scholarly journals Femoral Reconstruction Using External Fixation

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yevgeniy Palatnik ◽  
S. Robert Rozbruch

Background. The use of an external fixator for the purpose of distraction osteogenesis has been applied to a wide range of orthopedic problems caused by such diverse etiologies as congenital disease, metabolic conditions, infections, traumatic injuries, and congenital short stature. The purpose of this study was to analyze our experience of utilizing this method in patients undergoing a variety of orthopedic procedures of the femur.Methods. We retrospectively reviewed our experience of using external fixation for femoral reconstruction. Three subgroups were defined based on the primary reconstruction goal lengthening, deformity correction, and repair of nonunion/bone defect. Factors such as leg length discrepancy (LLD), limb alignment, and external fixation time and complications were evaluated for the entire group and the 3 subgroups.Results. There was substantial improvement in the overall LLD, femoral length discrepancy, and limb alignment as measured by mechanical axis deviation (MAD) and lateral distal femoral angle (LDFA) for the entire group as well as the subgroups.Conclusions. The Ilizarov external fixator allows for decreased surgical exposure and preservation of blood supply to bone, avoidance of bone grafting and internal fixation, and simultaneous lengthening and deformity correction, making it a very useful technique for femoral reconstruction.

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yanshi Liu ◽  
Kai Liu ◽  
Feiyu Cai ◽  
Tao Zhang ◽  
Aihemaitijiang Yusufu

Abstract Background It is challenging to determine the orthogonality of radiographs in daily clinical practice. The purpose of this study was to show the usefulness of an additional foot ring which might determine the orthogonality of postoperative radiographs for the parameter measurement of hexapod external fixator. Methods We retrospectively analyzed 81 consecutive trauma patients with tibial shaft fractures treated by the hexapod external fixator at our institution from September 2014 to July 2019. Starting in March 2016, the postoperative radiographs for parameter measurement were obtained under the control of an additional foot ring. The final data consisted of 47 patients in traditional radiographs (Group I) and 34 patients under the control of foot ring during the radiographic process (Group II). The demographic data, original postoperative deformities, residual deformities after final correction, number of repeated radiographs after the first postoperative radiographs, time to the satisfactory reduction achieved, and external fixation time in all patients were documented and analyzed. The Johner–Wruhs criteria were used for the final clinical outcomes evaluation at the last clinical visit. Results Satisfactory reduction and bone union were achieved in all patients. There were no statistical significances between the two groups in the demographic data, original postoperative deformities, residual deformities after final correction, external fixation time, and the final clinical outcomes (P > 0.05). The mean number of repeated radiographs after the first radiographs (1.4 times) and mean time to the satisfactory reduction achieved (3.3 days) in patients with an additional foot ring used were all less than those without foot ring (2.4 times, 5.3 days) (P < 0.05). Conclusions The additional foot ring is a practical device to ensure the orthogonality of postoperative radiographs for the hexapod external fixator parameter measurement. Radiation exposure, duration of deformity correction, and cost for patients might be reduced due to the less repeated radiographs with the wrong position.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yanshi Liu ◽  
Kai Liu ◽  
Feiyu Cai ◽  
Xingpeng Zhang ◽  
Hong Li ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: It is challenging to determine the orthogonality of radiographs in daily clinical practice. The purpose of this study was to show the usefulness of an additional foot ring which might determine the orthogonality of postoperative radiographs for the correction planning of hexapod external fixator.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 81 consecutive trauma patients with tibial shaft fractures treated by the hexapod external fixator at our institution from September 2014 to July 2019. Starting in March 2016, the postoperative radiographs for fracture reduction planning were obtained under the control of an additional foot ring. In this simple way, the radiologist and the patient himself can easily control the rotation position of the limb while taking the radiographs, and the two X-rays are orthogonal to each other. The final data consisted of 47 patients in traditional radiographs (Group Ⅰ) and 34 patients under the control of foot ring during the radiographic process (Group Ⅱ). The demographic data, original postoperative deformities, number of repeated radiographs after the first postoperative radiological examination, time to the satisfactory reduction achieved, and external fixation time in all patients were documented and analyzed.Results: Satisfactory reduction and bone union were achieved in all patients. There were no statistical significances between the two groups in the demographic data, original postoperative deformities, and external fixation time (P>0.05). The mean number of repeated radiographs after the first postoperative radiological examination (1.2 times) and mean time to the satisfactory reduction achieved (3.0 days) in patients with an additional foot ring used were all less than that (2.1 times, 5.3 days) in patients without foot ring (P<0.05).Conclusions: The additional foot ring is a practical device to ensure the orthogonality of postoperative radiographs for the correction planning of hexapod external fixator. Radiation exposure, duration of deformity correction, and cost for patients might be reduced due to the less repeated radiographs with the wrong position.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yanshi Liu ◽  
Fei Wang ◽  
Kai Liu ◽  
Feiyu Cai ◽  
Xingpeng Zhang ◽  
...  

Abstract Backgroud: When deformity correction and fracture reduction are conducted in acute long bone shaft fracture using the hexapod external fixator, the collision and interference between the irregular bony end in the reduction process often result in an incomplete reduction and a time-consuming procedure. The purpose of this study was to present and determine the clinical effectiveness of staged correction trajectory with hexapod external fixator for the satisfactory reduction of acute long bone shaft fracture. Methods A total of 57 patients with acute tibial shaft fractures consented to hexapod external fixator treatment in our institution were retrospectively analyzed from June 2016 to February 2020. Thirty-one cases (Group Ⅰ) underwent a conventional one-step reduction trajectory from June 2016 to July 2018. Starting in September 2018, the other twenty-six patients (Group Ⅱ) all underwent staged correction trajectory (three key points reduction trajectory of “extension-rotation-reduction”). The demographic data, residual deformities before and after correction, number of repeated radiographs after the first postoperative radiograph, duration of deformity correction, and external fixation time were documented and analyzed. At the last clinical visit, the Johner-Wruhs criteria were used to evaluate the final clinical outcomes. Results All the 57 patients achieved satisfactory fracture reduction and bone union. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in demographic data, residual deformities before and after correction, external fixation time, and final clinical outcomes (P > 0.05). The average number of repeated radiographs after the first postoperative radiograph and mean duration of deformity correction in Group Ⅱ (1.3 times, 2.9 days) were all less than those in Group Ⅰ (2.3 times, 5.1 days) (P < 0.05). Conclusion Compared with the conventional one-step reduction trajectory, there are no statistically significant differences in the final clinical outcomes, but the staged correction trajectory is a superior method with the advantages of less repeated radiographs and reduction duration.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yanshi Liu ◽  
Kai Liu ◽  
Feiyu Cai ◽  
Tao Zhang ◽  
Aihemaitijiang Yusufu

Abstract Background It is challenging to determine the orthogonality of radiographs in daily clinical practice. The purpose of this study was to show the usefulness of an additional foot ring which might determine the orthogonality of postoperative radiographs for the parameter measurement of hexapod external fixator. Methods We retrospectively analyzed 81 consecutive trauma patients with tibial shaft fractures treated by the hexapod external fixator at our institution from September 2014 to July 2019. Starting in March 2016, the postoperative radiographs for parameter measurement were obtained under the control of an additional foot ring. The final data consisted of 47 patients in traditional radiographs (Group Ⅰ) and 34 patients under the control of foot ring during the radiographic process (Group Ⅱ). The demographic data, original postoperative deformities, residual deformities after final correction, number of repeated radiographs after the first postoperative radiographs, time to the satisfactory reduction achieved, and external fixation time in all patients were documented and analyzed. The Johner-Wruhs criteria were used for the final clinical outcomes evaluation at the last clinical visit. Results Satisfactory reduction and bone union were achieved in all patients. There were no statistical significances between the two groups in the demographic data, original postoperative deformities, residual deformities after final correction, external fixation time, and the final clinical outcomes (P > 0.05). The mean number of repeated radiographs after the first radiographs (1.4 times) and mean time to the satisfactory reduction achieved (3.3 days) in patients with an additional foot ring used were all less than those without foot ring (2.4 times, 5.4 days) (P < 0.05). Conclusions The additional foot ring is a practical device to ensure the orthogonality of postoperative radiographs for the hexapod external fixator parameter measurement. Radiation exposure, duration of deformity correction, and cost for patients might be reduced due to the less repeated radiographs with the wrong position.


2008 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 334-341 ◽  
Author(s):  
Austin T. Fragomen ◽  
Kathleen N. Meyers ◽  
Nicole Davis ◽  
Hengsheng Shu ◽  
Timmothy Wright ◽  
...  

Background: In difficult ankle arthrodesis situations, intramedullary (IM) arthrodesis nails and external fixation are often considered in lieu of standard fusion techniques. The purpose of this study was to compare the amount of micromotion measured across an ankle fusion site stabilized with either an IM nail or with the Ilizarov external fixator. Materials and Methods: The relative bone mineral density of 8 pairs of human cadaveric lower legs was measured by DEXA scanning. One specimen from each pair was randomly assigned to be stabilized with a new generation IM nail and the other with an Ilizarov external fixator. Specimens were tested in compression, rotation, and dorsiflexion. Optical motion capture was used to measure the direct motion occurring at the fusion site. Results: No significant difference was found between the axial displacements ( p = 0.94), torsional displacement ( p = 0.07), or the dorsiflexion angular displacement ( p = 0.28) for the IM rod group and the external fixation group. A weak correlation was found between BMD and displacement. Conclusion: Both the new generation IM nail and the Ilizarov external fixator imparted excellent stability to the fusion site despite a wide range of bone mineral densities. Medialization of the talus, the ability to compress the nail, and the addition of a posterior-to-anterior locking screw were thought to improve the performance of the nail. Clinical Relevance: Both IM nail and Ilizarov external fixation provided excellent fusion site stability. The decision of which implant to use for complex arthrodesis should be dictated by the clinical needs.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yanshi Liu ◽  
Kai Liu ◽  
Feiyu Cai ◽  
Xingpeng Zhang ◽  
Hong Li ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: External fixation, which can preserve the biomechanical microenvironment of fracture healing, playing an important role in managing the high-energy fractures with poor surrounding soft tissues. The purpose of this study was to determine the differences of clinical outcomes, if any, between hexapod external fixator and monolateral external fixator in the definitive treatment of high-energy tibial diaphyseal fractures.Methods: A total of 53 patients with high-energy tibial diaphyseal fractures and definitively treated by the hexapod external fixator (HEF) or monolateral external fixator (MEF) were retrospectively collected and analyzed, from March 2015 to June 2019. There were 31 patients in the HEF treatment, and the other 22 patients were managed by the MEF. The demographic data, surgical duration, external fixation time, final radiological results, complications, and clinical outcomes were documented and analyzed. Difficulties that occur during the treatment were classified according to Paley. The clinical outcomes were evaluated by the Association for the Study and Application of the Method of Ilizarov criteria (ASAMI) at the last clinical visit.Results: The mean surgical duration in the HEF group (62.4±8.3 minutes) was shorter than that in the MEF group (91.4±6.9 minutes) (P<0.05). All patients acquired complete bone union finally. Patients in the HEF group (24.2±3.1 weeks) underwent a shorter average external fixation time than that in the MEF group (26.3±3.8 weeks) (P<0.05). Satisfactory alignment was achieved in all patients without the need for remanipulation. The residual sagittal plane deformities in the HEF group were all less than that in the MEF group (P<0.05). The complication rate was 35.5% in the HEF group, while 45.5% in the MEF group. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in ASAMI scores (P>0.05).Conclusion: There is no statistically significant difference in finally clinical outcomes between hexapod external fixator and monolateral external fixator in the definitive treatment of high-energy tibial diaphyseal fractures. The hexapod external fixation treatment is a superior effective method, including advantages of stable fixation, less surgical duration, postoperatively satisfactory fracture reduction, and fewer complications.


2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenan Koca ◽  
Serkan Akpancar ◽  
Cemil Yıldız

Objectives. The aim of the study was to investigate the results of patients with isolated length discrepancy between ulna and radius who underwent distraction osteogenesis with unilateral external fixator.Material and Methods. A patient with ulna shortening due to multiple enchondromatosis, a patient with ulna shortening due to ulnar club hand, and a patient with radial shortening due to radial club hand were included in the study. The patients underwent ulna and radial distraction osteogenesis with unilateral external fixator. Range of wrist and forearm motion, deformities, and length discrepancy of ulna and radius were compared at preoperative and postoperative.Results. Duration of external fixation and followup were 2.6 and 23.3 months, respectively. Mean distraction osteogenesis was 1.66 cm. No patient reached the length of normal side. Range of rotation of forearm was increased by 15°. Range of ulnar-radial deviation was increased by 21.6°. Deformity of 15° at patient with multiple enchondromatosis was corrected.Conclusion. Isolated ulna or radius shortening may reduce with distraction osteogenesis by unilateral external fixator to prevent serious deformity.


2015 ◽  
Vol 62 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-74
Author(s):  
Milan Mitkovic ◽  
Sasa Milenkovic ◽  
Ivan Micic ◽  
Igor Kostic ◽  
Predrag Stojiljkovic ◽  
...  

The aim of this study was to present two patients with lower limb posttraumatic angular deformity treated by dynamic hinged external fixation. CD-V mode Mitkovic type external fixator had been used in both cases for correction of these deformities. The method is based on hemicallotasis - bone callus distraction after a partial transversal bone cut (hemocorticotomy). The first patient had varus-recurvatum posttraumatic deformity of the ankle joint. Operation time was 65 min and hospital stay was 9 days. Superficial pin-track infection was resolved by the pin removal and by daily wound toilette. The second patient had varus-antecurvatum malunion deformity of the femoral diaphysis. Operation time was 50 min and hospital stay was 6 days. Mild knee contracture had been successfully treated by physical therapy. Angular deformity correction had been performed by distraction (for the first patient) and compression (for the second patient) in the fixator frame. Hemicallotasis of femur or tibia using CD-V mode Mitkovic type external fixator is a good alternative in the treatment of posttraumatic lower limb angular deformities, providing minimal surgical trauma and maximal use of the bone osteogenetic capacity. Gradual compression or distraction in the fixator frame allows to perform accurate angular correction in both coronal and sagital plane in one act.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alimujiang Abulaiti ◽  
Yanshi Liu ◽  
Feiyu Cai ◽  
Kai Liu ◽  
Abulaiti Abula ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and determine the differences, if any, between trifocal and bifocal bone transport technique in the reconstruction of long segmental tibial bone defects caused by infection using a monolateral rail external fixator. Methods: A total of 53 consecutive patients with long segmental tibial bone defects caused by infection and treated by monolateral rail external fixator in our department were retrospectively collected and analyzed from January 2013 to April 2019, including 39 males and 14 females with an average age of 38.8±12.4 years (range 19 to 65 years). 32 patients were treated by bifocal bone transport (BFT) technique, and the other 21 patients were managed by trifocal bone transport (TFT) technique. The demographic data, operation duration, docking time, external fixation time, and external fixation index were documented and analyzed. Difficulties that occur during the treatment were classified according to Paley. The clinical outcomes were evaluated by the Association for the Study and Application of the Method of Ilizarov criteria (ASAMI) at the last clinical visit.Results: All patients achieved an infection-free union finally, and there was no significant difference between the two groups in demographic data and both ASAMI bone and functional scores (P>0.05). The mean defect size and operation duration in TFT (9.4±1.5 cm, 161.9±8.9 minutes) were larger than that in BFT (7.8±1.8 cm, 122.5±11.2 minutes) (P<0.05). The mean docking time, external fixation time, and external fixation index in TFT (65.9±10.8 days, 328.0±57.2 days, 34.8±2.1 days/cm) were all less than those in BFT (96.8±22.6 days, 474.5±103.2 days, 60.8±1.9 days/cm) (P<0.05). Difficulties and complications were more prevalent in the BFT group, while less in the TFT group (P<0.05). Conclusions: Both the trifocal and bifocal bone transport technique in the reconstruction of long segmental tibial bone defects caused by infection using a monolateral rail external fixator achieve satisfactory clinical outcomes. The trifocal bone transport technique can significantly decrease the docking time, external fixation time, external fixation index, difficulties, and complications compared with the bifocal bone transport technique.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alimujiang Abulaiti ◽  
Yanshi Liu ◽  
Feiyu Cai ◽  
Kai Liu ◽  
Abulaiti Abula ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and determine the differences, if any, between trifocal and bifocal bone transport technique in the reconstruction of long segmental tibial bone defects caused by infection using a monolateral rail external fixator. Methods: A total of 53 consecutive patients with long segmental tibial bone defects caused by infection and treated by monolateral rail external fixator in our department were retrospectively collected and analyzed from January 2013 to April 2019, including 39 males and 14 females with an average age of 38.8±12.4 years (range 19 to 65 years). 32 patients were treated by bifocal bone transport (BFT) technique, and the other 21 patients were managed by trifocal bone transport (TFT) technique. The demographic data, operation duration, docking time, external fixation time, and external fixation index were documented and analyzed. Difficulties that occur during the treatment were classified according to Paley. The clinical outcomes were evaluated by the Association for the Study and Application of the Method of Ilizarov criteria (ASAMI) at the last clinical visit.Results: All patients achieved an infection-free union finally, and there was no significant difference between the two groups in demographic data and both ASAMI bone and functional scores (P>0.05). The mean defect size and operation duration in TFT (9.4±1.5 cm, 161.9±8.9 minutes) were larger than that in BFT (7.8±1.8 cm, 122.5±11.2 minutes) (P<0.05). The mean docking time, external fixation time, and external fixation index in TFT (65.9±10.8 days, 328.0±57.2 days, 34.8±2.1 days/cm) were all less than those in BFT (96.8±22.6 days, 474.5±103.2 days, 60.8±1.9 days/cm) (P<0.05). Difficulties and complications were more prevalent in the BFT group, while less in the TFT group (P<0.05). Conclusions: Both the trifocal and bifocal bone transport technique in the reconstruction of long segmental tibial bone defects caused by infection using a monolateral rail external fixator achieve satisfactory clinical outcomes. The trifocal bone transport technique can significantly decrease the docking time, external fixation time, external fixation index, difficulties, and complications compared with the bifocal bone transport technique.


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