Hemi-Masquelet technique and nailing in a circumferential bone defect of 7 cm after open femoral shaft fracture. A case report.

The treatment of Gustilo-Anderson type III open femoral fracture with large segmental bone defect remains a challenge for orthopedic trauma surgeons. The aims of management are first to prevent the risk of infection and then to reconstruct the bone loss with correct alignment and length. The induced membrane technique (or Masquelet technique) was initially described for tibia nonunion but became over the years an established procedure to treat any kind of large bone defect. The case of a 22-year old male who sustained an open femoral shaft fracture with a circumferential 7-cm bone defect after a car accident is presented. Given the critical size of the bone loss, we chose to manage this patient using a modified-Masquelet technique, in which we stabilized the fracture by an intramedullary femoral nail and filled only the lateral side of the defect with a cement spacer. He went on to have a full and successful union of his fracture 16-weeks after the second stage surgery. The final functional outcomes were excellent allowing the patient to resume all activities without restriction.

The polymicrobial infection affects the infection recurrence rate (not failure) in treating femoral and tibial bone defects with the Masquelet technique-a comparative retrospective analysis of 54 patients with mono- and polymicrobial infections.

INTRODUCTION: This study evaluated whether polymicrobial infection affects reoperation rates due to infection recurrence and treatment failure with the Masquelet technique in infected posttraumatic segmental bone defects of the femur and tibia. METHODS:  We retrospectively analyzed patients treated between 2012 and 2021 in two trauma referral centers. We evaluated demographic data, injury, treatment, infection recurrence, failures, and bone healing rates according to whether the infection was mono- or polymicrobial. After uni-bivariate analysis between patients with polymicrobial and monomicrobial infection, we identified the variables associated with infection recurrence and failure through multivariate analysis. RESULTS:  We analyzed 54 patients, 30 (55.55%) with tibial and 24 (44.44%) femoral segmental bone defects, with a mean follow-up of 41.7 ± 15.0 months. Forty-four (81.48%) presented monomicrobial, and 10 (18.51%) polymicrobial infections. Comparatively, the need for soft tissue reconstruction and the infection recurrence rate was significantly higher in patients with polymicrobial infections. There was no significant difference in the failure rate (20 vs. 6.81% p = 0.23). Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified the polymicrobial infection as the only independent variable associated with infection recurrence (Odds Ratio = 11.07; p = 0.0017). CONCLUSION:  Our analysis suggests that polymicrobial infection is associated with a higher risk of infection recurrence in treating the femur and tibia segmental bone defects with the Masquelet technique. This information can help surgeons to inform patients about this and give them a realistic expectation of the outcome and the possibility of reoperation.

Characterization of the Masquelet Induced Membrane Technique in a Murine Segmental Bone Defect Model.

Objective To reproduce in an animal model the surgical technique of Masquelet used in the treatment of critical bone defects and to analyze the characteristics of the membrane formed around the bone cement. Methods A 10mm critical defect was created in the femoral shaft of 21 Sprague-Dawley rats. After resection of the central portion of the diaphysis, the defect was stabilized with a Kirschner wire introduced through the medullary canal and with the interposition of a bone cement spacer. After 2, 4, and 6 weeks of the surgical procedure, the animals were euthanized and evaluated on radiographs of the posterior limb regarding the size of the defect, alignment and stability of the osteosynthesis. The membranes formed around the spacer were subjected to histological analysis to assess thickness, connective tissue maturation and vascular density. Results Over time, the membranes initially made up of loose connective tissue were replaced by membranes represented by dense connective tissue, rich in thick collagen fibers. At six weeks, membrane thickness was greater (565 ± 208µm) than at four (186.9 ± 70.21µm, p = 0.0002) and two weeks (252.2 ± 55.1µm, p = 0.001). All membranes from the initial time showed foci of osteogenic differentiation that progressively reduced over time. Conclusion In addition to the structural and protective function of the membrane, its intrinsic biological characteristics can actively contribute to bone regeneration. The biological activity attributed by the presence of foci of osteogenesis confers to the membrane the potential of osteoinduction that favors the local conditions for the integration of the bone graft.

Characterization of the Masquelet Induced Membrane Technique in a Murine Segmental Bone Defect Model / Caracterização da membrana induzida pela técnica de Masquelet em modelo murino de defeito ósseo segmentar

Abstract Objective To reproduce in an animal model the surgical technique of Masquelet used in the treatment of critical bone defects and to analyze the characteristics of the membrane formed around the bone cement. Methods A 10mm critical defect was created in the femoral shaft of 21 Sprague-Dawley rats. After resection of the central portion of the diaphysis, the defect was stabilized with a Kirschner wire introduced through the medullary canal and with the interposition of a bone cement spacer. After 2, 4, and 6 weeks of the surgical procedure, the animals were euthanized and evaluated on radiographs of the posterior limb regarding the size of the defect, alignment and stability of the osteosynthesis. The membranes formed around the spacer were subjected to histological analysis to assess thickness, connective tissue maturation and vascular density. Results Over time, the membranes initially made up of loose connective tissue were replaced by membranes represented by dense connective tissue, rich in thick collagen fibers. At six weeks, membrane thickness was greater (565 ± 208μm) than at four (186.9 ± 70.21μm, p = 0.0002) and two weeks (252.2 ± 55.1μm, p = 0.001). All membranes from the initial time showed foci of osteogenic differentiation that progressively reduced over time. Conclusion In addition to the structural and protective function of the membrane, its intrinsic biological characteristics can actively contribute to bone regeneration. The biological activity attributed by the presence of foci of osteogenesis confers to the membrane the potential of osteoinduction that favors the local conditions for the integration of the bone graft.

Resumo Objetivo Reproduzir em modelo animal a técnica cirúrgica de Masquelet utilizada no tratamento de defeitos ósseos críticos e analisar as características da membrana formada em torno do cimento ósseo. Métodos Um defeito crítico de 10mm foi realizado na diáfise femoral de 21 ratos Sprague-Dawley. Após a ressecção da porção central da diáfise o defeito foi estabilizado com fio de Kirschner introduzido pelo canal medular e com a interposição de espaçador de cimento ósseo. Após 2, 4, e 6 semanas do procedimento cirúrgico os animais foram eutanasiados e avaliados em radiografias do membro posterior quanto ao tamanho do defeito, o alinhamento e a estabilidade da osteossíntese. As membranas formadas em torno do espaçador foram submetidas a análise histológica para avaliação da espessura, da maturação do tecido conjuntivo e da densidade vascular. Resultados Ao longo do tempo as membranas inicialmente constituídas por tecido conjuntivo frouxo foram substituídas por membranas representadas por tecido conjuntivo denso, rico em fibras colágenas espessas. Com seis semanas a espessura das membranas foi maior (565 ± 208μm) do que com quatro (186,9 ± 70,21μm, p = 0,0002) e duas semanas (252,2 ± 55,1μm, p = 0,001). Todas as membranas do tempo inicial apresentaram focos de diferenciação osteogênica que reduziram progressivamente ao longo do tempo. Conclusão Além da função estrutural e protetora da membrana, suas características biológicas intrínsecas podem contribuir ativamente para a regeneração óssea. A atividade biológica atribuída pela presença de focos de osteogênese confere à membrana potencial de osteoindução que favorece as condições locais para a integração do enxerto ósseo.

Revisión bibliográfica de resultados obtenidos utilizando la Técnica de Masquelet en lesiones complicadas con osteomielitis: a propósito de un caso clínico / Bibliographic review of results obtained using Masquelet's technique in complicated lesions with osteomyelitis: apropos of a clinical case

SUMMARY: The Masquelet technique or membrane induction is considered new in many ways, born under the need to seek therapeutic options in patients with extensive bone lesions. Since this technique was proposed, hopeful and reproducible results have been reported to different centers throughout the world. That is why in this work we seek to collect information from different authors and their case reports, in addition to presenting a case handled in the O'higgins region with this technique. OBJECTIVES: To review the literature regarding general results in bone consolidation in cases similar to the one exposed, in addition to exposing the Masquelet Technique as management in a patient with extensive bone loss, due to a firearm wound. METHODS: descriptive observational study, in addition to a systematic review in databases such as PubMed/MEDLINE, Elsevier, Cochrane and manually through the Internet in journals and public bodies. This work seeks to collect information from different authors and their case reports, in addition to delving into the technique itself, evaluating its indications, contraindications and protocol to follow. The patient's signature of an informed consent was requested, which is explicitly voluntary, in which he authorizes the review of his file, his background and the use of images and / or x-rays pertinent to the research. RESULTS: Inclusion and exclusion criteria were defined to analyze the characteristics of the selected articles. We present the clinical case of a 27-year-old male patient who suffers high-energy injury by firearm in the middle third of the right leg with exposure and loss of musculoskeletal tissue of 12 cm in diameter, polyfragmentary fracture of the proximal third of tibia and fibula, initially damage control is performed which is complicated by presenting osteomyelitis in said limb. It is handled with Masquelet technique. The induction time was approximately 4 months, after the second surgical time the lesion is consolidated in three months showing results similar to the literature studied.

Definitive fixation in the first stage of the induced membrane technique for septic segmental bone defects. Why not?

Background: Infected segmental bone defects (I-SBD) are challenging and complex to manage. This study aimed to show the outcomes achieved in I-SBD of the femur and tibia, treated with the induced membrane technique performing a definitive bone stabilization in the first stage. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 30 patients with infected non-articular segmental bone defects of the femur (n = 11) and tibia (n = 19), operated consecutively between January 2015 and May 2021. The need for fixation exchange, bone defect length, allo/autograft ratio used, bone healing, reoperation (discriminating between mechanical and infection-related causes), and failure rates (graft resorption or nonunion) were recorded. Results: Fixation in the first stage was performed with 28 (93.33%) intramedullary nails, ten coated with antibiotic cement, and 2 (6.67%) locked plates. None were removed during the second stage of the technique. The mean length of the bone defects was 5cm (range 3.5-12). The most commonly used allo-/autograft ratio was 50-50. The bone healing rate was 93.33% (n = 28), with a median follow-up of 7 months (range 3-12). The reoperation rate due to mechanical instability was 3.33% (n = 1) and for recurrence of infection was 10.0% (n = 3). The overall failure rate was 6.67% (n = 2). The median follow-up was 42 months (range 12-85). Conclusion: Masquelet technique appears feasible and effective in treating infected segmental bone defects of the femur and tibia. Definitive fixation at the first stage showed a success rate of 93.33%, with a re-operation rate of 10.0% related to infection.

[Clinical experience on the management of post-traumatic bone defects of long bones treated with the membrane induction technique]. / Experiencia clínica en el manejo de defectos óseos postraumáticos de huesos largos tratados con la técnica de inducción de membrana.

INTRODUCTION: bone defects drastically alter the patient's quality of life, and can produce serious sequelae such as dysfunctional shortening, angular deformity, joint stiffness and irreversible gait disorder. OBJECTIVE: to describe the experience of managing post-traumatic bone defects of long bones treated with the membrane induction technique. MATERIAL AND METHODS: retrospective observational study of patients with bone defects greater than 3 cm in diaphyseal pseudoarthrosis of long bones, who underwent the Masquelet technique. Period taken from January 2019 to January 2021. All patients underwent vigorous debridement and stabilization of the fracture, to then place the cement spacer. Spacer removal was at 4-6 weeks. The degree of consolidation was assessed, as well as the evolution of the treatment. RESULT: 25 patients were included in the study; the mean age was 36.8 ± 8.9 years. Diameter of bone losses was 3 to 10 cm (84%) and > 10 cm (16%). Bone consolidation occurred in patients with a defect < 10 cm (16%). 32% of patients presented some complication. CONCLUSIONS: bone union was achieved only in a few patients with defects smaller than 10 cm, requiring alternative procedures in most cases. Proper selection of patients is required.

INTRODUCCIÓN: los defectos óseos alteran drásticamente la calidad de vida del paciente y pueden producir serias secuelas como acortamiento disfuncional, deformidad angular, rigidez articular y trastorno irreversible de la marcha. OBJETIVO: describir la experiencia clínica en el manejo de defectos óseos postraumáticos de huesos largos tratados con la técnica de inducción de membrana. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: estudio observacional, retrospectivo, de pacientes con defectos óseos mayores de 3 cm con pseudoartrosis diafisaria de huesos largos, a los que se aplicó la técnica de Masquelet. En el período de Enero de 2019 a Enero de 2021. A todos los pacientes se les realizó desbridamiento enérgico y estabilización de la fractura, para posteriormente colocar el espaciador de cemento. El retiro del espaciador fue a las 4-6 semanas. Se valoró el grado de consolidación y la evolución del tratamiento. RESULTADOS: se incluyeron 25 pacientes, la media de edad fue de 36.8 ± 8.9 años. El diámetro de las pérdidas óseas fue de 3 a 10 cm (84%) y > 10 cm (16%). La consolidación ósea se presentó en pacientes con un defecto < 10 cm (16%). Treinta y dos por ciento de los pacientes presentó alguna complicación. CONCLUSIONES: la consolidación ósea se logró sólo en aquellos pacientes con defectos < 10 cm, requiriendo procedimientos alternativos a la técnica de inducción de membrana en la mayoría de los casos. Se requiere una selección adecuada de pacientes para lograr la consolidación ósea por medio de esta técnica.

Pseudoartrosis atrófica humeral tratada mediante técnica de Masquelet con autoinjerto peroneal no vascularizado

Introducción: La pseudoartrosis atrófica de la diáfisis humeral constituye un defecto óseo secundario y una de las patologías infrecuentes más complejas de la Ortopedia, por tanto, solucionarla es un desafío para los especialistas. Objetivo: Demostrar que la técnica de Masquelet con autoinjerto peroneal no vascularizado es eficiente en la reparación de grandes defectos óseos, específicamente en la pseudoartrosis atrófica humeral. Presentación del caso: Paciente de 35 años con fractura de diáfisis humeral derecha del miembro dominante. Fue operada por reducción abierta y fijación interna; se diagnosticó una pseudoartrosis atrófica de diáfisis humeral y se aplicó la técnica de Masquelet con autoinjerto peroneal no vascularizado e injerto esponjoso de cresta ilíaca bilateral. Se logró la consolidación con buen resultado clínico y radiológico. Conclusiones: El tratamiento de la pseudoartrosis atrófica humeral mediante la técnica de Masquelet con autoinjerto peroneal no vascularizado e injerto esponjoso de cresta ilíaca bilateral es un método eficiente por su resultado clínico radiológico, su mínima morbilidad y bajo costo económico.

Introduction: Atrophic pseudarthrosis of the humeral diaphysis is a secondary bone defect and one of the most complex infrequent pathologies in Orthopedics, therefore, solving it is a challenge for specialists. Objective: To demonstrate that the Masquelet technique with non-vascularized fibular autograft is efficient in the repair of large bone defects, specifically in humeral atrophic pseudarthrosis. Case report: A 35-year-old patient with right humeral diaphysis fracture of the dominant limb is reported. She was operated on by open reduction and internal fixation; an atrophic pseudarthrosis of the humeral diaphysis was diagnosed and the Masquelet technique was applied with non-vascularized fibular autograft and bilateral iliac crest cancellous graft. Consolidation was achieved with good clinical and radiological results. Conclusions: The treatment of humeral atrophic pseudarthrosis using the Masquelet technique with non-vascularized fibular autograft and bilateral iliac crest cancellous graft is an efficient method due to its radiological clinical result, minimal morbidity and low economic cost.