Treatment of a fibular autograft non-union with a resulting deformity by stabilization, progressive correction and callotasis using an Ilizarov fixator: a case study

Bone tumours present a challenge to reconstructive surgery when the tumour breaches the physeal and periphyseal region of the growing bone. Though a host of options are available, these are not without complications. We report one such case of osteosarcoma of the tibia treated initially with wide resection of the tumour and intercalary fibular strut grafting using plate and screws. The operation was complicated by a non-union at the proximal tibio-fibular autograft junction. This leads to a multiplanar deformity with severe procurvatum at the proximal tibio-fibular graft junction, which was successfully treated by callotasis using an Ilizarov fixator. Appropriate consent was obtained from the patient and parents to publish this case report

Fatigue behavior of Ilizarov frame versus tibial interlocking nail in a comminuted tibial fracture model: a biomechanical study

BACKGROUND: Treatment options for comminuted tibial shaft fractures include plating, intramedullary nailing, and external fixation. No biomechanical comparison between an interlocking tibia nail with external fixation by an Ilizarov frame has been reported to date. In the present study, we compared the fatigue behaviour of Ilizarov frames to interlocking intramedullary nails in a comminuted tibial fracture model under a combined loading of axial compression, bending and torsion. Our goal was to determine the biomechanical characteristics, stability and durability for each device over a clinically relevant three month testing period. The study hypothesis was that differences in the mechanical properties may account for differing clinical results and provide information applicable to clinical decision making for comminuted tibia shaft fractures. METHODS: In this biomechanical study, 12 composite tibial bone models with a comminuted fracture and a 25 mm diaphyseal gap were investigated. Of these, six models were stabilized with a 180-mm four-ring Ilizarov frame, and six models were minimally reamed and stabilized with a 10 mm statically locked Russell-Taylor Delta™ tibial nail. After measuring the pre-fatigue axial compression bending and torsion stiffness, each model was loaded under a sinusoidal cyclic combined loading of axial compression (2.8/28 lbf; 12.46/124.6 N) and torque (1.7/17 lbf-in; 0.19/1.92 Nm) at a frequency of 3 Hz. The test was performed until failure (implant breakage or ≥ 5° angulations and/or 2 cm shortening) occurred or until 252,000 cycles were completed, which corresponds to approximately three months testing period. RESULTS: In all 12 models, both the Ilizarov frame and the interlocking tibia nail were able to maintain fracture stability of the tibial defect and to complete the full 252,000 cycles during the entire study period of three months. A significantly higher stiffness to axial compression and torsion was demonstrated by the tibial interlocking nail model, while the Ilizarov frame provided a significantly increased range of axial micromotion. CONCLUSION: This is the first study, to our knowledge, which compares the biomechanical properties of an intramedullary nail to an external Ilizarov frame to cyclic axial loading and torsion in a comminuted tibia shaft fracture model. Prospective, randomized trials comparing Ilizarov frames and interlocked tibial nails are needed to clarify the clinical impact of these biomechanical findings

Treatment of traumatic forearm bone loss with Ilizarov ring fixation and bone transport

Bone loss in the forearm results from high-energy trauma or follows non-union with infection. Ilizarov methodology provides stable fixation without implantation of permanent foreign bodies while permitting wrist and elbow movement. We are reporting our experience using distraction osteogenesis in the treatment of traumatic bone loss in the forearm. From 1991 to 2000, 11 consecutive patients with traumatic forearm bone loss were treated with Ilizarov ring fixation. Records were reviewed retrospectively. All patients were contacted 2-10 years after surgery at the Ilizarov Clinic in Lecco, Italy. Eleven atrophic non-unions with bone loss were treated. The time from injury to Ilizarov treatment averaged 2.1 years. Follow-up averaged 6.2 years. The union rate with Ilizarov treatment alone was 64%. Thirty-six percent of the patients were converted to a hypertrophic non-union and underwent compression plating. The overall rate of union was 100%. There were four unplanned reoperations and no refractures, neurovascular injuries or deep infections. Three patients had significant limitations of wrist function. Nine patients described their function as excellent. Ilizarov fixation with bone transport is a viable treatment option for atrophic forearm non-unions with bone loss. Treatment resulted in ablation of infection, healing of atrophic non-unions with minimal complications and early extremity use