Tibial Sliding Elastic Nailing Technique in Moderate-to-Severe Osteogenesis Imperfecta: Long-term Outcomes

Osteosynthesis of leg fractures and deformities in children with osteogenesis imperfecta should align the skeleton and overcome its fragility during growth with a telescopic effect. A high rate of mechanical complications is associated with various surgical techniques described in the literature.

The objective of this work was to assess the long-term clinical and radiologic outcomes of tibial sliding elastic nailing technique.

A total of 22 children with an average age of 4.7 years were operated using the technique between 2004 and 2018 unilaterally (6) or bilaterally (16), that is, 38 operations. They were listed according to the Sillence classification into type I (3), III (17), or V (2). The nails were introduced percutaneously at the distal tibial epiphysis through the medial malleolus, and in the prespinal area for the proximal tibial epiphysis. The stainless-steel rods diameter was 1.5 to 2.5 mm, adapted to the size and weight of the patient. Realignment osteotomies were performed if necessary. Radiographic data including the correction of the deformation in the frontal and sagittal planes, as well as the width at mid-shaft of the tibia in the frontal and sagittal planes, were reviewed. Gillette Functional Score, assessment of pain, mechanical and infectious complications were collected.

The average follow-up was 8.6 years. In the frontal plane, preoperative average varus was 8 degrees (maximum, 40 degrees), 5 degrees (maximum, 13 degrees) postoperatively, and 6 degrees (maximum, 12 degrees) at last follow-up. Preoperative valgus was 11 degrees (maximum, 22 degrees), 9 degrees (maximum, 15 degrees) postoperatively, and 9 degrees (maximum, 14 degrees) at the last follow-up. In the sagittal plane, the mean sagittal bowling of the tibia was 32 degrees (4 to 75 degrees) preoperatively, 9 degree (1 to 26 degrees) postoperatively, and 9 degrees (1 to 24 degrees) at last follow-up. The width at mid-shaft of the tibia in the frontal plane was 1.1 cm (0.6 to 1.8 cm) preoperatively and 1.3 cm at the last follow-up (0.7 to 2.0 cm). In the sagittal plane, it was 1.25 cm (0.7 to 2.7 cm) preoperatively and 1.27 cm (0.8 to 2.8 cm) at the last follow-up. Ten patients did not require revision surgery during their follow-up. Sixteen mechanical complications occurred in 12 patients (12 fractures or deformities following a lack of overlap of the 2 rods at an average time of 4.9 years after the initial surgery, 3 prominence of the nail, 1 pseudarthrosis). No infectious complication was reported. Gillette Functional Score was 20.54/65. Fifteen patients were able to walk at last follow-up, and 18 had no painful discomfort.

The tibial sliding elastic nailing technique provides satisfactory clinical and radiologic results over time. Performed in case of fracture or as a preventive treatment, it allows a good correction of angular deformations. It is particularly suitable for young patients with a narrow medullary shaft.

Level IV-therapeutic study.