ABSTRACT
Introduction: Non-union is a complex, multifactorial orthopaedic problem that requires multiple treatment modalities for its management. It can result from infection, segmental bone loss, soft-tissue loss, and associated host factors. External fixators as management of gap non-union are bulky and give rise to a number of complications In our study, we have described a technique where we have used extramedullary fixation in the form of a tibial locking plate and transportation of part of the tibial bone after corticotomy by a monorail fixator. Materials and Methods: The procedure was done in two stages where internal and external fixation was done after creating a gap at the non-union site. The bone was transported after corticotomy and fixed to the internal fixation device in the second stage. The external fixator was removed in the second stage and the patient was then followed up till the bony union. The evaluation was done by functional and radiological assessment along with the complications noted with the described procedure. Results: Ten patients were enrolled in the study with a mean age of 33 years. The mean age of the patients was 33.7 ± 11.32 years with a mean size of the defect was 4.8 ± 1.7 cm. At 30 weeks out of nine patients, three patients had excellent and six had good functional results on the Association of Surgeons for Application and Methodology of Ilizarov (ASAMI) scale. The composite Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score was 76.66 % at the end of 30 weeks of follow-up. The mean time of consolidation was 134.4 days, whereas the mean union time was 145 days from index surgery. Ankle stiffness was the most common complication affecting 50% of the patients. Following closely was pin tract infection, which was present in 40% of the patients. According to Paley's classification, there were 11 obstacles, two problems and none were true complications. Conclusion: The integrated fixation is both safe and effective and has the advantage of early removal of the external fixator and a low complication rate as compared to use of a bulky conventional fixator alone. Moreover, it gives protection to the regenerated bone for a long period. So, this technique can be recommended for the management of segmental tibial defects.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: The management of gap non-union is a major challenge to both the clinician and the patient as it is technically difficult, time-intensive, and physically arduous for the patient along with an unpredictable result. Gap non-union can arise from extrusion of bony fragment at the time of trauma or after debridement of unhealthy bone later. Moreover, Tibia because of its subcutaneous anatomy can easily undergo bone-loss and segmental defect. Among various methods available for managing gap non-union of tibia distraction osteogenesis using either ilizarov fixator or mono-rail fixator is the most popular one. Here we present functional and bony outcomes of combined use of locking plate and Limb Reconstruction System (LRS) in tibial gap non-union and assess whether it decreases fixator time and related complications. Patients and methods: A prospective intervention study constituting 10 patients with Paley's type B1 tibial gap non-union over a period of 22months. In first stage, debridement was done; tibial locking plate and mono-rail fixator were applied along with corticomy at proximal tibia. Distraction was started 7-14 days later. At the end of distraction phase, fixator was removed and transported segment was fixed with screws with or without bone grafting at docking site. Patients were followed up every 6 weeks for radiological and clinical assessment. Functional assessment using Application for the Study and Application of the Method of Ilizarov (ASAMI) functional score, and Musculoskeletal Tumour Society (MSTS) functional score while bone outcome was assessed with ASAMI bone score. Quality of regenerate was assessed by Fernandez-Esteve grading. Detailed scoring was done at the time of index surgery, at the time of LRS removal and at the time of consolidation phase. Results: All the 10 patients were male with mean age of 33 years. The mean defect size was 4.94 cm after debridement. Minimum duration of follow up was 30 weeks after removal of LRS. Mean duration between trauma and inclusion in the study was 17.7 months. The median external fixator index was 15.63 days/cm. The complication rate was 1.3/patient. According to Paley's classification, there were eleven problems and two obstacles, and no true complications. Both ASAMI bone score and functional scores were excellent in three and good in six patients. The median MSTS composite score was 76.66%. Conclusion: The integrated fixation is an effective and satisfactory method enabling early external fixator removal with low rate of complication. So, this technique can be recommended for the management of segmental tibial defects. Level of evidence: II.