Clinicoradiological comparison of outcomes of LRS fixator and ilizarov in infected nonunion of tibia based on bone gap quantification: An original research

Abstract

Introduction: The surgery of the fracture of the long bones is inherent to certain complications, one being nonunion. As various modalities are proposed, we aim in our study to compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes after the treatment with the Limb Reconstruction System (LRS) fixator and Ilizarov for the infected tibia with nonunion considering the bone gap quantifications. Materials and Methods: We conducted an observational prospective study among 40 subjects with tibial nonunion. They were grouped equally to be treated by the LRS fixator and Ilizarov. Clinical and radiographic outcomes were compared using the “Chi-squared and independent Student's t -test,” deliberating P < 0.05 as significant. Results: We observed no significant difference for both the groups in the clinical union and functional and radiographic outcome for the various gaps of the nonunion. There was no significant difference for the groups when the time of healing was compared. Conclusion: Comparable results are seen for both the treatment modalities. However, IL fixator performed better clinically, while the LRS was easily accepted by the patients.

Role of Masquelet’s technique in the induction of membrane and secondary bone grafting in patients of long bone fractures with bone loss

“…From the beginning of the amputation era to modern external fixators, the treatment has been evolving over the decades. Although LRS (Limb Reconstruction System) and Ilizarov (distraction osteogenesis) method has been used to manage bone loss, the advantage of one over the other is still debatable [4] . Segmental bone loss of more than 2 cm, is unlikely to progress uneventfully without some kind of intervention [5] .…”