Computer-assisted external frame for correction of tibial and fibular deformity / 中华创伤骨科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To introduce a new computer-assisted external frame for osteotomy to correct complex tibial and fibular deformity.Methods From January 2012 to December 2013,15 patients with complex tibial and fibular deformity were treated with a computer-assisted external frame and related computer software for surgical correction.All were unilateral limb deformity,involving the left lower limb in 8 cases and the right lower limb in 7 cases.They were 8 males and 7 females,15 to 43 years of age (average,26.8 years).The deformity was caused by old osteomyelitis in 9 cases and trauma sequela in 6.The related angles,distances and rotations were measured on the postoperative radiographs of the lower limbs.The data were input into the software to calculate the daily adjustment lengths of the frame rods.Daily frame adjustments were conducted according to the data calculated.The frame was removed when expected results were achieved.The patients lived independently during the adjustment.Results The 15 patients were effectively followed up for 10 to 22 months (average,15 months).Frame fixation time averaged 8.4 months (from 5.5 to 13.1 months).The reunion time averaged 8.0 months (from 5.4 to 12.1 months).The hospitalization time averaged 2.4 months (from 2.0 to 2.8 months).In 10 cases of limb shortening,the shortening lengths averaged 0.5 cm (from 0 to 0.9 cm) after adjustment.In 12 cases of angulation deformity,the angulation averaged 3.3° (from 0° to 5.4°) after adjustment.In 5 cases of rotation deformity,the maximum internal rotation was 5° and the maximum external rotation 10° after correction,deviating from the normal values by 3.5° on average.In 6 cases of horizontal displacement,the displacements averaged 0.5 crn after correction.All patients were satisfactory with corrected lower limb alignment,improved symptoms and appearance,giving a subjective satisfaction rate of 100％.Conclusion Use of computer-assisted external frame in surgical correction of tibial and fibular deformity can achieve satisfactory outcomes in simple,accurate,standardized,minimally invasive manners.