Locking compression plate as a sequential external fixator following the distraction phase for the treatment of tibial bone defects caused by fracture-related infection: experiences from 22 cases

Abstract Background The purpose of this study was to report the clinical and psychological outcomes of using a locking compression plate (LCP) as a sequential external fixator following the distraction phase in the treatment of tibial bone defects caused by fracture-related infection (FRI). Methods...

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Main Authors: Xiriaili Kadier, Kai Liu, Aierbanjiang Shali, Yimurang Hamiti, Sulong Wang, Xin Yang, Alimu Keremu, Aihemaitijiang Yusufu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2024-12-01
Series:BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-024-08221-3
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author Xiriaili Kadier
Kai Liu
Aierbanjiang Shali
Yimurang Hamiti
Sulong Wang
Xin Yang
Alimu Keremu
Aihemaitijiang Yusufu
author_facet Xiriaili Kadier
Kai Liu
Aierbanjiang Shali
Yimurang Hamiti
Sulong Wang
Xin Yang
Alimu Keremu
Aihemaitijiang Yusufu
author_sort Xiriaili Kadier
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background The purpose of this study was to report the clinical and psychological outcomes of using a locking compression plate (LCP) as a sequential external fixator following the distraction phase in the treatment of tibial bone defects caused by fracture-related infection (FRI). Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical records and consecutive X-ray images of patients with tibial bone defects who were treated with an LCP as a sequential external fixator following the distraction phase, between June 2017 and December 2022. The ASAMI criteria were applied to assess the bone and functional outcomes, and postoperative complications were evaluated by using the Paley classification. The SCL-90-R questionnaire was used to evaluate patients’ psychological symptoms, documented and compared at Time 1 (before bone transport), Time 2 (after distraction phase), and Time 3(final follow-up). Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Results This study included 22 participants with a mean age of 37.72 ± 9.65 years, comprising 17 males (77.2%) and 5 females (22.7%). The mean postoperative follow-up time was 29 ± 2.65 months. The mean number of previous surgical interventions per patient was 5.22 ± 1.26. Twenty-two patients with tibial bone defects caused by FRI were successfully treated using an LCP as a sequential external fixator following the distraction phase, with a mean bone union time of 9.95 ± 1.52 months. Bone union was achieved in all cases (100%) without the use of bone grafts at the docking sites. Following the completion of distraction, the Ilizarov apparatus or monorail fixator was retained for an additional 2.20 ± 0.53 weeks before being exchanged for the external locking compression plate (ELCP). The mean external fixation time (EFT) was 12.29 ± 1.67 months, with a mean external fixation index (EFI) of 1.83 ± 0.22 month/cm (Table 2). At the final follow-up, bone and functional outcomes were evaluated using the ASAMI criteria. Bone outcomes included 10 excellent and 12 good results, while functional outcomes included 12 excellent, 9 good, and 1 fair result. Statistically significant differences in psychological impacts were observed among the three time points (Time 1 vs. Time 2, P = 0.034; Time 2 vs. Time 3, P = 0.020; Time 1 vs. Time 3, P = 0.012). Complications were observed in 6 patients (27.2%), including joint stiffness (n = 3), pin-track infection (n = 3), and refracture (n = 1). All complications were successfully managed. Conclusion LCP used as a sequential external fixator following the distraction phase is an effective method for treating massive tibial bone defects caused by FRI and is also suitable for patients with scars and poor tissue conditions resulting from multiple previous debridement. Furthermore, this combined technique could be more beneficial in alleviating psychological burdens, supporting patients’ engagement in rehabilitation, and facilitating a return to normal life. Clinical trial number Not applicable.
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spelling doaj-art-5c72ed7a051343f99e3de3de45e2eed12025-01-05T12:04:39ZengBMCBMC Musculoskeletal Disorders1471-24742024-12-012511810.1186/s12891-024-08221-3Locking compression plate as a sequential external fixator following the distraction phase for the treatment of tibial bone defects caused by fracture-related infection: experiences from 22 casesXiriaili Kadier0Kai Liu1Aierbanjiang Shali2Yimurang Hamiti3Sulong Wang4Xin Yang5Alimu Keremu6Aihemaitijiang Yusufu7Department of Trauma and Microreconstructive Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical UniversityDepartment of Trauma and Microreconstructive Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical UniversityDepartment of Trauma and Microreconstructive Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical UniversityDepartment of Trauma and Microreconstructive Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical UniversityDepartment of Trauma and Microreconstructive Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical UniversityDepartment of Trauma and Microreconstructive Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical UniversityDepartment of Orthopedic Surgery, The First People’s Hospital of KashiDepartment of Trauma and Microreconstructive Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical UniversityAbstract Background The purpose of this study was to report the clinical and psychological outcomes of using a locking compression plate (LCP) as a sequential external fixator following the distraction phase in the treatment of tibial bone defects caused by fracture-related infection (FRI). Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical records and consecutive X-ray images of patients with tibial bone defects who were treated with an LCP as a sequential external fixator following the distraction phase, between June 2017 and December 2022. The ASAMI criteria were applied to assess the bone and functional outcomes, and postoperative complications were evaluated by using the Paley classification. The SCL-90-R questionnaire was used to evaluate patients’ psychological symptoms, documented and compared at Time 1 (before bone transport), Time 2 (after distraction phase), and Time 3(final follow-up). Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Results This study included 22 participants with a mean age of 37.72 ± 9.65 years, comprising 17 males (77.2%) and 5 females (22.7%). The mean postoperative follow-up time was 29 ± 2.65 months. The mean number of previous surgical interventions per patient was 5.22 ± 1.26. Twenty-two patients with tibial bone defects caused by FRI were successfully treated using an LCP as a sequential external fixator following the distraction phase, with a mean bone union time of 9.95 ± 1.52 months. Bone union was achieved in all cases (100%) without the use of bone grafts at the docking sites. Following the completion of distraction, the Ilizarov apparatus or monorail fixator was retained for an additional 2.20 ± 0.53 weeks before being exchanged for the external locking compression plate (ELCP). The mean external fixation time (EFT) was 12.29 ± 1.67 months, with a mean external fixation index (EFI) of 1.83 ± 0.22 month/cm (Table 2). At the final follow-up, bone and functional outcomes were evaluated using the ASAMI criteria. Bone outcomes included 10 excellent and 12 good results, while functional outcomes included 12 excellent, 9 good, and 1 fair result. Statistically significant differences in psychological impacts were observed among the three time points (Time 1 vs. Time 2, P = 0.034; Time 2 vs. Time 3, P = 0.020; Time 1 vs. Time 3, P = 0.012). Complications were observed in 6 patients (27.2%), including joint stiffness (n = 3), pin-track infection (n = 3), and refracture (n = 1). All complications were successfully managed. Conclusion LCP used as a sequential external fixator following the distraction phase is an effective method for treating massive tibial bone defects caused by FRI and is also suitable for patients with scars and poor tissue conditions resulting from multiple previous debridement. Furthermore, this combined technique could be more beneficial in alleviating psychological burdens, supporting patients’ engagement in rehabilitation, and facilitating a return to normal life. Clinical trial number Not applicable.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-024-08221-3TibiaBone defectIlizarov bone transportLocking compression plateExternal fixation
spellingShingle Xiriaili Kadier
Kai Liu
Aierbanjiang Shali
Yimurang Hamiti
Sulong Wang
Xin Yang
Alimu Keremu
Aihemaitijiang Yusufu
Locking compression plate as a sequential external fixator following the distraction phase for the treatment of tibial bone defects caused by fracture-related infection: experiences from 22 cases
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders
Tibia
Bone defect
Ilizarov bone transport
Locking compression plate
External fixation
title Locking compression plate as a sequential external fixator following the distraction phase for the treatment of tibial bone defects caused by fracture-related infection: experiences from 22 cases
title_full Locking compression plate as a sequential external fixator following the distraction phase for the treatment of tibial bone defects caused by fracture-related infection: experiences from 22 cases
title_fullStr Locking compression plate as a sequential external fixator following the distraction phase for the treatment of tibial bone defects caused by fracture-related infection: experiences from 22 cases
title_full_unstemmed Locking compression plate as a sequential external fixator following the distraction phase for the treatment of tibial bone defects caused by fracture-related infection: experiences from 22 cases
title_short Locking compression plate as a sequential external fixator following the distraction phase for the treatment of tibial bone defects caused by fracture-related infection: experiences from 22 cases
title_sort locking compression plate as a sequential external fixator following the distraction phase for the treatment of tibial bone defects caused by fracture related infection experiences from 22 cases
topic Tibia
Bone defect
Ilizarov bone transport
Locking compression plate
External fixation
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-024-08221-3
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