[Pseudarthrosis of the tibia treated by the Ilizarov method]

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Regenerative Medicine

Context:

• Tibial pseudoarthrosis presents a significant clinical challenge, often requiring complex reconstructive techniques.
• Managing non-infectious and post-infectious pseudoarthrosis necessitates tailored treatment strategies.

Purpose:

• To evaluate the efficacy of the Ilizarov method, alone and in combination with other techniques, for treating tibial pseudoarthrosis.
• To assess the outcomes of plastic procedures, including skin and soft tissue defect coverage, in conjunction with bone reconstruction.

Summary:

• A total of 42 patients with tibial pseudoarthrosis were treated, with 50% undergoing the Ilizarov method.
• The Ilizarov method, combined with the Judet method, was used in 50% of cases.
• Plastic procedures (12 patients) and myocutaneous flaps (10 patients) addressed soft tissue defects.
• Atrophic pseudoarthrosis cases (39.1%) were treated with Ilizarov, Judet, and spongioplasty.
• Post-infectious pseudoarthrosis (9 patients) showed high success rates with the Ilizarov method, sometimes combined with spongioplasty or lifting grafts.
• An overall healing rate of 92.9% was achieved, with an average treatment duration of three weeks and seven weeks for joint rehabilitation.

Impact:

• The Ilizarov method demonstrates high efficacy in treating diverse types of tibial pseudoarthrosis, including complex and post-infectious cases.
• Combined surgical approaches, integrating bone reconstruction with soft tissue management, improve patient outcomes.
• The study provides valuable data for orthopedic surgeons managing challenging tibial non-unions.