Introduction to the Masterclass Series.

How to cite this article: Harwood P, Mader K, Nayagam S. Introduction to the Masterclass Series. Strategies Trauma Limb Reconstr 2023;18(1):1.

Tibialis Posterior Tendon Transfer for the Management of Foot Drop.

The transfer of a normal tibialis posterior through the interosseous membrane to the dorsum of the foot can restore active ankle dorsiflexion where this has been lost from common peroneal injury, anterior compartment muscle loss, or in some neurological conditions. An appraisal of the indications, planning, and a step-by-step description is provided. How to cite this article: Eisenstein N, Fischer B, Nayagam S. Tibialis Posterior Tendon Transfer for the Management of Foot Drop. Strategies Trauma Limb Reconstr 2023;18(1):56-62.

Effectiveness of an Antibiotic-impregnated Bioabsorbable Carrier for the Treatment of Chronic Intramedullary and Diffuse Osteomyelitis.

Aim: The surgical management of chronic intramedullary osteomyelitis involves debridement of affected non-viable tissue and the use of antibiotics. Where surgery leaves a cavity, dead-space management is often through antibiotic-impregnated bone cement. These depots of local antibiotics are variable in elution properties and need removal. We review our unit's experience using a bioabsorbable synthetic calcium sulphate to deliver gentamicin as an adjunct in the treatment of osteomyelitis involving the medullary canal. Materials and methods: We retrospectively reviewed 34 patients with chronic osteomyelitis who were treated using this method in our institute. Variables recorded included aetiology, previous interventions, diagnostic criteria, radiological features, serology, and microbiology. The Cierny-Mader system was used to classify. Follow-up involved a survival analysis to time to recurrence, clinical and functional assessment (AOFAS-Ankle/IOWA knee/Oxford Hip/DASH scores) and a general health outcome questionnaire (SF36). The primary outcome measure was clinical recurrence of infection. Results: There were 24 male and 10 female patients. The mean age at presentation was 47 years (20-67). Clinical, laboratory, radiological, and patient reported outcomes were obtained at a median follow-up of 2.5 years (1.4-6.6 years). The bones involved were the femur (14, 41%), tibia (16, 47%), radius (1, 3%), and humerus (3, 9%). There were 13 cases classified as Cierny-Mader stage IV (diffuse with intramedullary osteomyelitis) and 21 cases as Cierny-Mader stage I. The median Oxford Hip score was 38 (11 patients, range 9-48). The median AOFAS score was 78 (14 patients, range 23-100). The median IOWA knee score was 71 (25 patients, range 22-95). The median DASH score was 33 (2 patients, range 1.7-64.2). There were two recurrences. The treatment success to date is 94%. Conclusion: In our series of patients, bioabsorbable carriers of antibiotics appear to be effective adjuncts to surgical treatment of osteomyelitis and were associated with high clinical success rates. How to cite this article: Selvaratnam V, Roche A, Narayan B, et al. Effectiveness of an Antibiotic-impregnated Bioabsorbable Carrier for the Treatment of Chronic Intramedullary and Diffuse Osteomyelitis. Strategies Trauma Limb Reconstr 2023;18(3):148-154.

Fine wire versus locking plate fixation of type C pilon fractures.

PURPOSE: The successful treatment of high energy pilon fractures (AO-OTA 43C) can be achieved with a fine wire circular external fixator (CEF) or locking plate construct (ORIF). There is no consensus on whether ORIF or CEF achieves superior outcomes, and both have unique complications. We report early to mid-term outcomes comparing type C pilon fractures treated with ORIF and CEF. METHODS: An 8-year retrospective review was performed on all patients who underwent ORIF or CEF for closed 43C fractures in a tertiary orthoplastic centre. Outcomes included unplanned return to theatre prior to union including superficial and deep surgical site infections (SSI), non-union and post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) needing fusion. RESULTS: 76 patients underwent ORIF and 59 patients had CEF, with a mean follow-up of 2 years. 7/76 (9.2%) patients who underwent ORIF had a superficial SSI; 2 patients (2.6%) required a formal debridement for deep SSI; none required a flap. 13/59 patients (22%) had a pin track infection following CEF. With the numbers available, there was no significant difference in rates of unplanned return to theatre before bone healing (ORIF 7/76, 9.2%, CEF 9/59, 15.2%, p = 0.7), rates of mal-union (1.7% CEF, 3.9% ORIF, p = 0.7), deep SSI (p = 0.9), time to union (ORIF: 8.1 months v CEF 10.8 months, p = 0.51), non-union (p = 0.24) and fusion for PTOA (ORIF: 6/76, CEF 2/59, p = 0.46). CONCLUSION: With correct patient selection, both ORIF and CEF offer equivalent and favourable early to mid-term outcomes with regard to deep SSI, non-union, mal-union and PTOA. Although statistically insignificant, ORIF with more than 2 plates carries a risk of superficial and deep SSI, whilst CEF is associated with a 22% pin track infection rate. These unique risks must be discussed with the patient as part of a shared decision-making process.

Paediatric open tibial fractures. Do children require a modified approach to that advised by the British Orthopaedic Association and British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons in the UK?

This study reviews the outcomes of paediatric open tibial fractures treated at a level 1 trauma centre using the British Orthopaedic Association/British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons standards and compares the results to management in adults. This was a retrospective study of 60 consecutive cases over a 9-year period. The variables recorded include grade of injury, contamination and pattern of fracture. Other data recorded include time at which antibiotics were given, time to index surgery, type of skeletal fixation and time to definitive cover. Outcomes sought were infection rate, time to union, problems with union and any additional unplanned surgery. The mean time to administration of antibiotics was 3.4 h after injury with a range of 0.35-17 h. The mean time to debridement was 13.4 h (range 1-32 h, SD 7.7). The mean time to union was 4.3 months (range 1.3-15 months). There were five cases of deep infection (8.3%) and three cases of superficial infection (5%). There were no significant differences between timings of antibiotic administration, hours to debridement or days to definitive closure between those cases which became infected and those which did not. This retrospective review of a consecutive series of paediatric open tibial fractures shows a close parallel of outcomes to that from adult centres in the UK using the same standards of care. This strengthens the recommendation that, until the availability of data to suggest otherwise, open tibial fractures in children should follow the same recommendations as suggested for adults. The greater healing potential in children, seen in multiple examples of closed long bone fractures, appears to be attenuated in the higher grades of the open tibial fracture.

The association of socioeconomic deprivation and paediatric open tibia fractures.

The primary aim of this study is to test the association of open tibial fractures (OTF), in a paediatric age group, with socioeconomic deprivation. The secondary objectives are to more clearly define the epidemiological characteristics of these high-energy injuries. A consecutive series of patients with OTF presenting to a major trauma centre at a children's hospital in Liverpool had age, gender, fracture pattern, mechanism, timing of the injury and their postcode of residence recorded. Those cases outside Liverpool, Sefton and Knowsley local authorities were excluded from incidence calculations. Postcodes were used to generate deprivation scores (Index of Multiple Deprivation, 2010) based on census data (2011). Cases were ranked and allocated to deprivation quintiles. A comparison to the normal population within Merseyside was undertaken using regression analysis. There were 71 cases over a 9-year period. Fifty cases resided within the geographical limits of Merseyside and were included in the incidence calculations. The annual incidence of paediatric OTF is 3.09 per 100 000 children (0-16 years). The median age at injury was 11 years (range 2-16) and this occurred most usually during term-time between 3 and 5 p.m. from road traffic collisions. Paediatric OTFs are strongly associated with socioeconomic deprivation. The association with deprivation reflects an exposure to unsafe roads in busy urban areas with limited access to safe playing spaces. Socioeconomically deprived men are most at risk from this injury. The links between deprivation and outcomes of treatment or long-term prospects are unclear.

Limb reconstruction in a resource-limited environment.

INTRODUCTION: Limb salvage and reconstruction are often challenging and even more so in the limited resource setting. The purpose of this narrative review is to explore the strategies for addressing the unique obstacles and opportunities of limb reconstructive surgery in resource-limited environments globally. METHODS: We review (1) the global burden and dimension of the problem, (2) the relevance of orthopedic forums and communication, (3) free and open-access software for deformity analysis and correction, (4) bidirectional learning opportunities, and the value of fellowships and mentoring between resource-rich and resource-limited countries, and (5) how societies like SICOT can help to tackle the problem. Finally, case examples are presented to demonstrate the choice of surgical implants, their availability in regions with limited resources, and how the universal principles of limb reconstruction can be applied, irrespective of resource availability. RESULTS: Limb reconstruction can often be life-changing surgery with the goals of limb salvage, improved function, and ambulation. The contradiction of relatively few severe limb deformities in high-income countries (HICs) with abundant resources and the considerable burden of limb deformities in resource-limited countries is striking. Free, open access to education and software planning tools are of paramount importance to achieve this goal of limb reconstruction. Bidirectional learning, i.e., knowledge exchange between individual surgeons and societies with limited and abundant resources, can be reached via fellowships and mentoring. The presented cases highlight (1) fixator-assisted wound closure obliviating the need for plastic surgery, (2) open bone transport, and (3) hinged Ilizarov frames for correction of severe deformities. These cases underline that optimal clinical outcome can be achieved with low-cost and readily available implants when the principles of limb reconstruction are skillfully applied. DISCUSSION: Limb lengthening and reconstruction are based on universally applicable principles. These have to be applied regardless of the planning tool or surgical implant availability to achieve the goals of limb salvage and improved quality of life.

Bifocal treatment for peri-articular femoral nonunions: A retrospective case series review.

AIM: This is a retrospective review of complex periarticular femoral nonunions where bone loss from comminution at original fracture, subsequent infection or lysis was identified and treated by radical excision, internal fixation, and concurrent femoral lengthening from a different level. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Sixteen patients with a mean age of 41 years were treated. There were 6 infected nonunions. Ten nonunions were located in the distal femur and the remaining proximal. Case notes and radiograph review were used to determine fracture union, lengthening achieved, and complications. Patient outcome was assessed using the SF-12, Tegner-Lysholm Knee Score, and Oxford Hip Score. RESULTS: Fracture union was achieved in all patients. The mean lengthening performed was 51 mm (range 30-80) with a fixator time averaging 39 weeks (range 17-80). The bone healing index was 1.9 months/cm. All but 2 patients were restored to within 5 mm of opposite leg length; 1 patient subsequently underwent contralateral limb shortening. The SF-12 had a mean Physical Health Composite Score of 40.0 (22.4-52.9) and a mean Mental Health Composite Score of 49 (30.7-62.0). The Oxford Hip Score was scored at a mean of 39 (21-47) and the Tegner-Lysholm score had a mean of 71 (36-94). There were 3 cases of fracture/deformity from the lengthened bone column (regenerate) and 2 patients required a quadricepsplasty for knee stiffness that was present prior to the treatment for the nonunion. CONCLUSION: Bifocal treatment of complex periarticular femoral nonunions offers a single solution for dealing with bone loss, nonunion, and instability. The method is safe and reliable but has, as with all methods involving distraction osteogenesis, a significant complication rate. Despite this caution, the patients' outcomes were satisfactory.

Management of high-energy tibial pilon fractures.

Tibial pilon fractures result from high-energy trauma unlike usual ankle fractures. Their management provides numerous challenges to the orthopaedic surgeon including obtaining anatomic reduction of articular surface and the management of associated soft tissue injuries. This article aims to review major advances and principles that guide our practice today. We also discuss a treatment algorithm based on a staged approach to the fracture: initial spanning external fixation followed by definitive fixation.

Segmental fracture of the femur with concomitant genu valgum: a one-stage solution.

Segmental fractures of the femur are high energy injuries usually treated with internal fixation. We present the case of such a fracture in which the femur had a preexisting genu valgum deformity from an earlier distal femur physeal arrest. This prevented standard intramedullary nailing or minimally invasive plate fixation. A technique of simultaneous correction of the distal femoral deformity coupled with stabilization of the segmental fracture is reported. Surgery involved an external fixator-assisted corrective osteotomy of the deformity and simultaneous minimally invasive plating of the segmental fracture. The advent of modern concepts of deformity correction has allowed a combination with present day internal fixation techniques to achieve correction, stabilization and union in a problem that would otherwise require two stages of surgery.

Femoral lengthening with a rail external fixator: tips and tricks.

Lengthening the femur with an external fixator is commonly practised for a wide variety of pathologies. This technical report includes tips derived from observation and experience in a busy limb reconstruction unit. It focuses on the use of a rail fixator, although some of the descriptions are applicable to lengthening by circular fixators.

The pelvic support osteotomy: indications and preoperative planning.

The pelvic support osteotomy is a double level femoral osteotomy with the objective of eliminating a Trendelenburg and short limb gait in young patients with severe hip joint destruction as a consequence of neonatal septic arthritis. The osteotomy has seen several changes and a brief historical overview is provided to set the evolution of the modifications of the procedure in context. We present an analysis of the preoperative assessment that will assist the surgeon to plan out the procedure. Specifically, we set out to answer the following questions: (a) Where should the first osteotomy be performed and what is the magnitude of valgus and extension correction desired at this level? (b) Where should the second osteotomy be performed and what is the magnitude of varus and derotation desired at this level?

Lengthening of the first metatarsal through an arthrodesis site for treatment of brachymetatarsia: a case report.

Brachymetatarsia of the first metatarsal is an uncommon condition, but one that is amenable to treatment by lengthening via distraction osteogenesis, a process that employs 2 groups of pins of an appropriate external fixator inserted in the metatarsal to apply gradual distraction across an intervening osteotomy. We present the case of a female, aged 13 years, who presented with congenital bilateral first brachymetatarsia and left foot pain due to transfer metatarsalgia. The short and plantarflexed first ray could not accommodate both groups of fixator pins, even with the fixator set at its shortest length. An alternative strategy was devised that reduced the degree of plantarflexion using a tarsometatarsal arthrodesis, which effected subsequent lengthening through the healing fusion site. Lengthening commenced after 10 days and continued over a period of 52 days, at a rate of 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm per day. Consolidation occurred at 20 weeks with a final increase in length of 25 mm. The patient returned to vigorous sporting activity 1 year after removal of the fixator. To our knowledge, this is the first account of a metatarsal-lengthening arthrodesis at the tarsometatarsal level.

Distraction osteogenesis and nonunion of the docking site: is there an ideal treatment option?

Docking sites are the result of a classic bone transport technique for dealing with bone loss. Union may prove to be the rate-limiting step in the duration of treatment. Strategies to improve union have focused on surgical manipulation such as immediate coaptation of the margins of the segmental defect in the process of acute shortening to prevent fibrocartilaginous capping of the ends of bone during transport. This procedure has the highest success rate for union but is limited by its effect on the limb's vascularity. Other techniques for improving union involve compression, alternate compression-distraction, and bone grafts, all of which induce union to a variable degree. The application of external stimulators and bone morphogenetic proteins, the use of which is supported in fracture healing and even regenerate formation, is as yet unproven at docking sites.

Safe corridors in external fixation: the lower leg (tibia, fibula, hindfoot and forefoot).

It is a prerequisite for surgeons using external fixation systems to be familiar with safe corridors for half pin or wire insertion. Several atlases of cross-sectional anatomy are available, mostly in print, to provide guidance [1-3]. This series of articles provides high-quality cross-sectional anatomical images together with guidance in locating safe corridors; the added benefit here is that the information can be downloaded and stored on the surgeon's or in the operating room computer for ease of reference. This review covers the lower leg from knee joint to foot.