ABSTRACT
One of the risks of distraction osteogenesis-based techniques is the development of vascular complications, such as pseudoaneurysms associated with the osteotomies performed or the fixation elements of the external fixator used in the procedure. Pseudoaneurysm are formed when the tunica adventitia of the artery is injured, resulting in a gradual and persistent blood extravasation into the surrounding tissues that is encapsulated and connected to the arterial lumen. This report describes a rare case of a late-presentation pseudoaneurysm in the anterior tibial artery resulting from a tibial lengthening procedure aimed at addressing a leg length discrepancy in a 57-year-old female with severe peripheral neuropathy resulting from long-standing poorly controlled diabetes mellitus. We describe the diagnostic process, the treatment options and confirm how the shape of the bony callus can be a reliable indicator of this pathology, as has already been described in the literature.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Schatzker type VI tibia fractures are usually associated with infection and surgical wound-related problems. Circular external fixation (CEF) has been shown to minimize such complications. METHODS: We pose a retrospective study of patients with Schatzker type VI fractures treated with CEF. RESULTS: Twenty-two (22) patients were included (11M/11F) with a mean age of 60.1 ± 14.9 years. According to the AO/OTA classification, two fractures (9.1%) were A2, three (13.6%) were A3, and seventeen (77.3%) were C3. Three (13.6%) of them were open. The tissue damage observed in the nineteen (86.4%) closed fractures was classified according to Tscherne (four grade I, twelve grade II, and three grade III). The mean ex-fix time was 24.1 ± 5.1 weeks. None of the patients experienced deep infections, nonunion, or malunion. The mean ROM was 111.4 ± 17.8 degrees. Although stability was achieved in all cases, 50% of them suffered osteoarthritic degeneration. Four knees required TKR at a mean of 8.77 ± 5.58 years from trauma. The mean HHS knee score was 84.2 ± 10.3 points (excellent in fifteen (68.2%) cases, good in four (18.2%), and acceptable in three (13.6%)). The mean Rasmussen radiological score was 13.3 ± 3.5 (excellent in three (13.6%) cases, good in fifteen (68.2%), and acceptable in four (18.2%)). The mean SF-12 score was 35.1 ± 10.4 points on the physical scale and 53.0 ± 10.6 points on the mental scale. CONCLUSIONS: CEF has shown itself to be a valid treatment for patients with Schatzker type VI fractures, particularly for those where the fracture is comminuted, severely displaced, open, or associated with severe soft tissue damage.
