S. Robert Rozbruch

Simultaneous treatment of tibial bone and soft-tissue defects with the Ilizarov method.

Objectives To evaluate the potential for limb salvage using the Ilizarov method to simultaneously treat bone and soft-tissue defects of the leg without flap coverage. Design Retrospective study. Setting Level I trauma centers at 4 academic university medical centers. Patients/Participants Twenty-five patients with bone and soft-tissue defects associated with tibial fractures and nonunions. The average soft-tissue and bone defect after debridement was 10.1 (range, 2–25) cm and 6 (range, 2–14) cm respectively. Patients were not candidates for flap coverage and the treatment was a preamputation limb salvage undertaking in all cases. Intervention Ilizarov and Taylor Spatial Frames used to gradually close the bone and soft-tissue defects simultaneously by using monofocal shortening or bifocal or trifocal bone transport. Main Outcome Measurements Bone union, soft-tissue closure, resolution or prevention of infection, restoration of leg length equality, alignment, limb salvage. Results The average time of compression and distraction was 19.7 (range, 5–70) weeks, and time to soft-tissue closure was 14.7 (range, 3–41) weeks. Bony union occurred in 24 patients (96%). The average time in the frame was 43.2 (range, 10–82) weeks. Lengthening at another site was performed in 15 patients. The average amount of bone lengthening was 5.6 (range, 2–11) cm. Final leg length discrepancy (LLD) averaged 1.2 (range, 0–5) cm. Use of the trifocal approach resulted in less time in the frame for treatment of large bone and soft-tissue defects. There were no recurrences of osteomyelitis at the nonunion site. All wounds were closed. There were no amputations. All limbs were salvaged. Conclusions The Ilizarov method can be successfully used to reconstruct the leg with tibial bone loss and an accompanying soft-tissue defect. This limb salvage method can be used in patients who are not believed to be candidates for flap coverage. One also may consider using this technique to avoid the need for a flap. Gradual closure of the defect is accomplished resulting in bony union and soft-tissue closure. Lengthening can be performed at another site. A trifocal approach should be considered for large defects (>6 cm). Advances in technique and frame design should help prevent residual deformity.

Repair of tibial nonunions and bone defects with the Taylor Spatial Frame.

Objective: To investigate the outcomes of tibial nonunions and bone defects treated with the Taylor Spatial Frame (TSF) using the Ilizarov method. Design: Retrospective. Setting: Limb Lengthening and Deformity Service at an academic medical center. Patients: Thirty-eight consecutive patients with 38 tibial nonunions were treated with the TSF. There were 23 patients with bone defects (average 5.9 cm) and 22 patients with leg-length discrepancy (LLD) (average 3.1 cm) resulting in an average longitudinal deficiency (sum of bone defect and LLD) of 6.5 cm in 31 patients (1-16). The average number of previous surgeries was 4 (0-20). At the time of surgery, 19 (50%) nonunions were diagnosed as infected. Intervention: All patients underwent repair of the nonunion and application of a TSF. Patients with bone loss were additionally treated with lengthening. Infected nonunions were treated with 6 weeks of culture-specific antibiotics. Main Outcome Measurements: Bony union, time in frame, eradication of infection, leg-length discrepancy, deformity, Short Form-36 (SF-36) scores, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) lower-limb scores, and Association for the Study of the Method of Ilizarov (ASAMI) bone and functional results. Results: Bony union was achieved after the initial treatment in 27 (71%) patients. The presence of bone infection correlated with initial failure and persistent nonunion (P = 0.03). The 11 persistent nonunions were re-treated with TSF reapplication in 4, intramedullary rodding in 3, plate fixation in 2, and amputation in 2 patients. This resulted in final bony union in 36 (95%) patients. The average LLD was 1.8 cm (0-6.8) (SD 2). Alignment with deformity less than 5° was achieved in 32 patients and alignment between 6° and 10° was achieved in 4 patients. Significant improvement of Short Form-36 (SF-36) scores was noted in physical role (P = 0.03) and physical function (P = 0.001). AAOS lower-limb module scores significantly improved from 56 to 82 (P < 0.001). ASAMI bone and functional outcomes were excellent or good in 36 and 34 patients, respectively. The number of previous surgeries correlated inversely with the ASAMI bone (P = 0.003) and functional (P = 0.001) scores. Conclusions: One can comprehensively approach tibial nonunions with the TSF. This is particularly useful in the setting of stiff hypertrophic nonunion, infection, bone loss, LLD, and poor soft-tissue envelope. Infected nonunions have a higher risk of failure than noninfected cases. Treatment after fewer failed surgeries will lead to a better outcome. Internal fixation can be used to salvage initial failures.

Temporary intentional leg shortening and deformation to facilitate wound closure using the Ilizarov/Taylor spatial frame.

Infected tibial nonunions with bone loss pose an extremely challenging problem for the orthopaedic surgeon. A comprehensive approach that addresses the infection, bone quality, and overlying soft-tissue integrity must be considered for a successful outcome. Acute shortening with an Ilizarov frame has been shown to be helpful in the treatment of open tibia fractures with simultaneous bone and soft-tissue loss. Cases in which the soft-tissue defect considerably exceeds bone loss may require an Ilizarov frame along with a concomitant soft-tissue procedure; however, there are a number of potential difficulties with vascularized pedicle flaps and free tissue flaps, including anastomotic complications, partial flap necrosis, and flap failure. The technique described in this report involves acute shortening and temporary bony deformation with the Ilizarov apparatus to facilitate wound closure and does not require a concomitant soft-tissue reconstructive procedure. Once the wound is healed, osseous deformity and length are gradually corrected by distraction osteogenesis with the Ilizarov/Taylor Spatial frame.

Correction of tibial deformity with use of the Ilizarov-Taylor spatial frame.

The Ilizarov-Taylor Spatial Frame (TSF; Smith and Nephew, Memphis, Tennessee) is a powerful tool for correcting tibial deformity1-6. A specialized feature of the TSF is its virtual hinge, which allows for the simultaneous gradual correction of multiplanar deformities and limb-lengthening through one osteotomy site. The power of the spatial frame lies in its precise control over the final limb length and alignment and in its ability to correct a residual deformity. The stability of this multiplanar circular fixator permits early weight-bearing and provides an ideal environment for both new-bone formation and soft-tissue healing. The classic principles of the Ilizarov method are followed to ensure proper frame application. The TSF web-based software is user-friendly and has greatly simplified the planning of the correction of an oblique plane deformity by utilizing standard anterior-posterior and lateral radiographic measurements. Computer-generated schedules and easy-to-read struts have greatly simplified patient involvement, which is crucial to the success of this technique. ### Preoperative Planning Patients are evaluated clinically by a history and physical examination including observation of gait. Special attention is directed toward the assessment of leg length, mechanical axis deviation, and rotational alignment (Fig. 1). An erect bipedal 51-in (130-cm) radiograph in the frontal plane is made. If there is a leg-length discrepancy, then blocks are placed under the affected foot to level the pelvis, and the block height is recorded. Accurate limb lengths are measured in this way. Sagittal deformity about the knee is evaluated with a 36-in (91-cm) lateral radiograph made with the knee in full extension. Routine anteroposterior and lateral radiographs of the tibia are made as well. Ankle deformity should be evaluated with the x-ray beam centered on the ankle. Mechanical axis deviation is determined with use of the malalignment test7,8 (Fig. 2). The lateral distal femoral angle, …

The Mechanics of External Fixation

External fixation has evolved from being used primarily as a last resort fixation method to becoming a main stream technique used to treat a myriad of bone and soft tissue pathologies. Techniques in limb reconstruction continue to advance largely as a result of the use of these external devices. A thorough understanding of the biomechanical principles of external fixation is useful for all orthopedic surgeons as most will have to occasionally mount a fixator throughout their career. In this review, various types of external fixators and their common clinical applications are described with a focus on unilateral and circular frames. The biomechanical principles that govern bony and fixator stability are reviewed as well as the recommended techniques for applying external fixators to maximize stability. Additionally, we have illustrated methods for managing patients while they are in the external frames to facilitate function and shorten treatment duration.

Joint Preservation of the Osteoarthritic Ankle Using Distraction Arthroplasty

Background: In recent years ankle distraction arthroplasty has gained popularity in the treatment of ankle arthritis as a means of both maintaining range of motion and avoiding fusion. We present a retrospective review of 25 patients who have undergone ankle distraction from 1999 to 2006. Materials and Methods: The mean age was 43 years; 16 were male, and 7 were female. Followup was 30 months after frame removal (range, 12 to 60 months). We were able to obtain followup on 23 of 25 patients. Adjuvant procedures were performed in some cases including Achilles tendon lengthening (5), ankle arthroscopy (4), open arthrotomy (1), and supramalleolar tibial and distal fibular osteotomy to correct distal tibial deformity (6). Results: Twenty-one patients (91%) reported improved pain with those furthest post-op experiencing the best results. The average preoperative AOFAS score was 55 (range, 29 to 82), and the average postoperative score was 74 (range, 47 to 96). The difference between pre- and postoperative scores was significant (p = 0.005). SF-36 scores showed modest improvement in all components. Only two of the patients in the study underwent fusion after ankle distraction. Total ankle motion was maintained in all patients with improvement in the functional arc of motion in five patients who started with mild equinus contractures. Conclusion: We feel that ankle distraction offers a promising solution for many people with ankle arthritis. Level of Evidence: IV, Retrospective Case Series

Distraction osteogenesis for nonunion after high tibial osteotomy

The purpose of this study was to determine whether distraction osteogenesis can be used to treat hypertrophic nonunion associated with angular deformity and shortening after Coventry style high tibial osteotomy. Five consecutive patients were retrospectively reviewed. In all patients the alignment had collapsed into excessive varus or valgus and leg length discrepancy was present. The leg length discrepancy, malalignment, and nonunion were treated simultaneously with distraction. Union was achieved by the time of fixator removal, which averaged 4.4 months. The Hospital for Special Surgery knee score significantly improved from 42 to 89. The mechanical axis deviation significantly improved by 5 cm. The coronal plane deformity significantly improved by 13°, and leg length discrepancy improved significantly from 2.3 to 0.5 cm. Metaphyseal bone stock increased by 43%, and the Insall-Salvati ratio increased from 1.1 to 1.2 and remained within normal limits. All patients were satisfied with the procedure, and none have had or need a total knee replacement at an average followup of 4 years. Distraction osteogenesis of nonunion after high tibial osteotomy is a minimally invasive and successful procedure. It leads to bony union with correction of deformity and leg length discrepancy and prevents the need for total knee replacement at intermediate-term followup. The increase in metaphyseal bone stock may make total knee replacement technically easier.

Osteonecrosis of the knee following arthroscopic laser meniscectomy

An unusual case of osteonecrosis of the knee following an arthroscopic laser meniscectomy is presented. The unusual presentation of the osteonecrosis and the chronology suggest that the osteonecrosis of the knee resulted from damage to the articular cartilage and subchondral bone at the time of the arthroscopic laser meniscectomy.

Motorized intramedullary nail for management of limb-length discrepancy and deformity

Distraction osteogenesis has been used for more than 50 years to address limb-length discrepancy and deformity. Intramedullary fixation has been used in conjunction with external fixation to decrease the time in the external fixator and prevent deformity and refracture. A new generation of motorized intramedullary nails is now available to treat limb-length discrepancy and deformity. These nails provide bone fragment stabilization and lengthening with reliable remote-controlled mechanisms, obviating the need for external fixation. Motorized intramedullary nails allow accurate, well-controlled distraction, and early clinical results have been positive.

Supramalleolar Osteotomy Using Circular External Fixation with Six-Axis Deformity Correction of the Distal Tibia

Background: Supramalleolar osteotomy using circular external fixation with six-axis deformity correction is a rarely reported treatment method particularly well-suited for complex multidimensional deformities of the adult ankle. The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy of deformity correction and change in functional status using this technique. Methods: We present a retrospective review of 52 patients who underwent supramalleolar osteotomy with application of the Taylor Spatial Frame (Smith & Nephew, Memphis, TN). Mean age was 44 (range, 18 to 79) years. The primary outcome was change in preoperative to postoperative distal tibial joint orientation angles. Coronal and sagittal plane joint orientation angles were measured for all 52 enrolled patients. The secondary outcome was change in AOFAS scores which were available for 31 patients. Results: Twenty-two patients had oblique plane deformities. The mean time in frame was 4 (range, 2 to 11) months, and patients were followed for a mean of 14 months after frame removal. All aggregate postoperative distal tibial angles underwent a significant improvement (p < 0.05) and were within 0 degrees to 4 degrees of normal in the various deformity groups. Average preoperative AOFAS score was 40 (range, 12 to 67) and average postoperative AOFAS score was 71 (range, 34 to 97; p < 0.001). Complications included two patients with nonunions at the osteotomy site that healed with further treatment. Three patients went on to have ankle fusion. Conclusion: We feel that supramalleolar osteotomy using circular external fixation with six-axis deformity correction was an effective method for correction of distal tibial deformities in the adult population, particularly for those patients with complex oblique-plane deformities, associated rotational deformity, a compromised soft tissue envelope, or a prior history of infection. Level of Evidence: IV, Retrospective Case Series