Multiple fractures are frequently encountered in adults following road traffic accidents. A 32-year-old male presented with multiple fractures in his right lower extremity, including a femoral shaft fracture, distal third fractures of the tibia and fibula, as well as a calcaneal fracture. The patient provided a history indicative of a road traffic accident. X-rays were performed on both hip joints, both knee joints, and the ankle joints. Treatment involved open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with interlocking nailing for the femur, tibia, and fibula, alongside ORIF with plating using a screw-out set (SOS) and cannulated cancellous (CC) screw fixation for the calcaneal fracture. Additionally, the Ilizarov procedure was conducted following debridement over the right foot. Post-surgery, the patient experienced primary symptoms of hip joint pain and restricted hip joint movement. Physiotherapy was initiated to address these issues. Evaluation of outcome measures indicated a reduction in joint pain, significant enhancement in joint mobility, and an increase in muscle strength.

There are limited reports about managing knee flexion contracture (KFC) due to hemophilic hemarthrosis with the Ilizarov technique and platelet-rich plasma intraarticular injection administration. This article aims to describe a case of KFC treated with a circular external fixator and intraarticular administration of platelet-rich plasma in a pediatric patient. A 12-year-old male patient suffering from hemophilia A was being monitored by our department due to knee effusions. Extensive knee flexion contracture of the left knee was seen. The Ilizarov technique was chosen for surgical management of the worsening knee flexion contracture. The duration of distraction was six weeks. Due to localized pain and functional impairment, intra-articular administration of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) was applied twice, on the first month after the circular frame removal and at a six-month follow-up, with clinical and functional improvement. Our clinical case report demonstrates that PRP intra-articular injections are likely to provide an improvement in pain and knee joint function, as well as joint hyperemia, even in the case of already established knee flexion contracture, which was managed with a circular distraction device. However, more studies regarding the Ilizarov technique and the PRP intraarticular administration are needed for a protocol to be established for the management of the hemophilic knee joint in the pediatric population.

BACKGROUND: The Ilizarov fixator is a popular device for treating arthrodesis of the ankle joint in complex situations. However, the therapy can fail, with nonunion or partial union that might not be load stable. There is the possibility of follow-up surgery or extended wearing of the fixator. Full weight bearing with a carbon orthosis remains another treatment option, which has not yet been investigated.The aim of the study was to determine the rate of progress that can be obtained with a carbon orthosis in cases of partial union or nonunion after fixator removal.
METHODS: In this retrospective observational study thirty-three patients received a carbon orthosis after fixator removal due to nonunion or partial union. All patients were allowed to walk with the orthosis under full load. The consolidation rate was determined radiologically and compared with the imaging data obtained during the last follow-up. In addition to demographic data, the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure and pain using a numeric rating scale were determined. Nine patients had to be excluded due to insufficient follow-up, and finally n = 24 patients were included in the study.
RESULTS: The average duration of fixator use was 21 weeks (range 15-40 weeks), and the total average follow-up after removal of the fixator was 16 months (range 4- 56). For 14 (58.33%) patients, there was a further increase in consolidation with the orthosis after the fixator was removed.
CONCLUSIONS: The results show that if there is only partial union or nonunion, further consolidations can be achieved after the application of a carbon orthosis. In a difficult patient population, using an orthosis should therefore be attempted to avoid unnecessary revision operations.

BACKGROUND: The scaphoid is the most commonly fractured bone among the carpal bones seen in orthopedic practice. The majority have good favorable prognosis, but some develop nonunion of fracture despite optimal treatment, which can lead to further complications if left untreated. It is recommended that displaced scaphoid nonunions (SNUs) should be reduced and fixed to prevent degenerative changes from occurring, even if they are asymptomatic. Many treatments have been described, from a percutaneous fixation with a k-wire or screw to open reduction and internal fixation with or without bone grafting, but none of them is the gold standard.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the outcome of an SNU treated with an Ilizarov fixator using two olive wires without bone graft.
METHODS: Eleven cases of non-union scaphoid fractures were considered in the study which was presented to the Department of Orthopedics of Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences during the period of March 2015 to March 2018. This study has been approved by the scientific and ethical committees. The anatomical location of the fracture was graded according to the MAYO classification. An Ilizarov frame was applied with two cross olive wires for achieving compression at the fracture area and maintained for six weeks. A final outcome was assessed using the scaphoid outcome score.
RESULTS: One out of 11 patients operated on during the study period was lost in follow-up, so 10 patients were considered for analysis of the results. There were nine male patients and one female patient. The majority were right-sided and dominant-handed, with varied occupations. The average duration of nonunion, when presented, was 10.7 months (a range of 6-20 months). The average follow-up was 43.6 months (range 27-60 months). Union was achieved in an average of 12.9 weeks (range 10-18 weeks). All the patients returned to their pre-injury activity level in a mean of 17.1 weeks (range 13-23 weeks). Grip strength improved from a mean of 29.5 kg preoperatively to 39.4 kg postoperatively. At the final follow-up, the mean scaphoid outcome score was 9.1. An excellent outcome was obtained in five cases (50%), a good outcome in three cases (30%), a fair outcome in one case (10%), and in one case (10%), a poor outcome.
CONCLUSIONS: With our technique of Ilizarov fixation and compression with two cross olive wires, SNU can be treated safely even without opening the non-union site and even without bone grafting. Since we excluded SNU patients with humpback deformity, carpal instability, carpal collapse, or avascular necrosis (AVN), our results might not be directly comparable to those of other SNU series in the literature. These would have predisposed to a poor outcome. Since we did not assign the patients at random, it is challenging to compare the Ilizarov technique to other widely used SNU treatments and determine whether it is more effective. However, the study\'s results are encouraging and show that the Ilizarov method using two olive wires for compression.

UNASSIGNED: In earlier times due to difficulty in managing segmental long bone defects, amputation was the preferred treatment. Nonunion with bone loss of long bones is a challenging problem, requiring serious attention. Post-traumatic segmental bone defects can have severe long-term ill impact on patient\'s lives. Reconstruction is more difficult and functional outcome is usually less satisfactory compared to bony outcome. Distraction osteogenesis and induced membrane technique are the techniques that can be used.
UNASSIGNED: To find out and compare clinical, radiological, and functional outcome of bone transport technique and induced membrane technique in management of bone defects in the long bones of lower limb.
UNASSIGNED: A comparative study was conducted on 24 patients (22 males and 2 females) of lower extremity fractures with bone defect more than 3 cm. Patients were divided into two groups according to the method of reconstruction used, that is, either bone transport technique in 12 patients (group A) or masquelet in the other 12 patients (group B). The mean age of the patients was 44 years in group A and was 38 years in group B. Regular follow-up was done with a mean period of follow up of 18.35 ± 5.58 months in group A and 18.25 ± 3.95 months in group B.
UNASSIGNED: In group A (bone transport), 67% showed union, 25% showed union with bone graft and 8% showed delayed union. In group B (masquelet), 75% showed union and 25% showed delayed union. bone transport technique showed excellent results in 58.3% and good in 41.7% while Masquelet technique showed excellent result in 50% and good in 50%.
UNASSIGNED: For an orthopaedic surgeon, long bones defects with a substantial loss of bone volume are one of the most challenging bone defects encountered in clinical practice. Induced membrane technique and bone transport both offer successful options for filling of bone defects. Both techniques have its own pros and cons and provide varied option for healing. In our study, both methods have comparable results statistically although induced membrane technique required soft tissue reconstructive procedures.

UNASSIGNED: Because one-third of the tibia is subcutaneous throughout most of its length and its location, it is more prone to open fractures. Open distal tibia fractures are mostly due to RTA and sports injuries. The goal of treatment is to obtain a healed, well-aligned fracture; pain-free weight-bearing; and functional range of motion of the knee and ankle.
UNASSIGNED: 33 patients of the 18-60-year age group with open distal tibia extra-articular fractures (without vascular injury), less than 3 weeks old trauma were included in the prospective study for 1 year period (1st June 2019 to 31st May 2020). 17 cases were treated with the Hybrid external fixator (HEF) and 16 cases were treated with the Ilizarov fixator (IF).
UNASSIGNED: Significantly (P < 0.05), the mean duration of surgery was less in the HEF group (67.6 min), faster union of open type-II fractures in the HEF group (16.4 weeks), and also a higher AOFAS score at 6 months in open type-II fractures in the HEF group (84.4). There were two cases of equinus deformity in the IF group and one case of valgus deformity in the HEF group.
UNASSIGNED: HEF and IF are both equally effective in the treatment of open distal tibia extra-articular fractures with the advantage of stable fracture fixation, early weight-bearing, preserving soft tissue, minimal periosteal stripping, and providing one-staged definitive intervention. However, HEF is preferred over IF in terms of less operating time, faster union, and a better functional outcome with minimal complications.

BACKGROUND: Congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia (CPT) is a challenging problem in orthopedic practice, with high rates of non-union, refracture, and residual deformities. After union, long-term follow-up is required to manage late post-union complications. This study aimed to assess the outcomes of the Ilizarov technique in the management of CPT.
METHODS: This retrospective study included patients with CPT treated with the Ilizarov method between 2005 and 2018. Intramedullary rods were used in 9 cases and iliac bone graft was used in 12 cases. An orthosis was applied till the end of follow-up in all cases. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scale was used for the evaluation of the functional outcomes.
RESULTS: This study included 16 patients, 11 males and 5 females, with an average age of 5.4 ± 2.8 years. Seven cases had multiple previous surgeries. Six patients had neurofibromatosis. The mean follow-up period was 5.8 ± 3.4 years. The average AOFAS score improved significantly from 47.5 ± 7.6 preoperatively to 78.9 ± 8.9 at the latest follow-up. Union was achieved in 15 cases, and persistent non-union occurred in one case. The clinical results were excellent in one patient, good in seven cases, fair in 6, and poor in 2 cases. The radiological results were excellent in one patient, good in seven cases, fair in seven, and poor in one case.
CONCLUSIONS: The Ilizarov technique combined with intramedullary rod and primary or secondary bone graft provides a high union rate of CPT and can achieve simultaneous effective management of problems related to pseudarthrosis, including non-union, deformity, limb shortening, and adjacent joint contracture and subluxation. Level of evidence Level IV.

UNASSIGNED: To investigate the effectiveness difference between bone transport with a locking plate (BTLP) and conventional bone transport with Ilizarov/Orthofix fixators in treatment of tibial defect.
UNASSIGNED: The clinical data of 60 patients with tibial fractures who met the selection criteria between January 2016 and September 2020 were retrospectively analyzed, and patients were treated with BTLP (BTLP group, n=20), Ilizarov fixator (Ilizarov group, n=23), or Orthofix fixator (Orthofix group, n=17) for bone transport. There was no significant difference in gender, age, cause of injury, time from injury to admission, length of bone defect, tibial fracture typing, and comorbidities between groups ( P>0.05). The osteotomy time, the retention time of external fixator, the external fixation index, and the occurrence of postoperative complications were recorded and compared between groups. The bone healing and functional recovery were evaluated by the Association for the Study and Application of the Method of Ilizarov (ASAMI) criteria.
UNASSIGNED: All patients of 3 groups were followed up 13-45 months, with a mean of 20.4 months. The osteotomy time was significantly shorter in the BTLP group than in the Ilizarov group, and the retention time of external fixator and the external fixation index were significantly lower in the BTLP group than in the Ilizarov and Orthofix groups ( P<0.05). Twenty-two fractures healed in the Ilizarov group and 1 case of delayed healing; 16 fractures healed in the Orthofix group and 1 case of delayed healing; 18 fractures healed in the BTLP group and 2 cases of delayed healing. There was no significant difference between groups in fracture healing distribution ( P=0.824). After completing bone reconstruction treatment according to ASAMI criteria, the BTLP group had better bone healing than the Orthofix group and better function than the Ilizarov groups, showing significant differences ( P<0.05). Postoperative complications occurred in 4 cases (20%) in the BLTP group, 18 cases (78%) in the Ilizarov group, and 12 cases (70%) in the Orthofix group. The incidence of complication in the BTLP group was significantly lower than that in other groups ( P<0.05).
UNASSIGNED: BTLP is safe and effective in the treatment of tibial defects. BTLP has apparent advantages over the conventional bone transport technique in osteotomy time, external fixation index, and lower limb functional recovery.
UNASSIGNED: 探讨骨搬运联合锁定钢板（bone transport with a locking plate，BTLP）与Ilizarov支架或Orthofix支架行传统骨搬运术治疗胫骨骨缺损的疗效差异。.
UNASSIGNED: 回顾分析2016年1月—2020年9月符合选择标准的60例胫骨开放性骨折患者临床资料，患者分别采用BTLP（BTLP组， n=20）、Ilizarov支架（Ilizarov组， n=23）、Orthofix支架（Orthofix组， n=17）进行骨搬运治疗。3组患者性别、年龄、致伤原因、受伤至入院时间、胫骨骨折分型、骨缺损长度以及合并症等一般资料比较，差异均无统计学意义（ P>0.05）。比较3组截骨延长术手术时间、骨搬运支架带架时间、外固定指数及术后并发症发生情况；骨重建完成（拆除支架）后，采用Ilizarov方法应用研究学会（ASAMI）评价标准评定骨愈合及功能恢复情况。.
UNASSIGNED: 3组患者均获随访，随访时间13～45个月，平均20.4个月。BTLP组截骨延长术手术时间短于Ilizarov组，骨搬运支架带架时间及外固定指数均低于Ilizarov组和Orthofix组，差异均有统计学意义（ P<0.05）。Ilizarov组骨折愈合22例、延迟愈合1例，Orthofix组分别为16、1例，BTLP组分别为18、2例，组间比较差异无统计学意义（ P=0.824）。骨重建完成后根据ASAMI 评价标准，BTLP组骨愈合评价优于Orthofix组，功能评价优于Ilizarov组，差异有统计学意义（ P<0.05）。术后BLTP组4例（20%）、Ilizarov组18例（78%）、Orthofix组12例（70%）发生并发症，BTLP组并发症发生率低于Ilizarov组和Orthofix组（ P<0.05）。.
UNASSIGNED: BTLP治疗胫骨骨缺损安全、有效，并且在截骨延长术手术时间、外固定指数、患肢功能恢复方面较传统骨搬运术有明显优势。.

UNASSIGNED: Software-guided realignment is proposed as an easy and accurate method of achieving simultaneous multiaxial correction. The accuracy and efficacy in periarticular problems have not been investigated fully. This study investigates the results and possible clinical benefits.
UNASSIGNED: A retrospective review was performed in 24 patients with 27 periarticular deformities of the lower limb treated by the Ilizarov technique. Bony realignment was achieved by a software-guided hexapod realignment device. The deformity category, deformity severity score (DSS) and individual deformity component scores were measured for objective quantification of each deformity. The periarticular level, number of manoeuvres, correction period and any difficulties in the execution of the correction manoeuvre were noted. Pre-procedure and post-procedure values of deformity parameters were analysed to estimate the accuracy and efficacy of the realignment device.
UNASSIGNED: The correction manoeuvre was accomplished successfully in all patients except two. The mean correction period was 14.9 days (range, 5-38 days). The mean pre-procedure DSS was 18.7 (range 6.3-27.3), which reduced to a mean post-procedure value of 1.5 (range, 0-7.9) with a 92.0% deformity correction (p-value < 0.001)). There was a significant reversal of individual deformity components. DSS values were achieved to an excellent level (< 3.5) in 25 deformities and to good and poor levels in one deformity, respectively.
UNASSIGNED: Software-guided realignments are effective for accurate realignment of periarticular deformities using Ilizarov fixators. These devices offer simultaneous multidimensional corrections even in complex multiplanar deformities and simplify the task of deformity correction.
UNASSIGNED: The present study assesses the accuracy and efficacy of software-guided realignments using novel concepts of deformity category, DSS and individual deformity component scores, which may overcome some of the shortcomings of conventional assessment methods.
UNASSIGNED: Singh P, Sabat D, Dutt S, et al. Accuracy and Efficacy of Software-guided Bony Realignment in Periarticular Deformities of the Lower Limb. Strategies Trauma Limb Reconstr 2021;16(2):65-70.

UNASSIGNED: Gap non-union of tibia occurring mostly after trauma and many times complicated by infection, is a difficult problem to treat. The study aimed to assess the outcome of the three-ring construct of the Ilizarov fixator frame in the management of gap non-union of the tibia.
UNASSIGNED: This retrospective study included 30 patients of gap non-union of tibia operated from April 2016 to March 2019 with a three-ring Ilizarov fixator frame and follow-up done till March 2021. The mean age was 39.27 (range 10-66) years. The results were assessed by the Association for the Study and Application of the Method of Ilizarov (ASAMI) criteria. MPTA, PPTA, and LDTA after removal of the frame were also measured.
UNASSIGNED: Out of the total 30 cases, all the patients showed complete union. The Ilizarov fixator was kept for an average period of 11.43 months and the mean defect size was 7.17 (range 2-12) cm. All patients were followed up for an average period of 39.36 (range 24-54) months. According to the ASAMI score bone/radiological results, 27 were classified as excellent, 2 as good, and 1 as poor. Functionally 28 were graded as excellent and the remainder as good. The normal ranges of MPTA, LDTA & PPTA were also achieved in a majority (80%) of patients.
UNASSIGNED: Our results after using only a three-ring Ilizarov fixator frame are almost equivalent to earlier studies and have advantages such as less weight, better patient compliance, superior radiographic visualization, easy mobilization, and reduced costs. Ilizarov ring fixator remains an excellent treatment modality for tibial non-union with a defect, regarding bone union, deformity correction, infection eradication, limb-length achievement, and limb function.