and 9.64 ± 4.7 months for the matched cohort. There were no significant differences in reported outcomes measured by the SMFA or VAS. Patients treated with the induced membrane technique required more revision surgeries than those not treated with an induced membrane. CONCLUSION: Outcomes following treatment of acute bone loss from the diaphysis of long bones with the induced membrane technique produces clinical and radiographic outcomes similar to those of long bone fracture nonunions without bone loss that go on to heal. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Surgical treatment of critical size bone defects with Masquelet technique versus bone transport: a systematic review and meta-analysis of comparative studies.

INTRODUCTION: To date, the management of critical-sized bone defects lacks a universally accepted approach among orthopedic surgeons. Currently, the main options to treat severe bone loss include autologous grafting, free vascularized bone transfer, bone transport and induced-membrane technique. The purpose of this study is to critically compare the outcomes of Masquelet technique and bone transport to provide a higher level of evidence regarding the indexed techniques. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The authors conducted a systematic search on several databases according to the PRISMA guidelines. English-written reports comparing outcomes of the Masquelet technique versus the bone transport technique in patients with critical-sized defects in lower extremities were included. RESULTS: Six observational studies involving 364 patients were included. The systematic review and meta-analysis of pooled data showed no significant difference in most outcomes, except for ASAMI bone outcomes and residual deformity, which showed better results in the bone transport group. The 64% of patients treated with Masquelet technique obtained excellent/good bone ASAMI results compared to 82.8% with bone transport (p = 0.01). Post-operative residual deformity was 1.9% with the bone transport method versus 9.7% with the Masquelet technique (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Both the Masquelet technique and bone transport showed comparable results for the management of critical-sized bone defects of the lower limb. However, these findings must be carefully interpreted due to the high risk of bias. Further prospective randomized controlled trials are necessary to better clarify the strengths and limitations of these two techniques and to identify the variables affecting the outcomes.

Comparison of the clinical outcomes between vascularized bone graft and the Masquelet technique for the reconstruction of Gustilo type III open tibial fractures.

BACKGROUND: Gustilo type III tibial fractures commonly involve extensive soft tissue and bony defects, requiring complex reconstructive operations. Although several methods have been proposed, no research has elucidated the efficacies and differences between vascular bone graft (VBG) and the Masquelet technique (MT) to date. We aimed to evaluate and compare the clinical effectiveness of VBG and the MT for the reconstruction of Gustilo type III tibial fractures. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study enrolled patients who underwent reconstruction for Gustilo type III tibial fractures using VBG or the MT in a single center from January 2000 to December 2020. The patients' demographics, injury characteristics, and surgical interventions were documented for analysis. The clinical outcomes including union status, time to union, postoperative infections, and the causes of union failure were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: We enrolled 44 patients: 27 patients underwent VBG, and 17 underwent MT. The average union time was 20.5 ± 15.4 and 15.1 ± 9.0 months in the VBG and MT groups, respectively (p = 0.232). The postoperative deep infection rates were 70.4% and 47.1% in the VBG and MT groups (p = 0.122), respectively. Though not statistically significant, the VBG group had a shorter union time than did the MT group when the bone defect length was > 60 mm (21.0 ± 17.0 versus 23.8 ± 9.4 months, p = 0.729), while the MT group had a shorter union time than did the VBG group when the bone defect was length < 60 mm (17.2 ± 5.6 versus 10.7 ± 4.7 months, p = 0.067). CONCLUSIONS: VBG and MT are both promising reconstruction methods for Gustilo type III tibial fractures. VBG appears to have more potential in reconstructing larger bone defects, while MT may play an important role in smaller bone defects, severe surgical site infections, and osteomyelitis. Therefore, flexible treatment strategies are required for good outcomes in Gustilo type III open tibial fractures.

Application of the induced membrane technique of tibia using extracorporeal vs. intracorporeal formation of a cement spacer: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: There were two ways of preparing the cement spacer: intracorporeal and extracorporeal formation. This study aimed to investigate the outcomes of extracorporeal vs. intracorporeal formation of a spacer using the induced membrane technique (IMT) for repairing bone defects of the tibia. METHODS: Sixty-eight patients with tibial defects treated with IMT were analyzed retrospectively. According to the mode of bone cement preparation, patients were divided into intracorporeal and extracorporeal groups (36 vs. 32 respectively). All patients were followed up for 12-48 months (average 18.7 months). The time interval between the first and second stages, the time required to remove the spacer, injury of the IM or bone ends, bone healing and infection control, as well as the functional recovery (Johner-Wruhs scoring), were compared. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the preoperative data between the two groups (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in the time interval (12.64 ± 4.41vs. 13.22 ± 4.96 weeks), infection control (26/28 vs. 20/23), bone healing time (7.47 ± 2.13vs. 7.50 ± 2.14 mos), delayed union (2/36 vs. 2/32), nonunion (2/36 vs. 1/32), an excellent or good rate of limb functional recovery (30/36 vs. 26/32) between the intracorporeal and extracorporeal groups (P > 0.05). However, the time required to remove (3.97 ± 2.34 min) was longer and the injury of IM or bone ends (28/36) was greater in the intracorporeal group than those in the extracorporeal group (0.56 ± 0.38 min and 1/32, respectively), showing a significant difference (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Both approaches were shown to have similar effects on bone defect repair and infection control. However, intracorporeal formation had advantages in terms of additional stability, while extracorporeal formation had advantages in terms of removal. Therefore, the specific method should be selected according to specific clinical needs. We recommended the extracorporeal or the modified extracorporeal formation in most cases.

Induced-Membrane Reconstruction After Calcaneum's Ewing Sarcoma in Children: A Report of 3 Cases.

Calcaneus's Ewing sarcoma is a rare location with a poor prognosis and remains challenging for tumor surgery. We present 3 cases of calcaneus resection for Ewing sarcoma in children and its reconstruction managed by induced-membrane technique. To our knowledge, this technique has never been published for hindfoot's tumor management. Three children (aged from 9 to 14 years) had partial or total resection of calcaneus initially replaced by a cement spacer. The second step consisted of removing the cement and filling the membrane cavity with autograft taken from the ipsilateral iliac crest, potentially combined with bone substitute. In the meantime, children received chemotherapy and possibly radiotherapy according to the Euro E.W.I.N.G. 99 protocol. It was possible to optimize bone formation as we carried out the bone grafting procedure sometime after the treatments. In one case, the evolution was marked by local septic complication, 9 months after resection, and by tumor recurrence in presacral soft tissues treated with radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Partial weightbearing was allowed after 6 weeks of cast, under the protection of a splint. Graft consolidation was achieved at a median of 3.2 months (3-3.5) for all. After a median follow-up of 9 years (5-13), all preserved their limb and were considered in remission. The 3 children reached adulthood, with a median age of 21 years (19-24.8). At last follow-up, median Musculoskeletal Tumor Score was 73% (63-87), and median American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society hind foot score was 78 (72-87).

SDF-1 mediates mesenchymal stem cell recruitment and migration via the SDF-1/CXCR4 axis in bone defect.

INTRODUCTION: Recent studies have indicated the potential of stem cell therapy in combination with cytokines to restore the bone repair via migration and homing of stem cells to the defected area. The present study aimed to investigate the mobilization and recruitment of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in response to SDF-1. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Herein, the knockout rat model of the bone defect (BD) was treated with the induced membrane technique. Then, wild type Wistar rats and SDF-1-knockout rats were selected for the establishment of BD-induced membrane (BD-IM) models and bone-graft (BG) models. The number of MSCs was evaluated by flow cytometry, along with the expression pattern of the SDF-1/CXCR4 axis as well as osteogenic factors was identified by RT-qPCR and Western blot analyses. Finally, the MSC migration ability was assessed by the Transwell assay. RESULTS: Our data illustrated that in the induced membrane tissues, the number of MSCs among the BD-IM modeled rats was increased, whereas, a lower number was documented among BG modeled rats. Besides, we found that lentivirus-mediated over-expression of SDF-1 in BG modeled rats could activate the SDF-1/CXCR4 axis, mobilize MSCs into the defect area, and up-regulate the osteogenic proteins. CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, our study speculated that up-regulation of SDF-1 promotes the mobilization and migration of MSCs through the activation of the SDF-1/CXCR4 signal pathway.

Single stage reconstruction of segmental skeletal defects by bone graft in a synthetic membrane.

INTRODUCTION: Segmental skeletal defects are very difficult to treat. The current options are lengthy procedures, require more than one surgery and plagued with many complications. The aim of this study is to assess the results of bone graft in surgicel as a synthetic membrane for reconstruction of segmental skeletal defects in one stage surgery. METHODS: Fourteen patients with segmental skeletal defects were included in the study. The ages ranged from 20 to 54 years with an average of 32 years. The defects were due to high energy trauma in all cases. The size of the defects ranged from 5 to 12 cm with an average of 7 cm. They were located in the distal femur in 11 cases and middle third of the femur in three cases. All cases were treated by the synthetic membrane technique in one stage surgery. Surgicel was used as a synthetic membrane and both the fibular strut autograft and morselized allograft were used to fill the defects in all patients. RESULTS: All cases healed without additional procedures after the index surgery except in three cases. The time-to-bone union ranged from six to 13 months with an average of eight months. After physiotherapy all patients regained good range of knee movements except two cases. The complications included deep wound infection in two cases, nonunion of the graft in one case and joint stiffness in two cases. CONCLUSION: Primary bone graft in surgicel as a synthetic membrane is a good technique for management of post-traumatic bone defects. It reduces the time and number of surgeries required for reconstruction of this difficult problem.

Management of critical-sized bone defects in the treatment of fracture-related infection: a systematic review and pooled analysis.

PURPOSE: This systematic review determined the reported treatment strategies, their individual success rates, and other outcome parameters in the management of critical-sized bone defects in fracture-related infection (FRI) patients between 1990 and 2018. METHODS: A systematic literature search on treatment and outcome of critical-sized bone defects in FRI was performed. Treatment strategies identified were, autologous cancellous grafts, autologous cancellous grafts combined with local antibiotics, the induced membrane technique, vascularized grafts, Ilizarov bone transport, and bone transport combined with local antibiotics. Outcomes were bone healing and infection eradication after primary surgical protocol and recurrence of FRI and amputations at the end of study period. RESULTS: Fifty studies were included, describing 1530 patients, the tibia was affected in 82%. Mean age was 40 years (range 6-80), with predominantly male subjects (79%). Mean duration of infection was 17 months (range 1-624) and mean follow-up 51 months (range 6-126). After initial protocolized treatment, FRI was cured in 83% (95% CI 79-87) of all cases, increasing to 94% (95% CI 92-96) at the end of each individual study. Recurrence of infection was seen in 8% (95% CI 6-11) and amputation in 3% (95% CI 2-3). Final outcomes overlapped across treatment strategies. CONCLUSION: Results should be interpreted with caution due to the retrospective and observational design of most studies, the lack of clear classification systems, incomplete data reports, potential underreporting of adverse outcomes, and heterogeneity in patient series. A consensus on classification, treatment protocols, and outcome is needed to improve reliability of future studies.

Induced Membrane Technique of Masquelet; A Viable Option in Treatment of Post-Trauma Segmental Bone Loss: A Case Report.

In trauma and orthopaedic practice, the management of segmental bone loss constitutes a major challenge to the surgeon. Several methods have been employed in bone reconstruction with varying objectives depending on the size of the defect in question. A gap of not more than 2cm may benefit from acute docking and fixation, 4cm gap can be managed by non-vascularized structural or non-structural graft with fixation. Gaps of more than 4cm can be managed by numerous options which include allograft, vascularized structural graft and distraction osteogenesis with either linear rail system (LRS) or Ilizarov device. Masquelet technique of induced membrane formation is used to bridge a gap of more than 5cm and up to 25cm using bone cement as a spacer in first stage and use of autologous cancellous bone graft in the second stage.

En traumatologie et en orthopédie, la prise en charge de la perte osseuse segmentaire constitue un défi majeur pour la chirurgien. Plusieurs méthodes ont été employées dans la reconstruction d'os avec des objectifs variables en fonction de la taille du défaut en question. Un écart de pas plus de 2 cm peut en bénéficier de l'amarrage et de la fixation aigus, un écart de 4 cm peut être géré par structurelle non vascularisée ou greffe non structurelle avec fixation. Les espaces de plus de 4 cm peuvent être gérés par de nombreux options qui incluent allogreffe, greffe structurelle vascularisée et ostéogenèse par distraction avec l'un ou l'autre des systèmes de rails linéaires (LRS) ou appareil Ilizarov. Technique de Masquelet d'induit la formation de la membrane est utilisée pour combler un espace de plus de 5 cm et jusqu'à 25 cm en utilisant du ciment osseux comme espaceur dans la première étape et l'utilisation d'une greffe d'os spongieux autologue dans la deuxième étape. Mots clés: Défaut osseux segmentaire, ostéogenèse par distraction, technique de membrane induite, espaceur de ciment osseux.

Induced membrane technique with sequential internal fixation: use of a reinforced spacer for reconstruction of infected bone defects.

PURPOSE: To evaluate a novel sequential internal fixation strategy using a reinforced spacer for infected bone defect reconstruction by the induced membrane technique (IMT). METHODS: A retrospective case study was performed among patients treated for infected bone defects by applying this strategy. Following radical debridement, temporary stabilization was provided by a massive cement spacer combined with minimal intramedullary fixation during step 1. Definitive internal fixation was performed together with bone grafting at step 2. RESULTS: Eight patients with a mean age of 58 years were reviewed. The mean bone defect length was 8.8 cm. The spacer armature mostly consisted of elastic nails and Steinmann pins. Iterative debridement was required in one case after step 1. The mean interval between steps was 12 weeks. Definitive internal fixation was performed by intramedullary nailing (n = 4) or plating (n = 4). At a mean follow-up of 21 months, bone union was achieved in seven cases without additional bone grafting or infection recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Sequential internal fixation using a reinforced cement spacer seems to be a valuable option for avoiding external fixation between IMT steps and limiting the recurrence of infection.

Induced membrane technique using enriched bone grafts for treatment of posttraumatic segmental long bone defects.

BACKGROUND: Reconstruction of posttraumatic bone defects represents a difficult challenge. The induced membrane technique is an effective two-stage procedure for bone defect reconstruction. To overcome the problems of autologous bone grafting, different graft substitutes have been investigated. The aim of the present study is to evaluate our clinical experience in reconstruction of critical posttraumatic bone defects using an induced membrane technique based on a combination of autologous graft and allograft (cancellous bone) enriched with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and bone marrow concentrate aspirate (BMCA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2009 and 2014, we reconstructed 18 posttraumatic bone defects in 16 patients. Their average length was 6.4 cm (range 1.6-13.2 cm). The defect location was the femur in nine cases (50%), the tibia in eight (44%) cases, and the humerus in one (6%) case. In all cases, we used a combination of autologous and cancellous allograft graft enriched with PRP and BMCA. Bone fixation was achieved using intramedullary nailing in 2 cases (11%), plating in 15 cases (66%), and external fixation in 1 case (6%). RESULTS: Both clinical and radiographic union were achieved in 13 (72%) cases (13 patients). Five (28%) cases (four patients) developed nonunion. Nonunion was observed in two of eight (25%) tibial defects and in three (33%) of nine femoral defects (ns). Three of 4 (75%) double defects had delayed union, whereas 2 of 14 (14%) single defects did not heal (p = 0.016). The average length of the 13 defects that united was 6 cm (range 1.6-11.8 cm), while the length of the 5 defects that did not unite was 10.3 cm (range 6-13.2 cm) (p = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: In this series using an induced membrane technique based on a combination of autograft and allograft enriched with BMCA and PRP, the healing rate was lower than in other series where autologous bone graft alone was employed. Nonunion was more frequent in longer and double defects. Further research aimed at developing effective alternative options to autogenous cancellous bone graft is desirable. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

The use of free nonvascularized fibular graft in the induced membrane technique to manage post-traumatic bone defects.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study is to assess the results of free nonvascularized fibular graft in the induced membrane technique to manage bone defects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen patients with segmental skeletal defects were treated by the induced membrane technique using free nonvascularized fibular graft. The ages ranged from 20 to 48 years with an average of 32 years. The cause of the defects was post-traumatic bone loss in all cases. The defects were located in the distal femur in nine cases, proximal tibia in two cases and middle third of the tibia in four cases. The defects ranged from 5 to 14 cm with an average of 8 cm. All cases were treated by the induced membrane technique in two stages. Autogenous cancellous bone graft and free nonvascularized fibular graft were used to fill the defect in the second stage of surgery. RESULTS: All cases healed without additional procedures after the second stage except in two cases. The time-to-bone union ranged from 4 to 13 months with an average of 7 months. After physiotherapy, all cases regained good range of ankle and knee movements except two cases. The complications included nonunion of the graft in two cases, deep wound infection in one case, and chronic pain along the iliac crest in one case. No cases were complicated by implant failure or refracture. CONCLUSION: The use of free nonvascularised fibular graft in the induced membrane technique reduces the time of healing and improves the final outcome.

Finger reconstruction using induced membrane technique and ulnar pedicled forearm flap: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Injuries referred to as "rollover hands" are associated with multiple and complex lesions of the dorsal aspect of the hand. We present a case of a multitissular reconstruction following a severe injury of the dorsum of the fingers in a 45-year-old woman. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The bone loss reconstruction was performed in two stages using the Masquelet induced membrane technique. In the first stage, a cement spacer was inserted into the phalanx bone defects. For the second stage, the membrane induced by the foreign-body reaction was opened, the spacer was removed, and an autologous cancellous bone graft was inserted into the defects. The skin coverage was obtained using a reverse ulnar artery forearm pedicled flap. The digits were covered jointly. Three surgical procedures over the course of a 2-month period were required to desyndactylize the fingers and to defat the flap. RESULTS: At the 2-year follow-up examination, the patient exhibited good integration of their hand use in daily living. The esthetic result was deemed to be satisfactory. Definitive bone consolidation occurred 4 months after the second stage. CONCLUSIONS: Rollover hands are typically a challenge for both the patient and the hand surgeon. The risk of septic complications, as well as the need for several stages of surgical reconstruction, makes the Masquelet technique particularly attractive for the treatment of phalanx bone defects consecutive to rollover injuries.

Short-term Outcomes of Induced Membrane Technique in Treatment of Long Bone Defects in Iran.

INTRODUCTION: Severe defects in long bones can be caused by several factors such as trauma that lead to open wound and secondary infections after surgery. Induced membrane technique is one of the therapeutic strategies that can be used for these patients. Due to importance of this method and lack of information about this technique in Iran. AIM: this study was performed to investigate technical strengths and weakness of induced membrane technique. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This case series study conducted on 21 patients with bone defects in the femur and tibia and metatarsal bones referred to orthopedic clinic of Rasoul Akram Hospital, Tehran, Iran, for induced membrane surgery in 2012-2015. Demographic and clinical data were obtained using history, clinical examinations and observations for each patient. Union achievement was the main outcome of this study, which was confirmed by radiographic findings and physical examination. Obtained data was analyzed by SPSS ver. 16. RESULTS: All patients were male except one and their mean age was 30.52 years old. Bone defects were in tibia, femur and metatarsus in 9, 9 and 3 patients, respectively. Three patients received soft tissue reconstruction with flap before induced membrane surgery. Age, defects size, cigarette addiction and drug use and delay to start the treatment had no significant effect on union status. In total, 90% of patients had successful surgery. CONCLUSION: using induced membrane technique in patients with defects in their long bone such as tibia, femur and metatarsus would lead to high success for reconstruction.

Knowledge mapping of induced membrane technique: a scientometric study from 2004 to 2023.

BACKGROUND: The induced membrane technique (IMT) is a two-step procedure used for reconstructing segmental bone defects in the limbs. The osteogenic mechanism after bone grafting using IMT remains unclear, and efforts to modify the original techniques are limited to the investigative phase. Therefore, reviewing existing knowledge and identifying hotspots and new trends in IMT is critical. METHODS: We retrieved reviews and articles associated with IMT published between 2004 and 2023 from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC). The keywords included induced membrane technique, guided bone regeneration, bone defect reconstruction, bone graft, stem cells, Masquelet technique, management of bone defects, and scaffold. HistCite, VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and R-bibliometrics were used for scientometric analysis. RESULTS: A total of 1019 publications from 374 academic journals with 33,995 co-cited references by 2,331 institutions from 65 countries or regions were included. China (n = 235) and the United States (n = 215) were the most productive countries, with Shanghai Jiao Tong University producing the most number of publications (n = 18). Journal Injury [co-citations = 1774; impact factor (IF) 2022 = 2.5] published the most manuscripts, while Masquelet AC and Giannoudis PV published literature with a significant influence on IMT, showing more co-citations (n = 727; n = 355). Two preface hotspots of IMT focused on investigating the microscopic mechanism (such as the membrane supporting graft-to-bone union and the role of inflammatory cells) and developing new techniques to improve IMT (such as bone tissue engineering and new drugs). CONCLUSION: This study comprehensively reviewed the literature about IMT published in the last 20 years using qualitative and quantitative methods, providing valuable information for researchers investigating IMT.

Management of Infected Gap Non-union of Distal Femur with Induced Membrane Technique using Limb Reconstruction System Followed by Augmentation Plating and Bone Grafting: A Case Report.

Introduction: Distal femur fractures are high-velocity injuries which accounts for 7-10% of all femoral fractures of which 5-10% are open fractures. Despite advances in techniques and implants, treatment remains a challenge, in many situations due to increased risk of infection, non-union and loss of range of motion. Surgical management of such complex injury includes radical debridement with stabilization followed by management of gap non-union with appropriate techniques and restores the range of motion. Case Report: We present a case of 20-year-old man who had suffered multiple orthopedic trauma following accident. The patient had open comminuted fracture of the right distal femur, closed fracture of the same side tibia shaft, and right side closed both bone forearm shaft fracture. The patient was initially treated with debridement and knee-spanning limb reconstruction system (LRS). The patient developed infection and subsequently osteomyelitis of the distal femur shaft and gap non-union of 8 cm. The patient was operated for two-stage-induced membrane technique (IMT) and bone grafting using LRS followed by non-vascularized fibula strut grafting and plating. Quadriceps contracture was later on treated with quadricepsplasty to get good functional and radiological outcome. Conclusion: A case of open distal femur comminuted fracture with a very small distal fragment complicated with osteomyelitis and gap non-union. We have shown that the use of IMT followed by non-vascularized fibula strut grafting and plating along with quadricepsplasty can give a very good outcome.

Sequestration and Involucrum: Understanding Bone Necrosis and Revascularization in Pediatric Orthopedics.

Sequestration, a condition where a section of bone becomes necrotic due to a loss of vascularity or thrombosis, can be a challenging complication of osteomyelitis. This review explores the pathophysiology of sequestration, highlighting the role of the periosteum in forming involucrum and creeping substitution which facilitate revascularization and bone formation. The authors also discuss the induced membrane technique, a two-stage surgical procedure for cases of failed healing of sequestration. Future directions include the potential use of prophylactic anticoagulation and novel drugs targeting immunocoagulopathy, as well as the development of advanced imaging techniques and single-stage surgical procedures.