Augmentation with a non-vascularized autologous fibular graft for the management of Cierny-Mader type IV chronic femoral osteomyelitis: a salvage procedure.

PURPOSE: The study aimed to evaluate preliminary clinical and radiographic results of patients with Cierny-Mader type IV chronic femoral osteomyelitis and augmented with a non-vascularized fibular autograft as a salvage procedure because of the poorly regenerated new bone after bone transport over an intramedullary nail (BTON). METHODS: Patients diagnosed with CM type IV chronic femoral bone infection and treated with BTON procedure between 2003 and 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Seven patients were included in the study whose distraction gap was poorly regenerated and then augmented with a non-vascularized fibular autograft. A three-stage treatment was administered. First, the infection was eradicated. Second, BTON was performed. Third, the poorly regenerated distraction gap was augmented with a fibular autograft before removing the external fixator (EF). Clinical and radiological results were evaluated based on the criteria described by Paley-Maar and Li classification. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 52 years. The mean treatment time was 24.8 months, with a mean femoral lengthening of 12.6 cm. The mean EF and bone healing indexes were 0.57 months/cm and 0.8 months/cm, respectively. The mean length of the fibular graft was 13 cm. The bone healing of new bones was achieved in all patients with good quality after grafting. Functional scores were excellent in four patients. No patients experienced any sequelae. CONCLUSIONS: Non-vascularized fibular autograft augmentation may be an effective salvage procedure for poorly regenerated new bone after BTON to manage chronic femoral bone infection.

Effect of lengthening speed on the quality of callus and complications in patients with congenital pseudarthrosis of tibia.

PURPOSE: This study aims to evaluate the effect of lengthening speed on the quality of callus and complications during distraction osteogenesis and describe an optimal lengthening speed in patients with congenital pseudarthrosis of tibia (CPT). METHODS: Twenty-seven patients with CPT with a minimum follow-up of 36 months who underwent limb lengthening surgery between 1997 and 2016 with external fixator only were included in this study. All patients underwent lengthening procedures after achieving complete bone union in this study. Regenerate quality is evaluated according to the Li classification on the X-ray taken one month after the end of the distraction period. Complications were noted in post-operative follow-up period. Receiver operator characteristics (ROC) curve analysis was performed to obtain optimal lengthening speed for these patients. RESULT: The mean age at the time of surgery was 5.74 years. The mean lengthening speed was 0.596 mm/day. Follow-up period of 136.14 months with a mean lengthening period of 92.4 days. Mean amount of lengthening was 5.44 cm for patients with CPT. Total rate of callus with good morphological quality was calculated as 66%. According to ROC analysis, optimal cut-off values of lengthening speed for the obtaining good morphological quality callus was 0.564 mm/day for tibial lengthening in CPT. There was a significantly positive correlation between complication rate and lengthening speed for each group. CONCLUSION: We recommend a mean lengthening rate of 0.56mm/day for the lengthening procedures with external fixator in patients with CPT who had complete bone union at the area of pseudarthrosis.

Results of cosmetic lower limb lengthening by the lengthening over nail technique.

We conducted a retrospective study by reviewing our results following cosmetic lengthening using the lengthening over nail technique in terms of the importance of the patient selection process, bone and soft tissue complications, and functional and subjective clinical outcomes. The study data were obtained from medical records and radiographs. A total of 32 patients, 24 males and 8 females, with constitutional short stature underwent the lengthening over nail technique for cosmetic purposes between 2000 and 2013. Lengthening was performed in the femora of 15 patients and in the tibiae of 17 patients. All patients who were accepted for cosmetic lengthening underwent a careful selection process that included a psychiatric evaluation. The mean follow-up time was 73 months (range, 12 to 163 months). Thirty-four complications were reported. Cosmetic lengthening is not without complications. Patient selection is of paramount importance. This technique is recommended for cosmetic lengthening because it is minimally-invasive and it has documented reproducible results.

First Reported Case of Anaphylaxis to Nebulized Tranexamic Acid in a Pediatric Patient: A Rare but Critical Event.

Background: Tranexamic acid (TXA) is a medication used to treat or prevent excessive blood loss due to certain medical conditions. It has a low side effect profile and is safe to administer in most instances. Anaphylaxis cases due to intravenous TXA have been reported in the literature. We report the first pediatric case of anaphylaxis due to the use of nebulized TXA. Case Presentation: A 2-year-old boy with cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and tracheostomy was hospitalized with pneumonia. On the fourth day of hospitalization, the patient started bleeding from the trachea. Nebulized TXA was started to reduce tracheal bleeding. Anaphylaxis developed 5 min after administration of nebulized TXA. Subsequently, the patient was successfully treated with adrenaline, intravenous fluids, antihistamines, and steroids. Conclusion: Nebulized TXA is increasingly used off-label. Although it has a safe profile, side effects such as anaphylaxis may occur rarely. It is essential to recognize the symptoms of anaphylaxis when using nebulized TXA.

Comparative clinical study on deformity correction accuracy of different external fixators.

PURPOSE: In this study, the correction accuracy of Smart Correction spatial fixators and of Ilizarov-type external fixators are compared in terms of deformity complexity. METHODS: Seventy-seven (40 male, 37 female) bone segments of 57 patients treated with a Smart Correction device were compared with 94 (51 male, 43 female) segments of 68 patients treated with an Ilizarov fixator. Mean age of the Smart Correction group was 20.69 ± 12.94 years, and or the Ilizarov group 22.45 ± 12.18 years. Patients were categorised according to limb lengthening and the number of deformity planes. RESULTS: A longer correction period was found with Ilizarov (66.53 ± 47.7 days) compared with Smart Correction (49.05 ± 35.6 days) devices. The bone healing index of the Ilizarov group was significantly better compared with the spatial group. Residual deformity after treatment was significantly lower with the Smart Correction device; however, this relationship could not be shown between subgroups. Although there was no significant difference between subgroups, mean residual deformity was higher with the increasing number of planes of the deformity. CONCLUSIONS: The Smart Correction fixator is an accurate device that allows ease of application and planning. It demonstrates higher accuracy for correcting deformities compared with an Ilizarov external fixator. With an increasing number of planes, the difference between the two devices becomes even more pronounced. The relationship between the complexity of the deformity and residual deformity may possibly be significantly greater in favour of the Smart Correction fixator in a study with a larger sample size.

Does the technique of limb lengthening affect physeal growth in patient with achondroplasia? Comparison of the simultaneous and consecutive tibia and femur lengthening with external fixators.

We aimed to retrospectively investigate and compare patients who underwent bilateral simultaneous and consecutive lengthening surgery of the femur and tibia in terms of the effect on physeal growth. We hypothesize that compared with the sequential lengthening technique, simultaneous lengthening of the bilateral femur and tibia affects physeal growth to a greater extent. Twenty-six patients with achondroplasia who operated in our clinic between 1995 and 2015 for limb lengthening were included in the study. Fourteen patients with bilateral lengthening of the femur and tibia at the same time were named as simultaneous bilateral lengthening (SBL). Twelve patients with bilateral lengthening of the femur and then bilateral tibia lengthening in other sections or vice versa, at a different time was named consecutive bilateral lengthening (CBL). All patients were followed until at least 18 years old. The physeal arrest was measured with predicted final length at the first visit (investigated with the multiplier method), the total amount of lengthening, and final clinical, and radiological length. Mean limb lengthening was 145 mm (48.5%) and 151 mm (46.6%) for simultaneous and consecutive groups respectively. For lower extremity length, the first group reached 527.6 mm while the expected was 447.3 mm. Considering 151 mm lengthening, the mean growth disturbance for the SBL group was 70.7 mm and for the CBL group was 47.5 mm. For total height comparing between two groups, disturbance for height was 80.5 mm and 65.4 mm, respectively. Although there was no statistical difference, simultaneous bilateral femoral and tibial lengthening has more physiological physeal disturbance effects than consecutive lengthening in patients with achondroplasia.

Clinical and laboratory evaluation of Turkish children with IgG subclass deficiency.

BACKGROUND: IgG subclass deficiency is a laboratory diagnosis and becomes important with recurrent infections. This study aimed to examine the demographic, clinical, and laboratory results of pediatric cases with IgG subclass deficiency and to improve the understanding of the clinical significance of IgG subclass deficiency. METHODS: In this study, the clinical and laboratory features of 111 pediatric patients, with at least one whose serum IgG subclasses was measured as lower than 2 standard deviation of healthy aged-matched control values, were evaluated. The clinical and laboratory features of the cases with isolated IgG subclass deficiency (Group 1) and those with low serum levels of any of IgG, IgA, and IgM in addition to the IgG subclass deficiency (Group 2) were compared. RESULTS: A total of 55 (49.54%) and 56 (50.45%) patients were included in Groups 1 and 2, respectively. Among our studied cases, 20 (18.1%) had a history of hospitalization in the neonatal period, 61 (54.95%) had at least one hospitalization due to infection, and 55 (49.54%) had a history of recurrent infection. The frequencies of these three conditions were statistically significantly higher in Group 2 (p < 0.05). The frequencies of infections in the last year in Groups 1 and 2 were 4.4 ± 1.2 and 5.4 ± 1.9, respectively (p < 0.05). As a result of recurrent infections, 43.24% (n = 48) of our patients received antibiotic prophylaxis, and 21.62% (n = 24) had immunoglobulin replacement therapy. Furthermore, the numbers of patients who needed these treatments were higher in Group 2 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In cases with IgG subclass deficiencies, concomitant main-group immunoglobulin deficiencies may increase the number and severity of infections, leading to hospitalizations, antibiotic prophylaxis, and immunoglobulin therapy. More attention should be paid to cases of immunoglobulin main-group deficiencies in the follow-up of these cases.

A comparison of external fixation alone or combined with intramedullary nailing in the treatment of segmental tibial defects.

The purpose of this study was to compare the results of external fixation alone versus external fixation combined with intramedullary nailing in the reconstruction of segmental defects of the tibia resulting from chronic osteomyelitis. Thirty-two patients were treated with external fixation alone and 17 patients with the combined technique. Surgical reconstruction utilised distraction osteogenesis by focal segment transport after infection was eradicated. In the external fixation group, the mean size of the defect was 724 cm, external fixation index was 56.32 days/cm and consolidation index was 40.09 day/cm. In the combined technique group, the mean size of the defect was 8.89 cm, external fixation index was 1631 days/cm and consolidation index was 25.7 days/cm. There was no difference in non-union, deformity, limb length discrepancy (LLD), bone and functional results. However, there was a higher rate of reinfection in the combined group when tibial lengthening exceeded 9.25 cm and lengthening ratio was more than 24.8%.

The Relationship Between Limb Lengthening Rate and Callus Quality in Patients with Achondroplasia.

Objectives: This study investigated the effect of the femur, tibia, and humeral lengthening rate in patients with achondroplasia and regenerated bone quality. Methods: The records of the patients with achondroplasia who underwent limb lengthening surgery for both upper and lower extremities between 2002 and 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Bone formation regeneration was evaluated in each segment at anteroposterior and lateral radiographs and the callus quality was determined at the first month of the consolidation period according to Li's classification system. Results: This study included 42 (28 females and 14 males), 38 (26 females and 12 males), and 17 (11 females and 6 males) patients with bilateral femoral, bilateral tibial, and bilateral humeral lengthening. The mean lengthening rate was 0.920 ± 0.23 (range, 0.53-1.67), 0.813 ± 0.17 (range, 0.51-1.26), and 1.02 ± 0.26 (range, 0.58-150) mm/day in the femoral, tibial, humeral groups, respectively. In the femoral group, 75% femur with good morphological quality, 56.6% good morphological quality in tibial group and 55.9% good morphological quality in humeral group. Statistically significant relationships were found between femoral lengthening rate and callus quality (p < 0.001; r = 0.454). However, no significant correlation was found in the humeral and tibial groups. Moreover, the sensitivity and specificity of the lengthening rate for obtaining good morphological quality callus were 72% and 80%, respectively, with an optimum diagnostic cutoff value of 0.976 mm/day for femoral lengthening. Conclusions: A higher-rate good morphological callus was obtained in femoral lengthening compared with tibia and humerus in patients with achondroplasia.

Comparison of fixator-assisted nailing versus circular external fixator for bone realignment of lower extremity angular deformities in rickets disease.

PURPOSE: In rickets patients, limb deformities are usually multiapical and complex even with medical treatment; residual deformities remain necessitating surgical correction. In our study we aim to compare the results of correction of lower limb deformities, in rickets patients, treated with circular external fixator versus fixator-assisted intra-medullary nail. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventeen rickets patients, with 39 deformed lower extremity segments (femur and or tibia), underwent deformity correction procedures in our institution. Ten patients with 26 segments were treated using fixator-assisted nailing. Nine patients with 17 segments were treated using Ilizarov technique with circular frame. All patients were evaluated by long-standing true anteroposterior and lateral orthoroentgenograms of lower extremities preoperatively. Joint alignment, joint orientation, and apices of deformities were calculated and noted. The postoperative results of MAD, MPTA, LDFA, PPPTA and functional criteria were compared with preoperative values and assessments made in SPSS 13.0 for Windows by using McNemar, Pearson Chisquare, and Fisher exact statistical tests. RESULTS: Mean age for the fixator-assisted nailing (FAN) group patients at the time of surgery was 23.8 years (14-37 years). There were 16 femur and 10 tibiae operated on 6 female and 4 male patients. The mean follow up time is 42.6 months (6-71 months). In the Ilizarov group patients the mean age at the time of surgery was 16.7 years (13-22 years). There were 14 tibiae and 3 femur operated on 6 female and 3 male patients. The mean follow-up time was 19 months (6-48 months). Results were evaluated according to the Paley et al. classification of bone and functional results. According to those criteria we had 1 fair, 1 good, and 7 excellent bone results and 1 fair, 1 good, and 7 excellent functional results in the circular ring fixator group. In the FAN group we found 3 good and 7 excellent bone results; 1 fair, 2 good, and 7 excellent functional results. Nearly all patients complained of pain, limping, instability, and walking problems at their first preoperative visit. In both groups there was no union problem; in the FAN group, in one patient correction loss occurred and in another one screw loosening was encountered; in the Ilizarov group, 66% of patients had pin tract infections and one premature fibula consolidation occurred. Statistical analysis revealed no significant difference between two groups in correction ratios.(pearson chi square p = 0.332 for MAD; pearson chi square p = 0.477 for LDFA; Paley functional criteria fisher exact p = 0.684). CONCLUSION: The results indicated that fixator-assisted nailing carries deformity correction accuracy comparable with Ilizarov-type external fixators. FAN provides great patient comfort and the total treatment time is less. In patients with rickets, the retained IM nail can further provide protection against recurrence even if the metabolic pathology reoccurs.

A review of problems, obstacles and sequelae encountered during femoral lengthening : uniplanar versus circular external fixator.

There is currently a consensus regarding the superiority of circular type external fixators over uniplanar fixators for lengthening of the tibia, but femoral lengthening is still subject to the surgeon's preference. This study compares the occurrence rates of significant problems, obstacles and sequelae between these two techniques. Fifty patients (29 male, 21 female), with a mean age of 20 years were assigned to a circular type fixator group (54 lengthening segments), whereas 60 patients (29 male, 31 female), with a mean age of 20 years were assigned to a uniplanar fixator group (67 lengthening segments). The incidence of knee stiffness was significantly higher in the circular external fixator group (031 per segment) compared to the uniplanar external fixator group (0.13 per segment) (p < 0.05). The incidence of pain during lengthening was higher in the circular external fixator group, and patient satisfaction was higher in the uniplanar external fixator group. We recommend the uniplanar external fixator as a preferable device for femoral lengthening.

Congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia: Results of circular external fixation treatment with intramedullary rodding and periosteal grafting technique.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the clinical and functional results of treating congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia (CPT) using the combined techniques of hamartoma resection, periosteal grafting, circular external fixator application, and intramedullary rodding. METHODS: The clinical and radiological data of 17 patients (mean age at the treatment time: 7.6 months (range: 4.6-9.7 months) with CPT, treated by a single surgeon between 1997 and 2017, were retrospectively analyzed. All data regarding surgical interventions, complications, deformity analysis parameters, limb length discrepancy (LLD), ankle joint range of motion, and residual deformities were reviewed. All the patients were followed up at least two years after the last surgical intervention. The mean follow-up time was 8.5 years (range: 2.2 to 15.7 years). RESULTS: Union was achieved with the index treatment in 15 of the 17 cases (88.2%). The mean age of the patients at the last follow-up visit was 14.2 years (range: 7.6 to 22.1). The mean LLD was 2.1 cm. Nine patients had radiological ankle valgus at the last follow-up. In the entire series, eight patients did not display any complications, four cases reported minor complications, and five cases were complicated by refractures. CONCLUSION: Circular external fixator application combined with periosteal grafting is a superior method of CPT treatment. This method provides a healthy biological healing environment while correcting the mechanical problems. The combination of periosteal and cancellous bone grafts with intramedullary rods and an external fixator addresses issues that complicate obtaining and maintaining a union during the CPT treatment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Therapeutic study.

Treatment of Tibial and Femoral Bone Defects With Bone Transport Over an Intramedullary Nail.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the results of the bone transport over an intramedullary nail (BTON) technique for the treatment of segmental bone defects. DESIGN: Retrospective review of case series. SETTING: Level 1 trauma center. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: We included 40 patients who underwent reconstruction of the lower limb with BTON technique between 2000 and 2018. The technique was performed in the tibial segments in 21 patients and in the femoral segments in 19 patients. INTERVENTION: The surgical technique was performed in 2 stages for patients with infected nonunion. Infection was eradicated in all patients at the first stage. For the BTON at the second stage, monolateral external fixators and circular external fixators were used for femoral and tibial defects, respectively. In cases of defects without any infection, debridement with a single-stage BTON was performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Complications as well as radiological and clinical results were evaluated according to the criteria of Paley-Maar. RESULTS: Minor complications occurred in 11 patients: pin site problems (9), cellulitis (1), and skin detachment due to Schanz screw (1). Major complications occurred in 8 patients: docking site nonunion (4), early consolidation and Schanz screw failure (1), knee flexion contracture (1), and ankle equinus contracture (2). Four patients had osteomyelitis as residual sequelae. Bone score was excellent in 27 patients. Excellent functional results were obtained in 31 patients. CONCLUSIONS: The BTON technique is associated with low cost because of the short treatment period, low complication risk, and rapid rehabilitation and is not limited by the amount of bone transport. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Quality of Life Evaluation Following Limb Lengthening Surgery in Patients with Achondroplasia.

BACKGROUND: The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the quality of life following limb lengthening surgery in patients with achondroplasia. The complications and different lengthening techniques have and effects on mid-term results were also investigated. METHODS: We performed a retrospective, multicenter study by evaluating the records of patients with achondroplasia operated in our clinic between 1999 and 2014 for limb lengthening with a minimum follow-up of 3 years. Forty nine patients were underwent bilateral lower limb lengthening surgery and 21 of 49 patients underwent bilateral humerus lengthening surgery. Patients were evaluated by the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) 4.0 Generic Core Scales to assess the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of children. Twenty patients with achondroplasia who had no lengthening surgery history were also evaluated with the PedsQL score as the control group. RESULTS: The average age at the time of first surgery was 6.17 years. The average follow-up period was 100.2 months. The average age at the time of study 14.70 ± 2.44 (11-18) years. There were significant differences between the patients with humeral lengthening and patients who did not undergo humeral lengthening in all scores. Transient complications had minimal effects on scores. Although all scores in the operated group were higher than non-operated patients with achondroplasia, there were no significant differences. CONCLUSION: Quality of life was significantly improved as a result of humerus lengthening surgery of patients with achondroplasia, despite minor complications compared with Lower limb lengthening surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, case control study.

Lengthening of short bones by distraction osteogenesis--results and complications.

We performed bone lengthening surgery on 12 metacarpals and 14 metatarsals of 15 patients. The mean age for metacarpal and metatarsal lengthening was 14.5 (10-21) and 17.5 (10-25) years, respectively. We used a unilateral or a circular external fixator. The mean healing index of the metacarpals and metatarsals was 1.6 (1.1-2.3) and 1.6 (1.0-2.0) months/cm, respectively. The mean increase in metacarpal and metatarsal length was 17.6 (13-26) and 24.3 (20-30) mm, respectively. The functional scores of the metatarso-phalangial (MTP) joint of lengthened metatarsals for the lesser toe were excellent in 12 and good in two cases based on the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scoring system. Complications were seen in six of the metatarsal lengthening cases including four angulations, one subluxation and one non-union. We conclude that the periosteum must be protected with percutaneous osteotomy and lengthening should be performed at a rate of 0.25 mm twice a day and should not exceed 40% of the original bone length (or >20 mm).

Correction of forearm deformities in children with multiple osteochondroma, by corrective radial osteotomy and ulnar lengthening by distraction osteogenesis.

We retrospectively evaluated the results after ulnar lengthening and radial deformity correction using an external fixator for forearm deformities caused by osteochondromas. Eight forearms were treated surgically in seven patients with multiple hereditary osteochondroma. The mean follow-up time was 40 months (range, 20 to 60 months). The average radial articular angle improved from 43 degrees to 35.5 degrees (range, 28 to 56 degrees) and the carpal slip improved from 69.5% to 55% (range, 40 to 60%) postoperatively. The average shortening of the ulna was reduced from 2.06 cm to 0.44 cm (range 0 to 1 cm) after the treatment. There were no serious complications associated with the surgery; two minor pin track infections were successfully treated by local wound care and antibiotics. Although technically demanding, ulnar osteotomy and gradual lengthening by an external fixator provided promising results in the treatment of forearm deformities in children with multiple osteochondroma.

Acute shortening versus bone transport for the treatment of infected femur non-unions with bone defects.

BACKGROUND: The bone transport technique has been a well-known method in the treatment of osteomyelitis of the long bones with large segmental bone defects. However, one of the major drawbacks with this traditional technique is the long-lasting consolidation period, which may entail infectious and non-infectious complications. To overcome this drawback, several techniques were developed, one of which is acute shortening and re-lengthening. The aims of this study were: 1) to present our experience with a new modified technique of acute shortening and re-lengthening using a monolateral external fixator combined with a retrograde intramedullary nail, and 2) to compare its results with the classic Ilizarov bone transport method in the management of infected non-unions of the distal femur with bone loss. METHODS: This retrospective study compared these two techniques. 17 patients were treated using our modified technique of acute shortening and re-lengthening (Group A); 15 patients were treated using segmental bone transport (Group B). The average follow-up was 66 months (range: 24-180) in Group A and 70 months (range: 24-240) in Group B. The mean bone loss was 5.5 cm (range: 3-10) in Group A and 5.9 cm (range: 3-10) in Group B. The primary outcome of the present study was to compare the external fixator time (EFT) and external fixation index (EFI) between the two groups. The bone and functional status were also assessed. RESULTS: The mean EFI was lower in Group A (mean: 31.8 days/cm; range: 24-50) than in Group B (mean 48.7 days/cm; range: 40-100) (p = 0.02). The mean EFT was shorter in Group A (mean: 120 days; range: 100-150) than in Group B (mean: 290 days; range: 100-400) (p = 0.0003). With respect to the bone and functional results, no difference was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Although both techniques could be employed safely in the treatment of infected non-union of the distal femur with size defects ranging between 3 cm and 10 cm, our modified technique of acute shortening and re-lengthening may confer greater patient satisfaction because of shorter EFI.

Periosteal grafting for congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia: a preliminary report.

UNLABELLED: The results of treatment of congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia (CPT) are frequently unsatisfactory because of the need for multiple operations for recalcitrant nonunion, residual deformities, and limb-length discrepancies (LLD). Although the etiology of CPT is basically unknown, recent reports suggest the periosteum is the primary site for the pathologic processes in CPT. We hypothesized complete excision of the diseased periosteum and the application of a combined approach including free periosteal grafting, bone grafting, and intramedullary (IM) nailing of both the tibia and fibula combined with Ilizarov fixation would improve union rates and reduce refracture rates. We retrospectively reviewed 20 patients at two centers. The minimum followup was 2 years (mean, 4.3 years; range, 2-10.7 years). Union was achieved after the primary operation in all patients. Ten refractures occurred in eight of the 20 patients (two each in two patients, one each in six patients). Seven patients underwent seven secondary surgical procedures to simultaneously treat refracture and angular deformities. We used bisphosphonate as adjuvant therapy in three patients with refracture without subsequent refracture. We performed no amputations in these 20 patients. All patients were braced through skeletal maturity. Combining periosteal and bone grafting, IM nailing, and Ilizarov fixation is an effective treatment. IM nailing decreases the severity of subsequent fracture. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic study. See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Comparison of three different treatment modalities in the management of humeral shaft nonunions (plates, unilateral, and circular external fixators).

OBJECTIVES: To compare 3 different fixation methods for the treatment of humeral shaft nonunions in terms of union time, functional outcome, and complications. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. SETTING: University hospital. PATIENTS: Between 1996 and 2004, 80 patients (mean age, 49; range, 15 to 86; 30 women and 50 men) with nonunions of the humeral shaft were treated surgically in our institution. Circular external fixators (CEF) were used in 35 patients, unilateral limb reconstruction system (LRS) fixators in 24 patients and fixation with plates in 21 patients. INTERVENTION: Surgical procedure included hardware removal in previously operated patients, autogenous grafting in all patients in the plate group and in those patients with atrophic nonunions in the external fixator groups, compression of the nonunion site in all patients. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Radiological union time, complications, shortening, and disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) score. RESULTS: Mean follow-up period was 48.1 months (range, 12 to 121). Mean radiological union time was 5.5 months (range, 1.5 to 12) in the CEF group, 5.2 months (range, 3 to 10) in the LRS group, and 5.7 months (range, 3 to 12) in the plate group. Mean DASH score was 23.7 in the CEF group, 18.6 in the LRS group, and 26 in the plate group. There were no statistical differences in terms of union time and the DASH score among the 3 groups. Successful union was achieved in 77 (96.3%) patients. CONCLUSION: Both external fixation and plate fixation produce excellent results in humeral shaft nonunions if applied properly. The procedure can be tailored to the surgeon's experience, keeping in mind that plate fixation demonstrates a longer healing time in those cases that had previous surgeries.

[Knee arthrodesis using a unilateral external fixator for the treatment of infectious sequelae]. / Enfeksiyon sekeli tedavisinde unilateral eksternal fiksatör ile diz artrodezi.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the results of arthrodesis using a monolateral external fixator for the treatment of septic sequelae of the knee joint. METHODS: Eleven patients (4 males, 7 females; mean age 60 years; range 29 to 75 years) underwent arthrodesis using a monolateral external fixator. Indications for arthrodesis were infected total knee prosthesis (n=6), septic arthritis sequelae (n=4), and infected distal femoral tumor prosthesis (n=1). Eight patients had active infection; of these, seven patients initially underwent complete clinical and laboratory eradication of infection with debridement, application of antibiotic-impregnated cement spacer (n=6), and parenteral antibiotics. Resection guides of total knee arthroplasty were used to create wide bleeding femoral and tibial bone surfaces. Biplanar or uniplanar monolateral external fixation was applied for a mean of eight months (range 5 to 12 months). The mean follow-up was 28 months (range 7 to 69 months). Complications were evaluated according to the Paley's classification. RESULTS: Fusion was achieved in all the patients. There were no recurrent infections. No remarkable shortening developed following the procedure. All the patients could walk without walking aids, except for one patient who further required lengthening for marked shortening due to previous wide tumor resection. Shortening was 3 cm in one patient with infected total knee prosthesis, while it ranged from 1 cm to 2 cm (mean 1.4 cm) in the remaining patients. Pin tract infections were seen in five patients, all of which were successfully treated with oral antibiotics and local wound care. CONCLUSION: Knee arthrodesis using a monolateral external fixator is associated with a high fusion rate and a low complication rate, and provides a more comfortable treatment option compared to a circular external fixator.