External versus internal fixation for bicondylar tibial plateau fractures: systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: It is uncertain whether external fixation or open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) is optimal for patients with bicondylar tibial plateau fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review using Ovid MEDLINE, Embase Classic, Embase, AMED, the Cochrane Library, Open Grey, Orthopaedic Proceedings, WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, Current Controlled Trials, US National Institute for Health Trials Registry, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. The search was conducted on 3rd October 2014 and no language limits were applied. Inclusion criteria were all clinical study designs comparing external fixation with open reduction internal fixation of bicondylar tibial plateau fractures. Studies of only one treatment modality were excluded, as were those that included unicondylar tibial plateau fractures. Treatment effects from studies reporting dichotomous outcomes were summarised using odds ratios. Continuous outcomes were converted to standardized mean differences to assess the treatment effect, and inverse variance methods used to combine data. A fixed effect model was used for meta-analyses. RESULTS: Patients undergoing external fixation were more likely to have returned to preinjury activities by six and twelve months (P = 0.030) but not at 24 months follow-up. However, external fixation was complicated by a greater number of infections (OR 2.59, 95 % CI 1.25-5.36, P = 0.01). There were no statistically significant differences in the rates of deep infection, venous thromboembolism, compartment syndrome, or need for re-operation between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Although external fixation and ORIF are associated with different complication profiles, both are acceptable strategies for managing bicondylar tibial plateau fractures

Role of high tibial osteotomy in chronic injuries of posterior cruciate ligament and posterolateral corner

High tibial osteotomy (HTO) is a surgical procedure used to change the mechanical weight-bearing axis and alter the loads carried through the knee. Conventional indications for HTO are medial compartment osteoarthritis and varus malalignment of the knee causing pain and dysfunction. Traditionally, knee instability associated with varus thrust has been considered a contraindication. However, today the indications include patients with chronic ligament deficiencies and malalignment, because an HTO procedure can change not only the coronal but also the sagittal plane of the knee. The sagittal plane has generally been ignored in HTO literature, but its modification has a significant impact on biomechanics and joint stability. Indeed, decreased posterior tibial slope causes posterior tibia translation and helps the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)-deficient knee. Vice versa, increased tibial slope causes anterior tibia translation and helps the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)-deficient knee. A review of literature shows that soft tissue procedures alone are often unsatisfactory for chronic posterior instability if alignment is not corrected. Since limb alignment is the most important factor to consider in lower limb reconstructive surgery, diagnosis and treatment of limb malalignment should not be ignored in management of chronic ligamentous instabilities. This paper reviews the effects of chronic posterior instability and tibial slope alteration on knee and soft tissues, in addition to planning and surgical technique for chronic posterior and posterolateral instability with HTO

Ilizarov method to correct limb length discrepancy after limb-sparing hemipelvectomy

Pelvic resection for a sarcoma in young patients is challenging, with significant functional, psychological, and social implications. We report the case of a 26-year-old former Ewing's sarcoma patient in whom the Ilizarov technique was applied to address 6 cm of leg length discrepancy secondary to internal hemipelvectomy with superomedial dislocation of the right femoral head. Fifteen years after the internal hemipelvectomy, the patient underwent distal femoral and bifocal tibial lengthening using circular frames. The results obtained in this patient underline the usefulness of the Ilizarov treatment to increase the quality of life in long-term survivors of pelvic bone cancer

Treatment strategies for complex fractures of the tibial plateau with external circular fixation and limited internal fixation

BACKGROUND: We intended to evaluate the technique of treatment of complex fractures of the tibial plateau using external circular fixation combined with limited internal fixation, and to evaluate the treatment outcomes. METHODS: From 1992 to 2002, we treated 59 patients (40 men, 19 women) ranging in age from 23 to 63 years with the external circular fixation. All the cases were classified preoperatively as Schatzker types V, VI/Orthopedic Trauma Association 41-C1.3, C2.3, C3.1, C3.3. Five fractures were open. Three different strategies of treatment were used: (1) the frame is confined to the tibia when the external fixation is stable enough to allow knee bending; (2) the frame is extended onto the distal femur, with the proximal tibial ring located at the level of the tibial plateau when the joint surface is severely unstable; and (3) the frame is extended onto the distal femur, with the proximal tibial ring located more distally, bypassing the fracture, when the skin and soft tissue are compromised and within the fracture there is no bone suitable to place wires and pins for the external fixation construct. RESULTS: The results were evaluated as excellent in 30 patients (50.85%), good in 27 patients (45.76%), fair in 1 patient (1.695%), and poor in another 1 (1.695%). The patients' satisfaction was significantly related with the functional results. CONCLUSIONS: Our hybrid Ilizarov method combined with minimal internal fixation enables excellent to good results in most cases of complex tibial plateau fractures

Treatment of massive tibial bone loss due to chronic draining osteomyelitis: fibula transport using the Ilizarov frame

This article affirms the value of the application of the Ilizarov frame for gradual transport of the ipsilateral fibula to replace massive tibial bone loss following chronic refractory osteomyelitis

Cosmetic bilateral leg lengthening : experience of 54 cases

The Ilizarov method for leg lengthening was used for cosmetic reasons in 54 patients with constitutional short stature. A mean lengthening of 7 cm with a low rate of complications produced an excellent or good outcome in all the patients, including improvement in psychological disturbances related to short stature. Those who undergo the procedure must be highly motivated, fully informed and understand the technique and possible complications. We suggest that the Ilizarov method for cosmetic limb lengthening is a technique without major complications. However, it requires careful follow-up, and the involvement of orthopaedic surgeons who are familiar with use of the circular frame and are experienced in limb lengthening and correction of deformity for pathological conditions

Medial fibula transport with the Ilizarov frame to treat massive tibial bone loss

Massive segmental tibial bone loss from trauma, tumor, or infection is a limb-threatening situation. It is a considerable surgical challenge, especially when associated with extensive skin and soft tissue damage. Amputation was the only solution in the past, but current limb-salvage options include contralateral or ipsilateral microvascularized or free-fibular transfer. However, these methods are not without risks and disadvantages. We report seven patients with massive tibial bone loss treated by gradual medial transport of the ipsilateral fibula using an Ilizarov traction apparatus with olive wires after proximal and distal fibular osteotomies. This method has the advantages of avoiding surgery on the contralateral limb while allowing early weightbearing because of the stability of the Ilizarov frame. Hypertrophy of the transported fibula accompanied by full weightbearing and satisfactory joint motion occurred in all patients. All patients were satisfied with the results, and none thought amputation would have been a better treatment. The minimum followup was 5 years. We think the Ilizarov frame for ipsilateral fibular gradual transport is a reasonable alternative for limb salvage in patients with massive tibial bone loss