ObjectiveTo summarize the research progress of tibial transverse transport (TTT) in treatment of chronic ischemic diseases of the lower extremities.MethodsThe related literature was systematically searched and the mechanisms, clinical treatment methods, clinical efficacy, indications, contraindications, and complications of TTT were discussed.ResultsBased on the law of tension-stress, TTT is a new method in the treatment of chronic ischemic diseases of the lower extremities. It can relieve the ischemic symptoms, promote the wound healing, and increase the limb salvage rate. The clinical application in recent years has shown good effectiveness, and the scope of application is expanding.ConclusionDue to the current limited clinical application, the sample size of the TTT for the chronic ischemic diseases of the lower extremities is relatively small, and the follow-up time is limited. So its validity, long-term effectiveness, and bone transport standards are need further research.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness of simultaneous treatment of traumatic calcaneal osteomyelitis and defect deformity with near-arc bone transport by Ilizarov technique.MethodsBetween January 2014 and August 2020, 6 cases of traumatic calcaneal osteomyelitis with defect deformities were treated by simultaneous treatment of near-arc bone transport by Ilizarov technique. The patients were all male; aged from 40 to 61 years (mean, 49.3 years). The disease duration was 2-72 months, with an average of 16.1 months. All patients were traumatic calcaneal osteomyelitis, including 4 cases of falling from height, 1 case of traffic accident injury, and 1 case of crushing injury. The infection affected the talar-heel joint in 4 cases, and the talar-heel joint was fused or partially fused in 2 cases. After the external fixator was removed, the Maryland foot scoring system was used to evaluate the foot function, and the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot function scoring system was used to evaluate the ankle-hindfoot function, and were compared with the preoperative scores.ResultsAll patients were followed up 1.5-26.0 months, with an average of 16.3 months. All incisions healed by first intention, no recurrence of infection occurred, and no surgical intervention such as second-stage bone grafting and fusion was performed. Five cases of calcaneal osteomyelitis with defect deformity underwent one-stage osteotomy and slipped, 1 case of the original bone mass after debridement after infection of calcaneal fractures slipped directly. The bone sliding time was 28-62 days, with an average of 38.7 days; the sliding distance was 3.1-5.2 cm, with an average of 3.6 cm. In 1 patient, due to the short follow-up time, the calcaneal slip bone had not healed, the external fixator had not been removed (not involved in clinical scoring), but the foot shape, reexamination of X-ray films and with frame walking were satisfactory. The time with external fixator was 6-8 months, with an average of 6.5 months in the other 5 cases. After removing the external fixator, the foot returned to three-point weight-bearing, and the longitudinal arch was recovered to varying degrees, and there was no obvious varus valgus. The Maryland score after removal of the external fixator was 80.8±4.7, which was significantly higher than that before operation (33.6±4.3) (t=–35.782, P=0.000), 3 cases were excellent and 2 cases were good; the median AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score was 84, the interquartile range was (79, 86), which was significantly improved when compared with the preoperative score [the median score was 33.5, the interquartile range was (21.3, 37.5)] (Z=–2.023, P=0.043), 4 cases were excellent and 1 case was good. Among them, pain, walking distance, getting rid of walking aids, going up and down stairs, deformity, etc. were significantly improved when compared with preoperative ones. Mobility such as subtalar and hock joints were poor or disappeared.ConclusionSimultaneous treatment of traumatic calcaneal osteomyelitis and defect deformity with near-arc bone transport by Ilizarov technique can optimize the operation method, reduce the number of operations, and try to simulate the original shape of the calcaneus. It is an effective, economical, and novel treatment method.
ObjectiveTo explore the biomechanical characteristics and clinical application effects of three-dimensional (3D) printed osteotomy guide plate combined with Ilizarov technique in the treatment of rigid clubfoot. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 11 patients with rigid clubfoot who met the inclusion criteria and were admitted between January 2019 and December 2024. There were 6 males and 5 females, aged 21-60 years with an average of 43.2 years. Among them, 5 cases were untreated congenital rigid clubfoot, 4 cases were recurrent rigid clubfoot after previous treatment, and 2 cases were rigid clubfoot due to disease sequelae. All 11 patients first received slow distraction using Ilizarov technique combined with circular external fixator until the force lines of the foot and ankle joint were basically normal. Then, 1 male patient aged 24 years was selected, and CT scanning was used to obtain imaging data of the ankle joint and foot. A 3D finite element model was established and validated using the plantar stress distribution nephogram of the patient. After validation, the biomechanical changes of the tibiotalar joint under the same load were simulated after triple arthrodesis and fixation. The optimal correction angle of the hindfoot was determined to fabricate 3D-printed osteotomy guide plates, and all 11 patients underwent triple arthrodesis using these guide plates. The functional recovery was evaluated by comparing the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, International Clubfoot Study Group (ICFSG) score, and 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) score before and after operation. Results Finite element analysis showed that the maximum peak von Mises stress of the tibiotalar joint was at hindfoot varus 3° and the minimum at valgus 6°; the maximum peak von Mises stress of the 3 naviculocuneiform joints under various conditions appeared at lateral naviculocuneiform joint before operation, and the minimum appeared at lateral naviculocuneiform joint at neutral position 0°; the maximum peak von Mises stress of the 5 tarsometatarsal joints under various conditions appeared at the 2nd tarsometatarsal joint at hindfoot neutral position 0°, and the minimum appeared at the 1st tarsometatarsal joint at valgus 6°. Clinical application results showed that the characteristics of clubfoot deformity observed during operation were consistent with the preoperative 3D reconstruction model. All 11 patients were followed up 8-24 months with an average of 13.1 months. One patient had postoperative incision exudation, which healed after dressing change; the remaining patients had good incision healing. All patients achieved good healing of the osteotomy segments, with a healing time of 3-6 months and an average of 4.1 months. At last follow-up, the AOFAS score, SF-36 score, and ICFSG score significantly improved when compared with those before operation (P<0.05). ConclusionThe 3D-printed osteotomy guide plate combined with Ilizarov technique has favorable biomechanical advantages in the treatment of rigid clubfoot, with significant clinical application effects. It can effectively improve the foot function of patients and achieve precise and personalized treatment.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness of self-made limb chronic wound closure device in the treatment of scarred lower limbs and complex skin and soft tissue defects.MethodsBetween January 2014 and January 2017, 29 patients with complex fractures of the lower extremities and skin and soft tissue defects were treated. There were 19 males and 10 females with an average age of 31.1 years (range, 21-66 years). The causes of injury included 14 cases of traffic accidents, 5 cases of falling from height, 4 cases of heavy object crushing injury, 4 cases of mechanical crushing injury, and 2 cases of exposed steel plate after fracture. There were 26 cases of calf fracture and skin defect, 3 cases of metatarsal bone fracture and skin defect of the foot. The skin defect ranged from 5 cm×3 cm to 18 cm×8 cm. The time from injury to admission was 5-31 days, with an average of 14.3 days. All patients underwent a thorough debridement, open wound drainage, self-made chronic wound closure device combined with Ilizarov stretching technique for a slow skin and soft tissue traction. After the wound was cleaned up and the granulation tissue was freshened, the skins on both sides were closed, and then proceed to the second stage operation of skin grafting or direct suture closure based on the size of the wound.ResultsAll patients were followed up 8-20 months, with an average of 13 months. Twenty-nine patients were treated with self-made chronic wound closure device combined with Ilizarov technique for 1-2 times with an average of 1.3 times, then the wound infection was controlled and the granulation tissue grew well. In the course of treatment, the pain was not obvious and the patients had good compliance. All patients’ wounds healed clinically without skin traction complications and formed linear or flaky scars.ConclusionThe self-made chronic wound closure device is effective in repairing complex scarred wounds of lower extremities, and it is easy to operate.
ObjectiveTo investigate the application value of the Ilizarov technique for infection after the limb salvage operation of primary bone tumor. MethodsA retrospective analysis was made on the clinical data of 6 patients with infection treated with Ilizarov technique after limb salvage operation of primary bone tumor between July 2012 and April 2015. There were 4 males and 2 females, aged 18-40 years (mean, 28 years). Tumor types included 3 cases of osteosarcoma and 3 cases of giant cell tumor of bone. Tumor located at the left distal femur in 2 cases, at the right distal femur in 1 case, at the left proximal tibia in 1 case, and at the right proximal tibia in 2 cases. Six cases had recurring infection after debridement. The patients underwent operation 2 to 5 times (mean, 3.5 times). The time from tumor resection to visiting was 8-20 months (mean, 14.3 months). During operation, the internal implant was removed; infection and necrotic tissue was removed thoroughly; and the Ilizarov external fixator was installed. After operation, gentamycin normal saline was used for 2 to 3 weeks, and the sensitive antibiotic intravenous infusion was performed at the same time. After 1 week, the osteotomy lengthening was used. ResultsAll 6 patients were followed up for 6 to 18 months (mean, 12.2 months). Pin tract infection occurred in 1 case after operation; primary healing of incision was obtained in the other patients, and no related complications occurred. The external fixation time ranged from 6 to 16 months (mean, 11.5 months). The healing indexes ranged from 34 to 62 days/cm (mean, 52.0 days/cm). After removal of the external fixator, the knee range of motion ranged from 0 to 5° (mean, 3°) in extension, and from 120 to 130° (mean, 125°) in flexion. The American musculo-skeletal tumor society system (MSTS) function scoring was excellent in 3 patients, good in 2 patients, and fair in 1 patient, with an excellent and good rate of 83.3%. During follow-up period, there was no recurrence of infection; and no recurrence or metastasis was found in 3 patients with osteosarcoma. ConclusionInfection can be cured by Ilizarov technique after limb salvage operation of bone tumor.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness of double osteotomy and lengthening of proximal phalanx and metacarpal with Ilizarov technique in treatment of thumb defect. MethodsBetween February 2017 and June 2019, 6 patients with traumatic thumb defects were treated with double osteotomy and lengthening of proximal phalanx and metacarpal by Ilizarov technique. There were 5 males and 1 female. The age ranged from 28 to 57 years, with an average of 41.5 years. There were 3 cases on the left side and 3 cases on the right side. All patients were admitted to the hospital in emergency department after injury, and the stump of the thumb was trimmed and sutured. The osteotomy plane was the distal part of the proximal phalanx in 4 cases and the interphalangeal joint in 2 cases. The interval between injury and osteotomy was 20-245 days (median, 34.5 days). After minimally invasive osteotomy and placement of a semi-circular external fixator, the lengthening began on the 5th day. The proximal phalanx and metacarpal were lengthened by 0.5 mm every day, once every 12 hours. The thumb of the affected side was distracted to the middle of the distal phalanx of the healthy thumb, and the fixator was removed after the bone healed. ResultsThe distraction time was 14-23 days, with an average of 18.8 days. The osteotomies were healed with healing time of 91-147 days (mean, 120.2 days). The total distraction length of the proximal phalanx and metacarpal was 1.40-2.25 cm, with an average of 1.86 cm; healing index was 51.0-72.2 days/cm, with an average of 64.9 days/cm. All patients were followed up 5-12 months (mean, 8.2 months). At last follow-up, the two-point discrimination was 5.3-8.5 mm with an average of 6.98 mm. According to the evaluation standard of the upper limb part of the Chinese Medical Association, the score was 10-14, with an average of 12.5. Among them, 4 cases were excellent and 2 cases were good, with an excellent and good rate of 100%. All patients were satisfied with the function and appearance of thumb after operation. The Quick Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (Quick-DASH) score was 2.3-9.1, with an average of 6.1. ConclusionThe double osteotomy and lengthening of proximal phalanx and metacarpal with Ilizarov technique is an effective method for the treatment of thumb defects.
Objective To summarize the methods of ankle hinge position design in the correction of clubfoot deformity by Ilizarov method, and to explore its application value in the prevention of ankle dislocation. Methods A retrospective study was conducted including 28 patients with rigid clubfoot deformity (34 feet) who met the selection criteria and admitted between September 2021 and December 2024. There were 19 males and 9 females with an average age of 31.8 years (range, 19-47 years). According to Dimeglio classification, there were 21 feet of degree Ⅲ and 13 feet of degree Ⅳ. The causes were traumatic sequelae in 9 cases, congenital foot deformity in 15 cases, spina bifida sequelae in 1 case, peripheral neuropathy in 1 case, and cerebral palsy sequelae in 2 cases. The malformation lasted from 6 to 46 years, with an average of 29.3 years. All patients were treated with Ilizarov circular external fixator, and the hinge position of ankle joint was planned according to the standard lateral X-ray film of foot and ankle and the principle of Ilizarov limb deformity correction center of rotation angulation (CORA) before operation. The 2008 International Clubfoot Study Group (ICFSG) scoring system was used to evaluate the efficacy. ResultsThe deformity of rigid clubfoot was completely corrected in all patients, and the patients could walk with plantar weight-bearing, and the ankle weight-bearing walking significantly improved when compared with that before operation. There was no complication such as ankle dislocation, talus impact or extrusion, local skin necrosis, needle tract infection, or numbness of extremities during the correction process. All patients were followed up 5-39 months, with an average of 18.1 months. At last follow-up, according to the ICFSG scoring system, 23 feet were excellent, 10 feet were good, and 1 foot was fair, and the excellent and good rate was 97%. Conclusion Designing the position of the ankle hinge according to the principle of CORA can effectively avoid ankle dislocation, talus impingement, tibiotalar joint extrusion, and other ankle adverse events in the process of correcting clubfoot deformity, which has good application value in clinical practice.
Objective To analyze the characteristics of patients with secondary lower limb deformity of spina bifida based on the QIN Sihe Orthopedic Surgery Case Data, and provide the references for clinical research, diagnosis, and treatment. Methods A clinical data of 1 012 patients with secondary lower limb deformity of spina bifida between October 12, 1986 and December 31, 2020 selected from QIN Sihe Orthopedic Surgery Case Data was retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 231 cases (22.83%) had undergone orthopedic surgery for lower extremity deformities in other hospitals. The gender, age at surgery, indicators related to spina bifida (deformity side, comorbidity, sensory disturbance level), and information related to surgery (operating time, surgical site, postoperative fixation method) were analyzed. Results Of the 1012 patients, 457 were males and 555 were females. The age was 3-51 years at the time of surgery, with a median of 18.0 years; among them, the 15-30 years old group had the most patients, accounting for 53.16%. Most deformities involved both lower limbs (652 cases, 64.43%). There were 111 cases of ulcers in the weight-bearing area of the foot, 265 cases of gatism, 554 cases of sensory disturbance, and 85 cases of abnormal hair on the waist. From 2010 to 2019, there were significantly more patients undergoing surgery than before 2010, reaching 61.17%. Sensory disturbances mostly occurred in the ankle and foot. A total of 1 149 sites were treated with surgery, of which the most ankle joint deformities were corrected by surgery, accounting for 84.33%. The main fixation methods after orthopedic surgery were external fixation, including Ilizarov external fixation (442 cases), combined external fixation (315 cases), and plaster fixation (189 cases). Conclusion Spina bifida can be secondary to severe deformities of the lower limbs, mainly in the ankles. Common complications include ulcers in the weight-bearing area, dysfunction of urine and feces, and sensory disturbances; external fixation is the main method of fixation after surgery.
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of Ilizarov technique and tibiotalar or tibiocalcanean arthrodesis for one-stage treatment of ankle joints infection and bone defects. Methods Between January 2014 and April 2016, 14 patients with ankle joints infection and bone defects were treated by Ilizarov technique and tibiotalar or tibiocalcanean arthrodesis for one-stage. There were 12 males and 2 females with an average age of 39.8 years (range, 25-61 years). The causes of ankle infection included falling from height injury in 5 cases, falling injury in 4 cases, traffic accident injury in 1 case, crushing injury in 1 case, sprain injury in 1 case, and hematogenous reason in 2 cases. All the patients received surgery for 0-8 times (mean, 3.7 times) before admission. The modified American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle and hindfoot score was 30.25±3.54 before operation. The disease duration was 1-30 months (mean, 10.3 months). Results All the incisions healed by first intension without recurrence of infection, and two-stage bone grafting operation did not performed. One case felt slight local pain and swell of ankle joint after weight-bearing walking more than 30 minutes, and without special treatment. All the patients had different degree skin redness and swelling of Kirschner wire pinhole for 0-3 times, and relieved after symptomatic treatment. All the patients were followed up 6-27 months (mean, 16.8 months). Except for 2 cases who did not remove the external fixator (with external fixation time of 6 months and 8 months respectively), the other patients removed the external fixator at 6-14 months (mean, 9 months) after operation, all patients recovered the walk function and without ankle pain. The modified AOFAS ankle and hindfoot score after removal of external fixator (70.92±1.0) was significantly higher than preoperative one (t=–10.992, P=0.000). Conclusion It is a simple and effective method for one-stage treatment of ankle joints infection and bone defects by Ilizarov technique and tibiotalar or tibiocalcanean arthrodesis.
ObjectiveTo explore the effectiveness of the first-stage debridement and Ilizarov metatarsal bone lengthening in treatment of diabetic foot ulcer complicated with chronic osteomyelitis of metatarsal head.MethodsBetween January 2015 and October 2018, 8 cases (9 feet, 11 sites) of diabetic foot ulcer complicated with chronic osteomyelitis of metatarsal head were treated by first-stage debridement and Ilizarov metatarsal bone lengthening. There were 3 males (4 feet, 5 sites) and 5 females (5 feet, 6 sites), with an average age of 57.5 years (range, 44-65 years). According to diabetic foot Wagner grade, 6 cases (7 feet) were grade 3 and 2 cases (2 feet) were grade 4. The chronic osteomyelitis located at left foot in 4 cases, right foot in 3 cases, and bilateral feet in 1 case. The duration of chronic osteomyelitis was 1-5 years (mean, 3.1 years). The chronic osteomyelitis site was the 1st metatarsal head in 3 feet, the 3rd metatarsal head in 1 foot, the 4th metatarsal head in 1 foot, and the 5th metatarsal head in 6 feet. Two patients had chronic osteomyelitis at 2 sites on 1 foot. The length of lengthened metatarsal bone, lengthening time, and the time of wearing external fixation frame were recorded, and the external fixation frame index was calculated. The healing conditions of foot ulcer and lengthening bone segment were observed, the healing time was recorded, and the healing index of lengthening bone was calculated. The ankle function was evaluated according to the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score criteria.ResultsAll patients were followed up 9-26 months with an average of 15.0 months. Except pin tract infection during the bone lengthening period, there was no complications such as skin necrosis and vascular or nerve injury occurred during treatment. The length of lengthened metatarsal bone was 12-35 mm with an average of 20.5 mm; the metatarsal bone lengthening time were 21-84 days with an average of 57.8 days. The average time of wearing external fixation frame was 14.6 weeks (range, 10.4-21.1 weeks) and the external fixation frame index was 54.3 days/cm (range, 42.9-59.2 days/cm). The ulcer wound healed with an average healing time of 30.5 days (range, 19-70 days) and no ulcer recurrence was observed during follow-up. Bone healing was obtained in all bone lengthening segments, and the average healing index was 42.5 days/cm (range, 37-51 days/cm). The average AOFAS score was 91.7 (range, 87-95); 5 feet were excellent and 4 feet were good. The excellent and good rate was 100%.ConclusionThe metatarsal bone lengthening under Ilizarov law of tension-stress after debridement can promote diabetic foot ulcers healing and reconstructing the length of metatarsal to retain the function of metatarsal load and avoid amputation. This is an effective method for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcer complicated with chronic osteomyelitis of metatarsal head.