Long term results of lower limb posttraumatic acute bone defects treated with masquelet technique

Several alternatives are now available when treating posttraumatic acute bone defects. Masquelet's technique represents a safe procedure to treat lower limb open fractures associated with significant bone defects and allows surgeons to try to reduce complications incidence.

Retrospective study based on patients´ record files and images (2015-2017). Twelve patients suffering acute bone defect, treated using Masquelet technique, were evaluated. A total of ten patients were finally included after exclusion criteria were applied.

Average time from injury to first stage surgery was 11 days. Free flaps were required in three cases (two latissimus dorsi and one anterolateral thigh flap). Time to second stage surgery was 115 days on average. As bone graft, reaming irrigation-aspiration system was associated to this technique. Consolidation was achieved in all patients but one after an average time of 8.4 months. There was only one case of limb shortening of 20 mm. There was no case of nonunion or infection, and patients could perform daily basic activities independently. VAS mean score was one point one year after final surgery.

Masquelet's technique achieves encouraging results when treating lower limb acute bone defects. Using this technique, surgeons could decrease infection incidence in open fractures with severe bone loss. On the other hand, it is a two-stage surgery process, which makes the process longer.