Outcomes of Ilizarov Ring Fixator in Infected Nonunion of Tibia

Objective: This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of Ilizarov. We aimed to explore the infection rate, bony union, and functional outcomes of Ilizarov fixators. Methodology: This retrospective study was conducted in Orthopedic department of Bolan Medical Complex Hospital Quetta Pakistan from June 2020 to June 2021. In this timeframe total of fifty-five patients of infected nonunion tibia were enrolled for Ilizarov technique treatment. For surgical intervention, patients were placed in a supine position on a radiolucent table. Ilizarov fixator was prepared on the behalf of patient's limb length, infection site, and ankle and knee functional status. We applied assembled Ilizarov fixator at the tibial shaft while keeping in mind that the rings were positioned in on the proximal and distal fragments. The ring was placed parallel to the joints whereas pins were inserted perpendicular to the tibial mechanical axis. Results: A total of 55 patients were recruited for this study. The mean age of the selected participants was 45.65±16.69 years. The overall successful bone results of the ASAMI score were observed as 80% whereas 88% functional outcomes were achieved. In bone results, we observed 28 (50.9%) cases with excellent results, 16 (29%) with good, 7 (12.7%) with fair, and 3 (5.4%) with poor outcomes. On the other hand, 25 (45.4%) cases observed excellent functional results, 25 (45.4%) with good, 4 (7.6%) with fair, and 2 (3.6%) with poor outcomes. Conclusion: Our results show a high success ratio therefore we recommend Ilizarov external fixators for infected nonunion tibial fracture. This method helps to recover limbs without any amputations. However, the discomfort of patients is one of the main problems with this method of treatment.

Result of Ring Fixator in High-energy Schatzker Type VI Fractures of Proximal Tibia

Background: Significant articular depression, separation of both condyles, diaphyseal comminution and dissociation, and loss of soft-tissue envelope integrity are all associated with high-energy proximal tibia fractures (Schatzker VI). Over the past 50 years, there has been a lot of research on plating problems in these complicated fractures. For the care of these complex injuries, Ilizarov devised a new method (ring fixator). Aim of the Study: To examine the outcomes of patients who received a ring fixator for the treatment of high-energy proximal tibia fractures (Schatzker VI). Materials and Methods: Fourteen patients (mean age 36) were treated with the Ilizarov fixator and transfixion wires for high-energy fractures of the proximal tibia (Schatzker VI). Nine of the patients had open fractures, and five of them had significant soft tissue damage. They were all tracked for an average of 19.4 months. The result was analyzed using the criteria set by Honkonen & Jarvinen (1992). Results: Thirteen fractures healed in an average of 14.6 weeks, with one taking six months. Twelve patients recovered complete extension, while eight others regained more than 110 degrees of flexion. All of the patients knees were stable, except one who had a minor varus deformity. Nine patients walked normally, while four had a little limp. Except for one, all of the knees exhibited an articular step-off of less than 4 mm and normal axial alignment. Six knees were found to be outstanding, five to be decent, and three to be fair. There were no instances of postoperative skin infection or septic arthritis, however, three patients did have a pin tract infection that was effectively managed. Conclusion: The technique is suitable for the treatment of complex proximal tibia fractures when there is substantial comminution at the fracture site as well as soft tissue damage (Schatzker VI).

FUNCTIONAL OUTCOME OF DISTAL TIBIA FRACTURES MANAGED WITH HYBRID RING FIXATOR

Introduction : distal tibia fractures are amongst the common open fractures encountered in day to day life owing to high energy trauma , the challenge to achieve union is added on due to absence of soft tissue envelope surrounding the bone apart from biological low blood supply Material and methods: this study was done in SRG Hospital and medical college , Jhalawar Rajasthan , comprising of 25 patients with open extra articular distal tibia fractures. Treated by reduction and external xation with ring hybrid xator. Results: The results were based on the objective and subjective parameters as described by Ovadia DN and Beals RK , we had 14 (56%) patients with excellent, 5 (20%) patient with good, 5 (20%) patients with fair and 1 (4%) patient with a poor outcome.

519 Outcomes of Management with Ilizarov Frames in Bone Infection: An Observational Study

Aim The successful treatment and eradication of bone infection requires a multifaceted approach and may recur even after excision if resultant bone void is not managed effectively. This paper aims to review the clinical effectiveness of antibiotic-impregnated bone void filler and current empirical antibiotic guidelines. Method We report a retrospective study of 18 patients with chronic osteomyelitis following injury or surgery managed via Ilizarov Ring Fixator (IRF). All patients were managed by IRF stabilisation procedures with debridement, microbiological sampling, and bone void filling with antibiotic-impregnated biocomposite material, in addition to culture-specific systemic antimicrobial therapy. Results Patients were followed up for a mean of 15.9 months. Infection was eradicated in 94.1% of patients in a grossly comorbid demographic. Comorbidities associated with increased risk of osteomyelitis were noted in 72.2% of patients. Anaerobic bacteria were identified in culture for four (22.2%) of the 18 patients. Conclusions We detected a higher than suspected growth of anaerobes in our samples, suggesting the need for metronidazole in empirical antibiotic treatment. This study would suggest that the use of STIMULAN® may be preferable in this National Health Service from a cost-effect perspective, as our results are comparable to those using other bone void fillers.

Computed Tomography in Limb Salvage and Deformity Correction—3D Assessment, Indications, Radiation Exposure, and Safety Considerations

Computed tomography (CT) is an essential tool in orthopedic surgery but is known to be a method with that entails radiation exposure. CT increases the risk of developing fatal cancer, which should not be underestimated. However, patients with bone defects and/or deformities must frequently undergo numerous investigations during their treatment. CT is used for surgical planning, evaluating callus maturation, alignment measurement, length measurement, torsion measurement, and angiography. This study explores the indications in CT scans for limb lengthening and deformity correction and estimates the effective radiation dose. These results should help avoid unnecessary radiation exposure by narrowing the examination field and by providing explicit scanning indications. For this study, 19 posttraumatic patients were included after the bone reconstruction of 21 lower limbs. All patients underwent CT examinations during or after treatment with an external ring fixator. The mean effective dose was 3.27 mSv, with a mean cancer risk of 1:117,014. The effective dose depended on the location and indication of measurement, with a mean dose of 0.04 mSv at the ankle up to 6.8 mSv (or higher) for vascular depictions. CT evaluation, with or without 3D reconstruction, is a crucial tool in complex bone reconstruction and deformity treatments. Therefore, strict indications are necessary to reduce radiation exposure—especially in young patients—without compromising the management of their patients.

Functional Outcome of Open Tibial Fracture Using Illizarov Apparatus

The better treatment for tibial fractures are very vague and difficult. Since the tibia is covered by soft tissue coverage fixing of plate becomes very difficult as it creates wound complications, mainly in case of severe fractures.In this study of 20 cases of open communited fractures of tibia with the Ilizarov ring fixator hybrid technique was used, it was found that this technique has a major advantages in treatment and management of the tibial fracture.

No more rattling: biomechanical evaluation of a hexapod ring fixator free of play

Hexapod-ring-fixators have a characteristic rattling sound during load changes due to play in the hexapod struts. This play is perceived as unpleasant by patients and can lead to frame instability. Using slotted-ball-instead of universal-joints for the ring-strut connection could potentially resolve this problem. The purpose of the study was to clarify if the use of slotted-ball-joints reduces play and also fracture gap movement. A hexapod-fixator with slotted-ball-joints and aluminum struts (Ball-Al) was compared to universal-joint-fixators with either aluminum (Uni Al) or steel struts (Uni Steel). Six fixator frames each were loaded in tension, compression, torsion, bending and shear and mechanical performance was analyzed in terms of movement, stiffness and play. The slotted-ball-joint fixator was the only system without measurable axial play (<0.01 mm) compared to Uni-Al (1.2 ± 0.1) mm and Uni-Steel (0.6 ± 0.2) mm (p≤0.001). In both shear directions the Uni-Al had the largest play (p≤0.014). The resulting axial fracture gap movements were similar for the two aluminum frames and up to 25% smaller for the steel frame, mainly due to the highest stiffness found for the Uni-Steel in all loading scenarios (p≤0.036). However, the Uni-Steel construct was also up to 29% (450 g) heavier and had fewer usable mounting holes. In conclusion, the slotted-ball-joints of the Ball-Al fixator reduced play and minimized shear movement in the fracture while maintaining low weight of the construct. The heavier and stiffer Uni-Steel fixator compensates for existing play with a higher overall stiffness.

Treatment of Severe Rigid Posttraumatic Equinus Deformity With Gradual Deformity Correction and Arthroscopic Ankle Arthrodesis

Background: Posttraumatic ankle equinus is associated with rigid deformity, poor skin condition, and multiple prior surgeries. Open acute correction has been described using osteotomies, talectomy, and arthrodesis, but concerns exist about skin complications, neurologic alterations, secondary limb discrepancy, and bone loss. Gradual correction using a multiplanar ring fixator and arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis (AAA) may decrease these complications. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients undergoing correction of posttraumatic rigid equinus with at least 1 year of follow-up after frame removal. The procedure consisted of percutaneous Achilles lengthening, gradual equinus correction using a multiplanar ring fixator, and AAA retaining the fixator in compression with screw augmentation. Frame removal depended on signs of union on the computed tomography scan. Visual analog scale (VAS) and Foot Function Index (FFI) scores were assessed as well as preoperative and postoperative x-rays. Complications were noted throughout the follow-up period. Results: Five patients were treated with a mean age of 35 years and mean follow-up of 31 months. Deformities were gradually corrected into a plantigrade foot over an average duration of 6 weeks. Union was achieved in all patients with a mean time of an additional 25 weeks, for a mean total frame time of 31 weeks. The mean preoperative tibiotalar angle was 151 degrees and was corrected to 115 degrees. FFI score improved from a mean of 87 to 24 and VAS from 8 to 2. Conclusion: Posttraumatic rigid equinus can be treated effectively using gradual correction followed by integrated AAA in a safe and reproducible manner. Patients in this series had excellent functional, radiological, and satisfaction results. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.

Illizarov’s technique outcome in non-union tibial fracture

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Tibia being a superficial bone of the body and vulnerable to trauma, often becomes fractured among all long bone fractures. Tibial surface is subcutaneous most of its length so open fractures are common.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods: </strong>The present cross sectional study was conducted on 20 patients attending the outpatient department Of Orthopedics, Government Medical College and Hospital, Ambikapur, Sarguja (C.G) India between September 2020 to February 2021. Patients within the age group of 18-60 years, having fracture of any duration with gap non union and those having duration of fracture more than 36 weeks without bony gap were included in the study. Details of Patient’s characteristics concerning primary injury and treatment were recorded and evaluation of results were based on Paleys criteria.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results: </strong>In bone/radiological results, seven were classed as excellent, eleven as good with the remainder of 2 being fair and poor each. Functionally nine were graded as excellent, nine as good and two as fair and poor each.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> It was found that Ilizarov ring fixator is an excellent treatment modality for tibial non-union with infection. However the technique requires long treatment follow up. Multiple interventions may be necessary to overcome the difficulties which come across the treatment.</p>

An Unusual Case of an Extensive Proximal Tibia Bone Defect Secondary to Complicated Cellulitis Managed by Unifocal Bone Transport Using an Ilizarov Fixator

Introduction Bone defects occur following bone loss secondary to trauma or due to infection. Extensive bone defects are usually seen in the former. It is unusual to have large defects in isolated osteomyelitis without prior history of any trauma. We are reporting a case with a bone defect of around 17 cm due to infectious aetiology and its management by unifocal bone transport using the Ilizarov ring fixator. Case Report The present report describes a 45-year-old gentleman with newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus who was initially admitted under general surgery for management of cellulitis and was later admitted under orthopedics for suspected osteomyelitis of left proximal tibia and septic arthritis of left knee. Serial debridement, prolonged antibiotic therapy and skeletal stabilization by a temporary joint spanning external fixator was applied to control the infection. The infection finally resolved after 6 weeks with a bone defect of approximately 17 cm. Options for reconstruction were discussed with the patient along with their pros and cons. Unifocal bone transport by ilizarov ring fixator was finalized with the patient’s consent with the aim of achieving a functional limb. Bone healing index was 1.17 months/cm. ASAMI scoring showed excellent bone result and good functional result. LEFS was 55/80. The lower scores were because of the fused knee. Conclusion To the best of the authors’ knowledge this is the largest defect secondary to infection without history of trauma which has been successfully treated by unifocal bone transport.