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Accuracy of complex lower-limb deformity correction with external fixation: a comparison of the Taylor Spatial Frame with the Ilizarov ring fixator.

ABSTRACT: Circular external fixators have several advantages over other surgical options in the treatment of limb length discrepancy and axial deformity. The innovative Taylor Spatial Frame (TSF) combines a rigid hexapod fixation system with the support of a web-based software program, and thus offers the possibility of simultaneous corrections of multidirectional deformities. Whilst there is still some scepticism of many Ilizarov device users about the advantages of the TSF, the purpose of the study was to perform a comparison between the TSF and the Ilizarov ring fixator (IRF) with regard to the accuracy of deformity correction in the lower limb.Two hundred and eight consecutive deformity corrections in 155 patients were retrospectively evaluated. There were 79 cases treated with the IRF and 129 cases treated with the TSF. The mean age of the patients at the time of surgery was 13.2 years (range; 2-49 years). Standing anteroposterior and lateral radiographs were evaluated preoperatively and immediately after removal of the frames. The final result was compared to the preoperatively defined aim of the deformity correction. According to the treated count of dimensions, we differentiated four types of deformity corrections. The results were graded into four groups based on the persisting axial deviation after removal of the frame.The aim of the deformity correction was achieved in a total of 90.7% in the TSF group, compared to 55.7% in the IRF group. On the basis of the count of dimensions, the TSF achieved obviously higher percentages of excellent results (one dimension: TSF 100%; IRF 79.3%; two dimensions: TSF 91.8%; IRF 48.6%; three dimensions: TSF 91.1%; IRF 28.6%; four dimensions: TSF 66.7%; IRF 0%). In addition, the degree of the persisting deformity increased with the number of planes of the deformity correction.The TSF allowed for much higher precision in deformity correction compared to the IRF. In two-, three- and four-dimensional deformity corrections in particular, the TSF showed clear advantages. This may derive from the TSF-specific combination of a hexapod fixator with the support of an Internet-based software program, enabling precise simultaneous multiplanar deformity corrections.

SUBMITTER: Manner HM

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2656701 | biostudies-other | 2007 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-other

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Project description:BACKGROUND:Infected non-union of long bones is a problem in the developing countries. Persistent infection, deformity, shortening, bone loss, joint stiffness and disability complicate the non-union. Secondary procedures are often required for correction of bone defects and deformity. Ilizarov method addresses all the above problems simultaneously and offers a panacea for infected non-unions. The stability of the fixation and provision for bone transport allows bridging of bone defects, limb lengthening, early weight bearing ambulation and joint mobilisation. AIM OF THE STUDY:To know the suitability of this procedure in recalcitrant infected tibial non-unions in the Indian population and the influence of socio-economic factors in the functional outcome. METHOD OF STUDY:This was a 3-year prospective study in 22 consecutive patients with an average follow up of 13 months following fracture union. The results were analysed using the ASAMI scoring system. RESULTS:Of 22 patients in the study, 13 patients who underwent external bone transport, had an average bone gap of 4 cms [2-11 cms] with an average duration of fixation of 9.3 months [6.5-13 months]. There were 4 excellent, 3 good, 4 fair and 2 poor bony results and 1 excellent, 3 good, 6 fair and 2 poor results. 1 patient was lost for follow up at final functional analysis. 9 patients who underwent internal bone transport had an average bone gap of 5.4 cms [1.5-9 cms] with an average duration of fixation of 8.5 months [4-11 months]. There were 3 good 4 fair and 2 poor bony results and 1 good, 3 fair, and 2 poor functional results. Good to excellent results were witnessed in well-motivated patients with adequate social and financial support. Patients with fair to poor results preferred amputation to limb salvage despite the fact that they retained their limbs. CONCLUSION:Treatment of infected non-unions of Tibia with Ilizarov ring fixation is effective but for optimal results the treatment needs to be individualised by the treating surgeon with due consideration of the socio-economic factors.

Project description:Introduction:Open comminuted distal femur fractures are notorious for septic or aseptic non-union. The recommended fixed angle distal femur locking plate in such situations can lead to a septic non-union due to its extensive approach and further periosteal stripping. Supracondylar nails, though have a minimally invasive approach, are not suitable for type C2 and C3 (AO/ASIF) fractures. A monolateral fixator as damage control followed by plating may be recommended. But if wound healing is delayed it results in difficult articular reduction, poor alignment and a stiff knee. We therefore used ilizarov circular external fixators (ICEF) for such open fractures (type C1, C2 and C3) and analysed its radiological and functional outcomes. Materials and methods:25 male patients, with a mean age of 31.04?±?6.62 years (range, 22-44 years), with open grade III type C distal femoral fractures were treated with ICEF. There were 7 fractures of type C1and C3 each, 11 were of type C2. Articular reduction and compression was achieved with inter-fragmentary screws through minimal open technique by extending the open wound and then stabilising the fracture with ICEF. The main outcomes evaluated were union, range of motion, final shortening, Knee Society scoring and ASAMI scoring system for radiological and functional outcomes. Results:The mean follow-up period was 19.12?±?1.14 months. All fractures except two united at a mean period of 30?±?3.02 weeks, without the need of bone grafts. The bony assessment (according to ASAMI score) was excellent in 8 cases (33.33%), good in 9 cases (37.5%) and fair in 5 cases (20.83%), while there were 2 poor clinical end results. The functional results were excellent in 6 cases (25%), good in 9 cases (37.5%) fair in 6 cases (25%) poor in 3 cases (12.5%). The complications included shortening, extension lag and pin tract infections. Conclusion:With the encouraging results, the use of ICEF with minimal internal fixation in grade III open comminuted distal femur fractures as a primary definitive treatment is a valuable alternative.

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Accuracy of complex lower-limb deformity correction with external fixation: a comparison of the Taylor Spatial Frame with the Ilizarov ring fixator.

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