ABSTRACT
We describe a technique for the use of modified Ilizarov olive wires to stabilize bone fragments or segments or to act as a "motor" to move individual bone fragments. This technique was used in twelve patients with severe articular or comminuted open fractures referred to the unit for reconstruction with the Ilizarov frame. Six patients had comminuted plafond fractures of the tibia, and three had tibial plateau fractures. In these cases the articular fragments were reduced and stabilized until union. The modified pushing olive wire is a valuable adjunct to the Ilizarov frame.
Subject(s)
Bone Wires , External Fixators , Fractures, Comminuted/surgery , Ilizarov Technique/instrumentation , Tibial Fractures/surgery , Fracture Healing/physiology , Fractures, Comminuted/diagnostic imaging , Humans , Prognosis , Radiography , Tibial Fractures/diagnostic imaging , Tibial Fractures/physiopathology , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
We present a series of three patients with segmental, high energy open tibial fractures with bone loss (2-7 cm), where we have used distraction through a fracture site to replace lost bone. The open fracture was treated by debridement and shortening to eliminate the bone and soft tissue defect. Limb length was restored by distraction instituted through the closed segmental fracture. The length of regenerate formed at the fracture site ranged from 10 to 30 mm. In each case, bone formation at the distracted fracture site was satisfactory and times for regenerate consolidation were similar to those seen in standard corticotomies. These findings suggest that new bone will form in distraction reliably from high-energy fracture sites.
