Abstract
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.
Résumé
Les pertes de substance osseuses à l’avant-bras résultent d’un traumatisme à haute énergie ou d’une pseudarthrose septique. La méthode d’Ilizarov avec transport osseux donne une fixation stable permettant une mobilisation du poignet et du coude sans implantation permanente de matériel. De 1991 à 2000 11 patients consécutifs présentant une pseudarthrose atrophique avec perte de substance osseuse de l’avant-bras ont été traité ainsi et revus rétrospectivement 2 à 10 ans après. Le délai entre le traumatisme et le traitement étudié était en moyenne de 2,1 ans et le suivi moyen de 6,2 ans. Il y avait 64% de consolidation après traitement simple par la méthode d’Ilizarov et chez les autres patients elle avait conduit à une pseudarthrose hypertrophique nécessitant ensuite une ostéosynthèse en compression par plaque vissée. Quatre réinterventions non prévues ont été nécessaires. Le taux total de consolidation était de 100%. Il n’y avait pas de fracture itérative ni de complication vasculo-nerveuse ni d’infection profonde. Trois patients avaient une limitation nette de la fonction du poignet. Neuf patients décrivaient leur fonction comme excellente. La méthode d’Ilizarov est une bonne option thérapeutique pour les pseudarthrose atrophiques de l’avant-bras avec perte de substance osseuse. Elle permet le traitement de l’infection, la consolidation osseuse avec un minimum de complications et un recouvrement rapide de la fonction.
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Smith, W.R., Elbatrawy, Y.A., Andreassen, G.S. et al. Treatment of traumatic forearm bone loss with Ilizarov ring fixation and bone transport. International Orthopaedics (SICOT) 31, 165–170 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-006-0172-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-006-0172-1