Depending on the reference, pin track infection rates in external fixation surgery have been stated to be anywhere from 0% to 100%. We critically evaluated the pin track infection rate for external fixation by performing systematic review of the external fixation literature since 1980. Using PubMed, a search of the peer-reviewed literature on external fixation was performed. This systematic review was conducted, as much as possible, in accordance with PICOS and PRISMA guidelines. A total of 150 articles were reviewed, including at least one from each year between 1980 and 2014. The following data were collected from each article: the year of publication, number of patients in the study, average age of the patients, reason for the external fixation, fixation per segment (two or more than two points), body part involved, whether or not hydroxyapatite-coated pins were used, duration of the external fixator, type of fixator used, and number of patients with documented pin track infections. These 150 studies represented 6130 patients. There were 1684 reported pin track infections from these 6130 patients, giving a cumulative pin track infection rate of 27.4%. A more recent year of publication was associated with an increasing infection rate (P = 0.015) while increasing age was associated with a decreased infection rate (P < 0.0005). There were trends toward association of humerus location (P = 0.059), shorter fixator duration (P = 0.056), and circular fixation (P = 0.079) with decreased infection rates. This systematic review of external fixation publications revealed a cumulative pin track infection rate of 27%. Younger age was the factor leading to increased pin track infection rates. Circular fixation trended toward being protective of pin track infection when usage was factored into the multiple regression analysis. Longer duration of fixation trended toward increased infection rate as expected. This data provides important base values for a common complication in external fixation treatment, highlights the importance of a more consistent definition of a pin track infection in future research, and identifies the pediatric population as the group at greatest risk.

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Introduction: Knee flexion contracture (KFC) is a debilitating condition that may affect patients with neurogenic conditions, congenital deformities, posttraumatic deformities, and after total knee replacement. The recurrence rate of the deformity following either operative or nonoperative treatment remains high. The aim of the present study is to assess clinical outcomes of patients with KFCs and associated ankle equinus using gradual correction with a circular external fixator (CEF). Methods: Twenty-one patients with knee flexion contraction were treated using a CEF. Seven patients were also simultaneously treated for ankle equinus. All but two patients underwent a combination of open or arthroscopic knee arthrolysis, distal hamstrings lengthening, and gastrocsoleus release. The CEF was applied to match the residual deformity, following the minimal incision soft-tissue release. Results: Mean follow-up was 13 months. The mean range of motion (ROM) at final follow-up was −10° extension, 64° flexion, 9° ankle dorsiflexion, and 29° ankle plantar flexion. The difference between preoperative and postoperative ROMs was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Discussion: The present study suggests that gradual distraction using a CEF is a safe and effective technique in the management of KFC and concurrent ankle equinus. It is crucial to maintain the postoperative correction with braces for at least 1-3 months, depending on the severity of the condition.

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Background: Ollier's disease is a non-hereditary skeletal disorder. Orthopedic management of limb length discrepancy could be complex given the nature of bone pathology, the significant amount of length discrepancy and the difficulty to predict it. The goal of the study is to identify the outcomes and complications associated with surgical management of limb length discrepancy. Methods: This is an IRB approved, retrospective review of patients with Ollier's disease who had limb lengthening. The age at the time of surgery, amount of total length discrepancy and discrepancy for each individual bone, amount of lengthening and as a ratio to the length of the bone itself, type of fixator, duration of the fixator, complications are recorded. Unpaired T-tests evaluated the effect of simultaneous versus single-bone lengthening and tibia vs. femur being lengthened on the external fixator index. One-way ANOVA test was used to evaluate the effect of osteotomy location on mean External Fixator Index (EFI). Results: 14 patients with 40 segmental limb lengthening procedures are identified. The mean LLD was 7.1 cm and mean amount of length gained was 7.8 cm. Follow up was minimum 2 years and maximum 18 years 2 months. The average fixator duration was 178.6 days. The average percent of lengthening through each bone was 19.2. The average EFI was 36.5 days/cm. There was no difference between tibia vs. femur and between simultaneous vs. single bone on EFI. There was no difference among osteotomy type. There were 3 cases of nonunion, one delayed union, 5 cases of premature consolidation. One case had fixation failure. There were 7 cases of knee stiffness of which 3 cases required surgery. Conclusions: Our study shows that Enchondromal bone appears to respond to lengthening with a structurally proper regenerate. Premature consolidation needs to be always kept in mind and appropriate adjustment should be made in the rate of lengthening.

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Background: Despite the large negative effect of limb deformity on health-related quality of life (QoL), there exists no patient-reported instrument to quantify this impact. Rather, limb deformity research has been performed using global QoL measurements concurrently with joint-specific and/or arthritis outcome scales, thereby requiring the completion of multiple instruments. Furthermore, joint- and arthritis-specific instruments focus on the impact pain has on function, whereas limb deformities may be pain-free with greater social and functional impairment. The purpose of this study was to validate a patient-reported instrument to quantify limb deformity-related QoL. Materials and Methods: Because of the similarities with regard to pain, function, and body image between limb deformity and scoliosis, the Scoliosis Research Society-30 (SRS-30) spine deformity instrument was modified such that the words "back" and "trunk" were replaced with "limb" to create a novel instrument: the limb deformity-SRS (LD-SRS). Testing for construct validity (both convergent and discriminant), reliability, floor and ceiling effects, and minimal clinically important difference (MCID) was performed in a validation cohort of 62 subjects aged 18 years or older with nonarthritic, unilateral lower extremity deformity. Results: Scale reliability was excellent (test-retest reliability, intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.977; internal consistency, Cronbach's alpha = 0.906), scores were normally distributed, and there were no floor or ceiling effects. There was also robust construct validity: convergent validity testing revealed positive correlations between the LD-SRS and all short-form-36 domains, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons-Lower Limb Module, and higher scores in those who were postcorrection. Discriminant validity was demonstrated with no correlations between the LD-SRS and subject age, sex, body mass index, surgeon-scored Limb Lengthening and Reconstruction Society-AIM Index, or surgeon-generated deformity measurements. MCID was calculated to be 0.3 (on a 4.0-point scale). Conclusions: The LD-SRS score is a reliable and valid instrument to measure limb deformity-related QoL in patients with nonarthritic lower extremity deformity. It is a valuable tool which allows clinicians to quantify patients' deformity-related QoL with a single instrument, rather than repurposing scales which have been validated for other conditions and have limited applicability to the unique challenges of treating patients with a lower limb deformity. Level of Evidence: Diagnostic, Level 2.

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Purpose: We studied 31 individuals whose femur or tibia was elongated with the PRECICE™ intramedullary lengthening nail in a protocol-controlled, multicentric, prospective series. Only skeletally mature individuals were included in the study. Materials and Methods: The protocol entailed 2-year follow-up after consolidation of the regenerate new bone in the distraction gap. Since the external remote controller (that powers the nail's internal rotating magnet) must be within a predetermined distance from the implant, body weight limitations applied to the individuals. Similarly, a history of active or prior bone infection in the involved limb segment, an offset medullary canal that could not be successfully reamed for the implant, an angular deformity that precluded insertion of a straight device, and any potential limitation on regenerate new bone formation (such as metabolic bone disease or vascular compromise) were causes for exclusion. The mean age ± standard deviation was 24.3 ± 15.0, and the median age was 18 years. There were 20 males and 11 females in the series, with 21 Caucasians, 5 Hispanics, and 5 African-American individuals. The mean body mass index was 24.2 ± 4.7. Twentythree (74.2%) cases involved the femur and 8 (25.8%) involved the tibia. Results: One participant died of medical causes during the study period, and one participant was lost to follow-up, but 29 of 29 participants followed at least to consolidation achieved union (100%) although one of these participants was treated with a supplementary cancellous bone graft and another participant was converted to trauma nail before consolidation, to permit full weight-bearing as a stimulus to regenerate consolidation. On an average, participants achieved 96.3% ± 23.2% of the preoperative target lengthening (3.5 cm; range 1.8–6.0 cm) over an average of 48.5 ± 15.6 days. The average time to full weightbearing (permitted when the regenerate was consolidated on three sides) was 141.1 ± 80.7 days. The knee joint, at consolidation, lost an average of 6.5° of flexion and 0.3° of extension. The ankle lost an average of 1.4° of dorsiflexion and 5.4° of plantar flexion. The hip joint lost, on average, 2° of flexion, and gained 1.6° of extension. There was one deep infection involving the implant, successfully treated with intravenous antibiotics and superficial debridement. Nearly 25.8% of the participants had pain issues during lengthening, often over prominent hardware. In one participant, the nail failed to elongate during lengthening at home and had to be exchanged. One interlock screw broke. The internal components separated during implant extraction in the one subject had his nail exchanged by a trauma nail. Only 17 participants exited the protocol by presenting to clinic for evaluation 2 years after consolidation. None experienced significant deterioration of outcome. Conclusion: The PRECICE™ IM nail is a well-tolerated, reliable, fully implantable limb lengthening device that will accurately elongate the femur or tibia in a variety of causes of limb length inequality, with a low implant failure rate, and few complications.

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Context: A tension band plate (TBP) for guided growth of angular deformity is typically removed after the deformity is corrected to prevent overcorrection. After TBP removal, rebound deformity may occur, necessitating reinsertion of a new TBP. Aims: This study aims to describe a minimally invasive technique for partial removal of TBP to deactivate the TBP when correction is achieved. The technique also allows minimally invasive reactivation of the construct when desired. Settings and Design: This is retrospective case series study. Subjects and Methods: The surgery consists of removing the metaphyseal screw only and keeping the plate and the epiphyseal screw. The procedure is done through a 1-cm incision with fluoroscopy. The metaphyseal edge of the plate is elevated off the bone to break the seal between it and the bone, to prevent tethering. Bone wax is injected in the empty plate hole to prevent bone ingrowth, as this could also cause re-tethering. In case of a subsequent rebound deformity, the metaphyseal screw may be re-inserted percutaneously to reactivate (“wake-up”) the “sleeper plate”. Statistical Analysis Used: Descriptive analysis. Results: The sleeper plate technique was done in eight patients (three males and five females). Four patients had genu valgum and four had genu varum. Mean age at surgery was 11 years (7–14 years). Metaphyseal screw removal was done in a mean period of 14 months (range from 7.4 to 22 months) after the index procedure. Rebound of the deformity happened in three patients and required plate reactivation by reinsertion of the metaphyseal screw. Conclusion: The sleeper plate technique is a minimally invasive procedure and can be an alternative to the removal of the whole TBP construct if the patient is skeletally immature with a risk of deformity rebound. Level of Evidence: IV

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Context: Hexapod fixators can be divided into two basic design groups. One group consists of frames that use ball and socket joint struts attached to the outer surface of the rings. The other group consists of frames that use cardan type universal joint struts attached to the under surface of the rings. Aims: To compare the ability of different hexapod fixator systems for deformity correction. Settings and Design: Nearly, identical two-ring frame constructs were compared to determine if there was any difference in deformity correction capability between cardan type universal joint struts and ball and socket joint struts. Materials and Methods: Maximal deformity was created using the software for each of the frame constructs in all six planes of deformity (angulation, translation, and rotation in the coronal and sagittal planes). Clinical scenarios were also compared (equinus contracture, moderate Blount disease, and severe Blount disease) and the number of strut changes necessary to correct the deformity were recorded. Results: For the small and medium-sized struts, the angular deformity corrections were similar, but the cardan type universal hinges had a greater capability for correcting translational deformity and rotation than the ball and socket joints. However, the amount of lengthening possible was greater for the ball and socket joints with these strut sizes. In the largest size of struts, the ball and socket joints had greater range in every category except rotation. In patients requiring significant rotational correction, the cardan type universal joints were found to impinge on the soft tissues 13° earlier than the ball and socket joints (39° vs. 52°). A Blount disease case with moderate multiplanar deformity and an equinus correction of 45° required the same amount of strut changes for each design. For the Blount disease case with severe multiplanar deformity, the cardan type universal joint struts required six total changes, whereas the ball and socket joint struts required only one strut change and two strut adjustments to achieve the same correction. Conclusions: Both the cardan type universal joint and the ball and socket joint hexapod frame designs allow substantial multiplanar corrections to occur. In the smaller size struts, the cardan type universal joints allow more translation and rotation, whereas the ball and socket joints allow more length. For large rotational corrections and frames built with 90° of offset, the ball and socket joint design is better at avoiding soft tissue impingement. While both systems are comparable with mild to moderate deformity correction, the ball and socket joint design allows more correction with less strut changes for patients with severe deformity in our experimental construct.

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Pin-track infections are a common problem with external fixation and any other implant that breaks the skin barrier. The literature is rich with reports and techniques for treating these infections, but lacks a universally accepted definition of a pin track infection, a single commonly accepted classification, or a standard method of reporting. However, the surgeon can follow a commonly accepted series of practical steps to reduce the occurrence of infection. Continuing development of improved surfaces, substances, and techniques may make pin track infections rarer in the future. Careful preoperative planning, meticulous surgical technique, patient education, and close patient monitoring are all critical to minimize pin-track infections.

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The management of large bone defects, atrophic nonunions, and other conditions with poor bone formation presents a formidable challenge to the treating physician, as all available techniques of bone reconstruction have drawbacks. Recent advances in stem cell biology, specifically adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) and adipose tissue stromal vascular fraction (SVF), have opened up new horizons by providing a reliable and abundant source of stem cells with osteogenic potential that can be used in various bone tissue engineering techniques. In this review, several aspects related to the use of ASCs are addressed, such as harvesting and processing of adipose tissue, advantages of ASCs over bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells, mechanism of action and safety of ASCs, and factors affecting the differentiation of ASCs. Published reports on the use of ASCs in critical size defects, nonunions, and distraction osteogenesis are also reviewed. Innovative trends in stem cell research on musculoskeletal pathologies are highlighted, with special emphasis on the increasing evidence that the direct application of freshly prepared SVF processed from adipose tissue into the bone defect to be treated without a prior differentiation or an ex vivo expansion and culture is possible. This highly promising approach may lead to the development of a one-step intraoperative cell therapy.

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Background: Lower limb deformities have a substantial impact on the quality of life (QOL) of children. This systematic review was conducted to identify as follows: (a) QOL concepts in existing literature specific to pediatric patients with lower limb deformities; (b) parent-reported outcome and patient-reported outcome (PRO) instruments used to measure QOL in pediatric patients with lower limb deformities; and (c) determinants of QOL in pediatric patients with lower limb deformities. Methods: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO were searched from the inception to January 2016. Studies were included if they (1) had patients with lower limb deformities; (2) included children 18 years of age or under; and (3) measured QOL using a PRO or parent-reported outcome of instruments. Results: Of the 938 publications identified in the search, 10 studies used a total of 24 PRO or parent-reported outcome instruments to measure 1 or more aspects of QOL of pediatric patients with lower limb deformities. Three overarching health concepts (physical, psychological, and social health) and 15 subconcepts were identified. Five studies looked at determinants of QOL including type of deformity, severity of deformity, complications postsurgery, stage of treatment, and type of treatment. Psychological health was measured in 10 studies, social health in 7 studies, and physical health in 6 studies. The most frequently measured subconcepts were physical function, psychological distress, and social function. Conclusion: Existing parent-reported outcome and PRO instruments measure 3 QOL concepts in children with lower limb deformities. There were no validated PRO instruments specifically designed to measure QOL of children with lower limb deformities. Level of Evidence: This was a systematic review of level III studies.

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An elite-level 13-year-old female overhead athlete, with a previous history of bone cyst and fracture at age 8, presented with a humeral length discrepancy of 75 mm which had increased to 81 mm within 1 year. Antegrade correction with a motorized lengthening nail was considered but declined due to risk of shoulder damage and pain. In an off-label manner, a femoral motorized lengthening nail was modified and utilized with retrograde placement. Lengthening instructions were modified weekly to account for rapid humeral growth, to minimize soft-tissue tension, and to maximize regenerate quality. By 11 weeks, humeral length was clinically corrected. Three weeks after ceasing lengthening, full range of motion of the shoulder and elbow returned. Once the site had formed new cortex on all four sides, the nail was removed, and return to full activity occurred 4 months later.

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The medial compartment osteoarthritis (OA) of knee joint has various surgical options such as high tibial osteotomy (HTO), hemiarthroplasty, and total knee arthroplasty. In the early stages of medial OA, there are no intra-articular deformities. Thus HTO, which is an extra-articular osteotomy, is recommended for the treatment of mild OA, but in moderate and severe medial OA, there are intra-articular deformities. HTO cannot correct these intra-articular deformities. Thus, an intra-articular osteotomy like the Tibial condylar valgus osteotomy (TCVO) is required in cases of moderate to severe medial OA knee. The contact area of the articular surface of the knee joint after TCVO is broader than it is after HTO in cases of moderate/severe OA. TCVO also improves the bony stability, eliminates the lateral thrust and surely corrects the alignment of the lower limb. To conclude, in cases of medial OA knee, the type of deformity must be evaluated and corrected accordingly. Intra-articular deformity must be corrected first. If the correction of varus and the mechanical axis is not enough, then extra-articular deformity must also be corrected, with a simultaneous or subsequent HTO.

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Introduction: Congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia (CPT) is a rare condition that can pose a challenge in achieving union after surgical excision of the pseudarthrosis site. Multiple methods have been described for management of fractures complicating this abnormal bone, including intramedullary nails (IMNs) and external fixators. One of the IMN designs is the telescoping nail, which has many models including the Fassier-Duval (FD) rod. This system has been known for its use in the management of osteogenesis imperfecta and different types of dysplasia. In this series, we describe our experience with the use of this system in the management of CPT of the tibia in children. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of four patients with FD rod insertions for CPT management. The mean age at surgery was 7.6 years (range: 1.5-17) and the minimum follow-up was 20 months (average: 52.3 months, range: 20-93 months). Two out of the four patients had a concomitant diagnosis of neurofibromatosis Type 1. Results: All four cases achieved union of the fracture at final follow-up. Complications encountered in these cases included a case of joint intrusion into the knee and a case of rod migration due to the failure of telescoping. Conclusion: The FD rod showed promising results in our cohort, but before this treatment modality can be recommended for the management of CPT, additional studies are required. Level of Evidence: IV

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Introduction: Fixator-assisted plating (FAP) and fixator-assisted nailing (FAN) have gained popularity recently in correcting deformities due to their advantage of combining the accuracy of deformity correction offered by external fixator (that is removed at the end of surgery) with the convenience of internal fixation for osteotomy fixation. The advantage of one method over the other is not yet clear and there are limited reviews in literature in this regard. We asked whether one technique has an advantage over the other as regards the ability to correct the deformity, blood loss, knee range, time to union, and complication rate. Methods: We identified 18 patients who underwent distal femoral osteotomies, 6 patients underwent FAP and 12 patients underwent FAN. We compared the accuracy of correction, duration of surgery, preoperative and postoperative knee range, and complications. Minimum follow-up was 13.4 months (6–18 months). Plates were used in skeletally immature patients or in skeletally mature patients with thin thighs, while nails were used in skeletally mature patients with big thighs. Results: We achieved the desired correction in all the 18 patients. Union was quicker with plates, but this could be attributed to the younger age of patients in that group. There was no statistically significant difference between both techniques that may point out that one method is superior to the other as regarding deformity correction (based on percentage improvement in mechanical axis deviation as compared preoperatively and at final follow-up). Preoperative and postoperative knee ranges were similar for both techniques and there was only one case of recurrence that had bone softening disease. Conclusion: Both techniques can be used to achieve correction with no statistically significant differences, and the choice between both techniques can be left to surgeons' or patients' discretion. Level of Evidence: Level III, therapeutic study.

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Context: Treatment of chronic infection following total hip arthroplasty (THA) poses challenges in revision and in salvage surgeries such as resection arthroplasty. Aims: We evaluated the results and role of Ilizarov fixator in resection and revision for infected hip arthroplasty. Settings and Design: This was a retrospective descriptive study. Subjects and Methods: We reviewed 73 patients treated between 2004 and 2014 with follow-up of 4.3 ± 1.8 years. Forty-three patients underwent two-stage revision (with interim antibiotic spacer), whereas 30 patients underwent Ilizarov-assisted resection arthroplasty. We supplemented eight patients with unstable spacers with Ilizarov apparatus. We evaluated patients for recurrence of infection, hip function and stability. Statistical Analysis Used: Descriptive methods. Results: Eight patients with Ilizarov supplementation of spacer went on to have stable hips. Two patients who had intraoperative stable spacers developed spacer dislocation. Pseudarthroses in resection group remained stable in all patients except one who had early dislocation which we managed by realigning the fixator. There was no mortality. We eradicated infection in 68/73 patients (93.2%). We converted three patients of spacer application to resection arthroplasty. The mean Harris Hip Score improved from preoperative value of 43.3 ± 18.8 to 67 ± 10.4 (81.4 ± 9 in revision and 52.6 ± 11.8 in resection groups). Conclusions: We recommend Ilizarov supplementation in temporary spacers with intraoperative instability. Ilizarov fixator improves stability and helps mobilization of resection arthroplasty and staged revision using spacers done for chronic post-THA infections.

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Context: Limb lengthening has its own share of problems, obstacles, and complications, which is of great concern when used for a cosmetic indication. Aims: This study explores safe limits for cosmetic tibial lengthening and examines how age of the patient and length gained influences osteogenesis and complications. Settings and Design: This was a retrospective analytical study. Subjects and Methods: We reviewed 70 consecutive cases (140 segments) of monofocal tibial cosmetic lengthening with minimum of 1-year follow-up operated between 2006 and 2010. Statistical Analysis Used: We correlated patient's age and percentage by which bone was lengthened with external fixator index (EFI) and occurrence of obstacles and complications and did receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to determine the safe limit. Results: Mean age of patients was 27 (16–52) years. Mean tibial lengthening was by 16.5% (4.1–27.9) of the preoperative length. Sixty segments faced 76 difficulties comprising 16 problems, 47 obstacles, and 13 complications. Patient's age positively correlated with EFI, but did not correlate with the incidence of obstacles and complications. Percentage by which bone was lengthened negatively correlated with EFI and positively correlated with incidence of obstacles and complications. ROC curve analyses (with optimum balance of sensitivity and specificity) revealed lengthening by more than 18.1% and 16.4% to be significantly associated with the occurrence of complication and more than one obstacle, respectively. Conclusions: In cosmetic tibial lengthening, increasing age increases the duration of external fixation and increased lengthening increases obstacles and complications. Great caution must be exercised in cosmetic tibial lengthening beyond 16%.

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Purpose: Accordion maneuver (AM) is a “Bloodless Tool” to stimulate bone healing as described by Professor Ilizarov by a mechanism called transformation osteogenesis. It has been underdescribed in literature. Furthermore, there is lack of standard protocol for AM. We report our cases where this Bloodless Tool was used and discuss the strategies for its use in various conditions. Materials and Methods: We reviewed our cases that underwent AM during 1994−2015, through this retrospective study. In nonunion, initial compression or distraction was decided by the status of nonunion. In hypertrophic (stiff) nonunion, the first maneuver was distraction followed by compression in one cycle and the sequence was reversed in atrophic (mobile) nonunion. In hyporegenerate, distraction was discontinued, stability restored, and AM was performed with compression first. Results: Twenty-three patients were included. In 15 cases monofocal, 7 cases bifocal, and in 1 case trifocal osteosynthesis was done with Ilizarov. AM was done for hypertrophic nonunion in 6 cases, atrophic nonunion in 15 cases, and hyporegenerate in 5 cases. In 3 cases, AM was done for both hyporegenerate and docking site nonunion. In all the cases of nonunion, union was achieved and in all the cases of hyporegenerate, bone formation improved. Conclusions: Transformation osteogenesis with AM is a bloodless tool in Ilizarov. To achieve desired results, protocol for the maneuver should be based on type of pathology between the fragments.

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Background: The Ponseti method for clubfoot treatment was initially described for children up to 6 months. Remodeling of cartilage in infants undergoing treatment by Ponseti method has already been studied with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). “Neglected” or after walking age clubfeet was also shown to be corrected with the Ponseti method. Remodeling in those patients has not yet been sequentially documented. Questions/Purposes: To document cartilage anlage changes at 2. 5 and 18 weeks during treatment in a 7-year-old child, and verify if those changes are maintained 2.5 years after Ponseti treatment. Does the Achilles tendon also heal and remodel? Materials and Methods: A 7-year-old with bilateral clubfeet is treated with Ponseti method with ten casts, followed by complete percutaneous tenotomy and anterior tibial transfer to the third cuneiform. Cartilage and bone remodeling are studied through MRI sequences at the beginning of treatment, 5, 18 weeks and 2.5 years after Ponseti clubfoot treatment. Results: Images before treatment show severe tibiotalar plantar flexion, plantar talar neck inclination, and inferior talonavicular subluxation. After 5 weeks images show the correction of hindfoot equinus. After 18 weeks images demonstrate correction of the tibiotalar plantar flexion, normal congruency of the talonavicular and subtalar and complete healing of Achilles tendon. These cartilage/bone changes are maintained after 2.5 years, and the foot is plantigrade. MRI studies after treatment show good congruency, and reduction of talonavicular, talocalcaneal, and calcaneocuboid joints. Healing of Achilles tendon is documented after 8 weeks of complete tenotomy, and anterior tibial tendon transfer can be identified inserted to the third cuneiform. Conclusions: The observed changes can justify application of Ponseti Method for children with clubfeet after walking age. Clinical Relevance: Ponseti treatment can be applied to children over walking age resulting in correction of clubfeet due to cartilage remodeling.

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Intramedullary nails (IMNs) are commonly used for fracture fixation of the femur and tibia, and internal lengthening nails (ILNs) can be used for deformity correction and limb lengthening. While this form of fixation has demonstrated substantial success, one major limitation is imperfect reduction and malalignment, particularly when used for fractures or osteotomies in the metaphysis. One means of overcoming this challenge is through the use of blocking screws, given their ability to guide the path of the nail, decrease the width of the medullary canal, and maintain reduction. In this literature review, indications, techniques, outcomes, and complications are reported. Searches of PubMed and The Cochrane Collaboration were performed. Technique articles and single case reports were not reviewed. All other English studies reporting outcomes of IMN or ILN fixation of the femur or tibia with concomitant use of blocking screws were reviewed. Blocking screws have been used successfully in the lower extremity for both trauma and in deformity surgery. Key techniques are placing the screws in the concavity and perpendicular to the plane of deformity, with adequate distance from the planned path of the nail and from the fracture or osteotomy site. Current data suggest high rates of union with adequate alignment and a low complication rate, although most studies are small, retrospective case series. Blocking screws appear to be a reasonable strategy for achieving fixation in difficulty, metaphyseal segments. Further, well-designed prospective studies should be carried out to make more definitive conclusions.

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Background: Distraction osteogenesis (DO) using external fixation has revolutionized the management of brachymetatarsia, yet not without complications (30-100% incidence), the most common involving the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. Questions/Purposes: What are the clinical outcomes of DO for brachymetatarsia? What are the challenges and outcomes particularly related to the MTP joint? Does the method of stabilizing MTP joint during DO affect the outcome? Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study of 44 metatarsals (MTs) in 27 patients who underwent DO. Regarding MTP joint stabilization; 43% were fixed with K-wire across the joint, 32% with pinning of phalanges short of joint and attaching the K-wire to the external fixator, 7% by pinning of phalanges and distraction arthroplasty of the MTP joint, 2% no stabilization, and 16% by other methods. Clinical outcomes were analyzed by a nonvalidated 9-item questionnaire at the latest follow-up in addition to a review of postoperative radiographs. Complications, particularly pertaining to MTP joint were recorded. Statistical Analysis: The paired t-test was used to assess the difference in MT length. Fisher's exact test used to evaluate rates of complications by MTP fixation method. McNemar's test was used to measure the difference in outcome questionnaire responses. Cochran-Armitage trend test was used to assess differences in toe-limitation before and after surgery. Results: Postoperatively, MT length showed a significant increase of 12.98 ± 3.74 mm (28.55 ± 9.25%). Problems included MTP stiffness in 64%, MTP subluxation in 27%, and MTP dislocation in 7%, with no significant differences in outcome by MTP joint stabilization. Satisfaction with surgery was reported by 95% of patients. Conclusion: DO is an effective treatment for brachymetatarsia, with high patient satisfaction. The most commonly reported problem was MTP joint stiffness with no functional deficit. There was no significant difference in the rate of MTP joint-specific complications by stabilization method. Larger patient numbers are required for validation of an optimal MTP joint stabilization method. Level of Evidence: IV, Case Series.

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Background: Tibial nonunions remain a significant and challenging clinical problem. Nonunions occur due to a failure of biology, a failure of biomechanics, or both. The cells in and around the nonunion site have an osteogenic potential that can be activated when torsional, axial, and shearing instabilities are eliminated by establishment of an appropriate biomechanical milieu. Hexapod external fixators may be able to provide this milieu. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, consecutive patients with tibial nonunions treated in a single center were analyzed. They were all treated by the application of a hexapod circular fixator before deformity correction and distraction. This was followed by functional rehabilitation. We determined general health status with the use of the Short Form 12 measurement tool. Results: A total of 32 patients with 33 stiff hypertrophic nonunions were treated with circular fixators. The average age was 44 years, there were 24 males and 8 females. Out of the 33 nonunion cases, 29 united with closed distraction only; 3 required bone graft and 1 underwent amputation. The average time to union was 170 days. Overall on the final examination, all patients had a health status that was similar to the general population norm. Conclusion: A success rate in excess of 80% can be achieved with mechano-biological manipulation using hexapod external fixation in tibial nonunions without bone grafting.

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Background: Hexapod external fixators often incorporate bone lengthening as part of a multi-planar deformity correction plan. The hexapod struts, however, do not distract in the direction of bone lengthening. Their oblique orientation to the ring creates a vector that is the summation of multiple individual strut adjustments. We demonstrate that a 1 mm lengthening of each of all six struts always created more than 1 mm of lengthening at the bone. Methods: The amount of lengthening was analyzed with the Taylor Spatial Frame™ (Smith and Nephew, Memphis, TN, USA) software using two different methods. Results: As the strut lengths got longer the ratio got closer to one but it never reached 1.0. Conclusions: This information is critical when using very short struts or very large rings. In these two scenarios, the Δ frame height relative to the Δ strut length becomes much greater than one. Clinical Relevance: A strut length much greater than one will cause the bone to lengthen much faster than the surgeon desires. It may also lead to unhealthy regenerate bone formation and could create delays in bone healing.

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