Erik Hohmann1, Franz Birkholtz2, Vaida Glatt3, Kevin Tetsworth4. 1. School of Medicine, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Valiant Clinic/Houston Methodist Group, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Electronic address: ehohmann@hotmail.com. 2. Walk-a-Mile Centre for Advanced Orthopaedics, Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pretoria, Steve Biko Academic Hospital, South Africa. 3. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, USA. 4. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Royal Brisbane Hospital, Herston, Australia; Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Queensland, Australia; Queensland University of Technology, Orthopaedic Research Institute, Australia.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to describe a standardized staged approach, "The Road to Union", for the reconstruction of isolated complex tibial trauma, both acute and chronic in nature. METHODS: This retrospective study included all patients treated for complex tibial trauma at a specialized limb reconstruction centre, including acute open fracture as well as infected and aseptic non-unions. This standardized approach includes eight specific steps, employed in sequence. The time in external fixation (EFT), the external fixation index (EFI), and the distraction consolidation index (DCI) were the primary outcome measures. The relationship between EFI and DCI was assessed using Pearson's moment correlations. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients with a mean age of 34.7±14.2years were included; 12 were treated for complex open tibial fractures with bone loss, 13 for infected non-unions, and 6 for aseptic non-union. The mean bone defect was 66±32mm. The total EFT was 42.5±14.8 weeks; the EFI measured 51.9±25.3 days/cm, and the DCI measured 48.3±21.4 days/cm. Union was achieved in 29 out of 32 patients (91%), and there was a strong and significant relationship between EFI and DCI (r=0.92, p=0.0001) measurements. Pin site infections were observed in 11 patients, and 3 patients had persistent non-union. Three patients underwent delayed amputations when reconstructive procedures were unable to achieve union. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study demonstrate that a standardized staged treatment protocol of debridement, circular external fixation, soft-tissue management, distraction osteogenesis, and functional rehabilitation can result in a high rate of union in cases of complex tibial trauma, both acute and chronic in nature. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV; case series.
INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to describe a standardized staged approach, "The Road to Union", for the reconstruction of isolated complex tibial trauma, both acute and chronic in nature. METHODS: This retrospective study included all patients treated for complex tibial trauma at a specialized limb reconstruction centre, including acute open fracture as well as infected and aseptic non-unions. This standardized approach includes eight specific steps, employed in sequence. The time in external fixation (EFT), the external fixation index (EFI), and the distraction consolidation index (DCI) were the primary outcome measures. The relationship between EFI and DCI was assessed using Pearson's moment correlations. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients with a mean age of 34.7±14.2years were included; 12 were treated for complex open tibial fractures with bone loss, 13 for infected non-unions, and 6 for aseptic non-union. The mean bone defect was 66±32mm. The total EFT was 42.5±14.8 weeks; the EFI measured 51.9±25.3 days/cm, and the DCI measured 48.3±21.4 days/cm. Union was achieved in 29 out of 32 patients (91%), and there was a strong and significant relationship between EFI and DCI (r=0.92, p=0.0001) measurements. Pin site infections were observed in 11 patients, and 3 patients had persistent non-union. Three patients underwent delayed amputations when reconstructive procedures were unable to achieve union. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study demonstrate that a standardized staged treatment protocol of debridement, circular external fixation, soft-tissue management, distraction osteogenesis, and functional rehabilitation can result in a high rate of union in cases of complex tibial trauma, both acute and chronic in nature. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV; case series.
Authors: Jaco Naude; Muhammad Manjra; Franz F Birkholtz; Annette-Christy Barnard; Vaida Glatt; Kevin Tetsworth; Erik Hohmann Journal: Strategies Trauma Limb Reconstr Date: 2019 Sep-Dec
Authors: Jaco J Naude; Muhammad A Manjra; Franz Birkholtz; Annette-Christi Barnard; Kevin Tetsworth; Vaida Glatt; Erik Hohmann Journal: Strategies Trauma Limb Reconstr Date: 2021 Jan-Apr