Abstract
Introduction:
Bone defects may be managed with bone transport or acute shortening and lengthening using circular external fixation devices. We performed a multicenter retrospective cohort study to compare the outcomes between the Ilizarov frames and hexapod frames for the management of bone defects.
Methods:
Patients treated for bone defects using either Ilizarov or hexapod frames were included for analysis in two specialist institutions. Primary outcomes were time to consolidation, bone healing index (BHI), and external fixator index (EFI). Radiographic parameters included the medial proximal tibial angle, lateral distal tibial angle, posterior proximal tibial angle, and anterior distal tibial angle.
Results:
There were 137 hexapods and 90 Ilizarov frames in total. The mean time to follow-up was 3.7 years in the hexapod group and 4.0 years in the Ilizarov group. Hexapods had a significantly lower time to consolidation (253 days versus 449 days) (P < 0.0001) and BHI (59.1 days/cm versus 87.5 days/cm) (P < 0.0001). Hexapods had a significantly better EFI (72.3 days/cm versus 96.1 days/cm) (P = 0.0009).
Conclusion:
Hexapods may confer a significant advantage over Ilizarov frames in the management of bone defects. Time to consolidation, radiographic parameters, BHI, and EFI are all superior in hexapods.
Publisher
Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Subject
Orthopedics and Sports Medicine,Surgery
Reference17 articles.
1. Reconstructive options for tibial bone defects;McClure;J Am Acad Orthop Surg,2021
2. Bone transport for treatment of traumatic composite tibial bone and soft tissue defects: Any specific needs besides the ilizarov technique?;Li;Biomed Res Int,2020
3. Ilizarov bone transport and treatment of critical-sized tibial bone defects: A narrative review;Aktuglu;J Orthop Traumatol,2019
4. Simultaneous treatment of tibial bone and soft-tissue defects with the Ilizarov method;Rozbruch;J Orthop Trauma,2006
5. Intentional temporary limb deformation for closure of soft-tissue defects in open tibial fractures;Hernández-Irizarry;J Orthop Trauma,2021