Aims Many authors have reported a shorter treatment time when using trifocal bone transport (TFT) rather than bifocal bone transport (BFT) in the management of long segmental tibial bone defects. However, the difference in the incidence of additional procedures, the true complications, and the final results have not been investigated. Patients and Methods A total of 86 consecutive patients with a long tibial bone defect (≥ 8 cm), who were treated between January 2008 and January 2015, were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 45 were treated by BFT and 41 by TFT. The median age of the 45 patients in the BFT group was 43 years (interquartile range (IQR) 23 to 54). Results The size of the bone defect was significantly longer (p = 0.005), the number of previous operations was significantly higher (p < 0.001), the operating time was significantly longer (p < 0.001), and the bone transport distance was significantly increased (p = 0.017) in the TFT group. However, the external fixation time (p < 0.001), the healing index (p < 0.001), the number of additional procedures (p = 0.013), and the number of true complications (p < 0.001) were significantly reduced in this group. Both groups achieved highly satisfactory bone and functional results. Conclusion TFT can significantly reduce the treatment time, the number of additional surgical procedures, and true complications compared with BFT in the treatment of long segmental tibial bone defects.
The modified technique provides a transfer with sufficient length and strength that can restore large tendo-achilles defects in elderly, and is stable enough to allow early protected weight-bearing and rehabilitation with favorable clinical result and minimal morbidity. Resection of all degenerated tendon tissue alleviates pain and improves function.
Distraction osteogenesis over the preexisting nail can be a good alternative to treat difficult femoral diaphyseal nonunions associated with significant shortening.
Background: Open tibial plafond fractures (Orthopaedic Trauma Association and AO Foundation [OTA/AO] 43) are associated with severe complications, including deep infection (closed fractures, 20%; open fractures, 30%), amputation (3%-14%), and nonunion (up to 25%). Circular external fixators (CEFs) can minimize soft tissue injury. This study aimed to report the rate of union and occurrence of severe complications in patients with open tibial plafond fractures treated with CEFs. Methods: A retrospective review of case series was conducted at 3 level I trauma centers. The study included patients older than 18 years with open tibial plafond fractures treated with CEFs. The reported outcomes included union rate, deep infection, operative complications, and limb alignment. The radiographic measurements of anatomic alignment were obtained. Fifty-two patients were included in the study. Results: The primary union rate was 79%. No deep infection occurred in the majority (92%) of patients. No patient required amputation of the affected limb or free flap coverage. Conclusion: Definitive fixation of open tibial plafond fractures with CEFs avoided severe soft tissue complications but resulted in variation in final radiographic alignment. Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series.
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