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 compare the effectiveness using bone transport and bone shortening-lengthening by Ilizarov technique for tibial bone and soft tissue defects. MethodsBetween January 2004 and May 2012,31 patients with tibial bone and soft tissue defects were managed by Ilizarov technique,the clinical data were retrospectively analyzed.Bone transport was used in 18 cases (group A),and bone shortening-lengthening in 13 cases (group B).There was no significant difference in age,gender,type of fracture,defect location,size of bone and soft defects,and time from injury to operation between 2 groups (P>0.05).Postoperative complications were observed;Paley's criterion was used to assess the bone healing and function recovery of the limb. ResultsAll the flaps survived and healing of wounds by second intention was obtained in all cases of group A;healing of wounds by first intention was obtained in 1 case,delayed healing in 3 cases,and healing by second intention in 9 cases in group B.All patients were followed up 1.5-4.5 years (mean,2.4 years).Pin loosening or pin tract infection occurred in 15 cases of group A and in 10 cases of group B,and limb length discrepancy in 1 case of group B;there was no significant difference in the rate of complication (χ2=0.003,P=0.955).In the distracted zone,all fractures healed naturally with excellent scale.The healing time was (251±39) days in group A,and was (239±45) days in group B,showing no significant difference (t=0.800,P=0.430);the healing index was (4.26±0.19) d/mm in group A,and was (4.13±0.19) d/mm in group B,showing no significant difference (t=1.775,P=0.086).In the bone defect zone,natural healing was obtained in 12 cases and healing after second operation or bone grafting in 6 cases,with healing time of (341±55) days (excellent in 17 cases and good in 1 case) in group A;natural healing was obtained in 11 cases and healing after second operation or bone grafting in 2 cases,with the healing time of (295±62) days (excellent in 12 cases and good in 1 case) in group B;and there was significant difference in the healing time (t=2.195,P=0.036),but no significant difference in the healing scale (Z=-1.693,P=0.091).At last follow-up,the function recovery was excellent in 7 cases,good in 6 cases,and fair in 5 cases in group A,and was excellent in 3 cases,good in 6 cases,and fair in 4 cases in group B,showing no significant difference (Z=-0.660,P=0.509). ConclusionUsing bone transport or bone shortening-lengthening by Ilizarov technique for tibial bone and soft tissue defects,the overall outcomes are similar,but the healing of bone defect zone is faster when using bone shortening-lengthening.
Objective To investigate the effectiveness of sequential plate internal fixation in the correction of Madelung deformity after ulnar osteotomy and shortening. Methods The clinical data of 13 patients with Madelung deformity admitted between September 2015 and July 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 5 males and 8 females with an average age of 18.3 years ranging from 17 to 23 years. The disease duration ranged from 12 to 24 months, with an average of 17 months. Three cases had a clear history of trauma. All patients had external radial deviation deformity and limited movement of the ulnar deviation, and the ulnar impact pain was significant during ulnar deviation movement; 9 patients had limited wrist joint supination movement, and the supination movement was normal. In the first stage, ulnar osteotomy and shortening combined with external fixator were used to correct wrist deformity in 13 patients. After operation, bone transfer was performed 6 times per day, with adjustments made every 4 hours, which was 1 mm per day. After the osteotomy was in place, the ulnar plate internal fixation was performed to reconstruct the ulnar stability in the second stage. The Cooney wrist joint score was used to assess the pain, function, range of motion, flexion and extension range of motion, and grip strength of the wrist joint before operation and before the removal of internal fixator. The subjective feeling and appearance satisfaction of patients were recorded. ResultsAfter the second-stage operation, all the 13 patients were followed up 10-22 months, with an average of 15 months. The deformity of wrist joint disappeared after operation, and the flexion, extension, and ulnar deviation were basically normal. There was no complication such as ulnar impingement sign, nonunion or infection. Wrist function, pain, and range of motion were significantly improved after operation, except for 1 patient who had no significant improvement in rotation and pain. The ulnar internal fixator was removed at 10-18 months after the second-stage operation. The scores of pain, function, range of motion, flexion and extension range of motion, and grip strength in the Cooney wrist score before removal of internal fixator significantly improved when compared with those before operation (P<0.05). Subjective and appearance satisfaction of patients were excellent in 9 cases, good in 3 cases, and fair in 1 case. ConclusionUlnar osteotomy and shortening with sequential plate internal fixation for correction of Madelung deformity, with mild postoperative pain, can effectively avoid bone nonunion, improve wrist joint function, and have significant effectiveness.
ObjectiveTo summarize the effectiveness and experience of Wanger grade 3-5 diabetic foot treated with vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) combined with transverse tibial bone transport.MethodsBetween March 2015 and January 2018, 21 patients with refractory diabetic foot who failed conservative treatment were treated with VSD combined with transverse tibial bone transport. There were 15 males and 6 females, aged 55-88 years (mean, 65 years). The diabetes history was 8-15 years (mean, 12.2 years). The duration of diabetic foot ranged from 7 to 84 days (mean, 35.3 days). The size of diabetic foot ulcer before operation ranged from 2 cm×2 cm to 8 cm×5 cm. According to Wanger classification, 8 cases were rated as grade 3, 11 cases as grade 4, and 2 cases as grade 5. Among the 21 cases, angiography of lower extremity before operation was performed in 5 cases, CT angiography of lower extremity in 16 cases, all of which indicated that the arteries below the knee were narrowed to varying degrees and not completely blocked. Preoperative foot skin temperature was (29.28±0.77)℃, C-reactive protein was (38.03±31.23) mg/L, leukocyte count was (9.44±2.21)×109/L, and the visual analogue scale (VAS) score was 6.8±1.5, and ability of daily living (Barthel index) was 54.3±10.3.ResultsAfter operation, 2 patients with Wanger grade 4 and smoking history failed treatment and had an major amputation (amputation above ankle joint) at 30 days and 45 days after operation, respectively. One patient with Wanger grade 5 and chronic heart failure died of cardiac arrest at 60 days after operation. The remaining 18 patients were followed up 6-24 months (mean, 9.2 months). The external fixator was removed at 40-62 days after operation, with an average of 46 days. All the wounds healed, with a healing time of 50-120 days (mean, 62.5 days). The pain of 18 patients’ feet was relieved obviously, and there was no recurrence of ulcer in situ or other parts. There was no complication such as tibial fracture and ischemic necrosis of lower leg skin after operation. After ulcer healing, the foot skin temperature was (30.86±0.80)℃, C-reactive protein was (22.90±18.42) mg/L, VAS score was 2.4±1.2, and Barthel index was 77.3±4.6, all showing significant differences when compared with preoperative ones (P<0.05); the leukocyte count was (8.91±1.72)×109/L, showing no significant difference (t=1.090, P=0.291).ConclusionVSD combined with transverse tibial bone transport can effectively promote the healing of Wanger grade 3-5 diabetic foot wounds, but smokers, unstable blood glucose control, and chronic heart failure patients have the risk of failure.
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.
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.
Objective To summarize the effectiveness of Ilizarov technique in the correction of flexion contracture deformity of the knee after burn. Methods Between April 2012 and July 2017, Ilizarov technique was used to treat 14 cases (17 knees) of knee flexion contracture patients. There were 11 males (13 knees) and 3 females (4 knees), with an age of 20-48 years (mean, 37 years). The duration of scar formation was 8 months to 24 years (mean, 5 years). The scar ranged from the upper part of the thigh, down to the middle part of the leg, from both sides to the inside and outside of the popliteal fossa, without ulceration. The area after scar contracture was 12 cm×10 cm to 30 cm×22 cm. Preoperative total activity of motion (TAM) was 30-115° (mean, 69°). There were 4 cases in wheelchair, 5 cases walking with double crutches, 3 cases with limp, and 2 cases with half squat walking. According to the knee function evaluation criteria by QIN Sihe, the preoperative knee function was fair in 3 knees, poor in 5 knees, and very poor in 9 knees. Results All patients were followed up 6 months to 5 years (mean, 2 years). No local skin necrosis, needle tract infection, limb numbness, and other complications occurred. Knee flexion deformities were all corrected. The postoperative TAM was 70-145° (mean, 125°). All patients were able to walk with plantar weight-bearing, and their gait improved when compared with that before operation. Five cases could walk without a crutch and only slightly claudication after operation. At last follow-up, according to the knee function evaluation criteria, the results were excellent in 9 knees, good in 5 knees, and fair in 3 knees, all were significantly improved when compared with that before operation (Z=–3.677,P=0.000). Conclusion Ilizarov technique has the advantages of minimally invasive, safe, and easy to operate for the treatment of flexion contracture deformity of the knee after burn.
Objective To investigate the effectiveness of shortening-lengthening method using Ilizarov technique for repairing large tibial bone and soft tissue defects. Methods Between January 2006 and December 2011, 12 patients with large tibial bone and soft tissue defects were treated by shortening-lengthening method using Ilizarov technique. There were 8 males and 4 females with an average age of 39.3 years (range, 18-65 years). The causes were injury in 8 cases and chronic infection in 4 cases. The area of soft tissue defect was 5 cm × 4 cm to 20 cm × 16 cm, and the length of tibial bone defect was 4.5-8.0 cm with an average of 6.2 cm. Results Incision in the lengthening area healed by first intention; healing of wounds by first intention was achieved in 6 cases, delayed healing in 2 cases, and secondary healing in 4 cases, with no common peroneal nerve injury. All patients were followed up 18-54 months with an average of 29 months. In the lengthening area, the bone healing time was 180-365 days (mean, 267 days), and the healing index was 3.8-4.3 days/mm (mean, 4.1 days/mm). In the shortening area, the bone healing time was 195-380 days (mean, 297 days) in the others except 1 case who was repaired with bone grafting. Mild pin-related infection and loosening were observed in all cases, but no infection occurred in the lengthening or shortening area. At last follow-up, weight bearing of the leg was fully recovered in 12 cases. According to Mazur’s criteria, the function of ankle was excellent in 2 cases, good in 6 cases, and fair in 4 cases. Nine patients had equal limb length, and 3 patients had shortened length less than 2 cm. Conclusion Shortening-lengthening method using Ilizarov technique has the advantages of simple surgery, less complications, easy to close the wound, and good effectiveness in repairing of large tibial bone and soft tissue defects．
ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness of the Ilizarov technique for the treatment of traumatic talipes equinovarus so as to provide the evidence for the clinical practice. MethodsBetween February 2011 and April 2012,42 patients with traumatic talipes equinovarus received treatment by Ilizarov technique,including 29 males and 13 females aged 17-55 years (mean,34.3 years).The left side was involved in 24 cases,and the right side in 18 cases.The disease duration was 6 months to 6 years (mean,2.7 years).According to the principles of Ilizarov,a ring external fixator was applied on the affected foot and lower leg.The threaded rods and screw nuts were revolved according to the tolerance of patients at 3-7 days after fixation.At first,forefoot varus or foot inversion was corrected,and then drooping feet deformity was corrected.The patients were encouraged to begin weight-bearing walking after correction.X-ray films were taken regularly to observe the ankle joint and avoid its dislocation.The external fixator was maintained in neutral position for 8-12 weeks after achieving satisfactory correction.An walking ankle-foot orthosis and a sleeping ankle-foot orthosis were used for more than 16 weeks after removal of the fixator.The outcome was assessed with American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) comprehensive scoring system and visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score. ResultsForty-two patients were followed up 14.3 months on average (range,10-24 months).All the patients achieved 0° dorsiflexion at 4-13 weeks (mean,6.8 weeks) after treatment with Ilizarov apparatus.The fixator was maintained for 10.7 weeks on average (range,10-16 weeks) after correction.No dislocation of the ankle joint and no damage to nerves and blood vessels occurred.The deformity of plantar flexion (10°) was found in 3 patients.At last follow-up,the patients could walk normally.AOFAS score was significantly increased to 93.4±8.0 from 52.7±10.1 at preoperation (t=-7.035,P=0.008);according to AOFAS scoring system,24 cases were grades as excellent,14 as good,2 as moderate,and 2 as poor,and the excellent and good rate was 90.5%.The VAS score of the foot significantly decreased to 3.51±1.44 from 7.55±1.39 at preoperation (t=-0.564,P=0.025). ConclusionIlizarov technique combined with non-fusion has satisfactory effectiveness in correction of traumatic talipes equinovarus.It is a safe,effective,and minimally invasive method.
ObjectiveTo investigate the surgical method and preliminary effectiveness of Ilizarov technique in the treatment of lower limb deformity caused by achondroplasia. MethodsThe clinical data of 38 patients with lower limb deformity caused by achondroplasia treated by Ilizarov technique between February 2014 and September 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 18 males and 20 females, the age ranged from 7 to 34 years, with an average of 14.8 years. All patients presented with bilateral knee varus deformity. The preoperative varus angles was (15.2±4.2)°, and knee society score (KSS) was 61.8±7.2. Nine of these patients underwent tibia and fibula osteotomy, 29 cases underwent tibia and fibula osteotomy and bone lengthening at the same time. Full-length bearing position X-ray films of bilateral lower limbs were taken to measure the bilateral varus angles, analyze the healing index, and record the occurrence of complications. KSS score was used to evaluate the improvement of knee joint function before and after operation. Results All 38 cases were followed up 9-65 months, with an average of 26.3 months. Needle tract infection occurred in 4 cases and needle tract loosening occurred in 2 cases after operation, which were improved after symptomatic treatment such as dressing change, Kirschner wire change, and oral antibiotics, and no neurovascular injury occurred in all patients. The external fixator was worn for 3-11 months after operation, with an average of 7.6 months, and the healing index was 43-59 d/cm, with an average of 50.3 d/cm. At last follow-up, the leg was 3-10 cm longer, with an average of 5.5 cm. The varus angles was (1.5±0.2)° and the KSS score was 93.7±2.6, which significantly improved when compared with those before operation (P<0.05). ConclusionIlizarov technique is a safe and effective method for the treatment of short limb with genu varus deformity caused by achondroplasia, which can improve the quality of life of patients.