Management of extra-articular segmental defects in long bone using a titanium mesh cage as an adjunct to other methods of fixation

Aims This study reviews the use of a titanium mesh cage (TMC) as an adjunct to intramedullary nail or plate reconstruction of an extra-articular segmental long bone defect. Patients and Methods A total of 17 patients (aged 17 to 61 years) treated for a segmental long bone defect by nail or plate fixation and an adjunctive TMC were included. The bone defects treated were in the tibia (nine), femur (six), radius (one), and humerus (one). The mean length of the segmental bone defect was 8.4 cm (2.2 to 13); the mean length of the titanium mesh cage was 8.3 cm (2.6 to 13). The clinical and radiological records of the patients were analyzed retrospectively. Results The mean time to follow-up was 55 months (12 to 126). Overall, 16 (94%) of the patients achieved radiological filling of their bony defect and united to the native bone ends proximally and distally, resulting in a functioning limb. Complications included device failure in two patients (12%), infection in two (12%), and wound dehiscence in one (6%). Four patients (24%) required secondary surgery, four (24%) had a residual limb-length discrepancy, and one (6%) had a residual angular limb deformity. Conclusion A titanium mesh cage is a useful adjunct in the treatment of an extra-articular segmental defect in a long bone. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:646–51.