Induced membrane technique for acute bone loss and nonunion management of the tibia
George D Chloros1, Nikolaos K Kanakaris1, Paul J Harwood1
1Academic Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, School of Medicine, University of Leeds.
Objectives:
To report our experience and clinical results of using the Masquelet technique for the treatment of tibial nonunions and acute traumatic tibial bone defects.
Design:
Retrospective study of prospectively collected data (Level IV).
Setting:
Level I trauma center in the UK.
Patients/Participants:
Consecutive patients with tibial nonunions and open fractures associated with bone loss.Intervention: Two-stage Masquelet Procedure for the tibia.
Main Outcome Measurements:
Clinical and imaging assessment at 6 weeks, 3,6,9,12 months, or until pain-free mobilization and union.
Results:
There were 17 eligible patients, with a mean size of bone defect of 6 cm (range, 4-8 cm) and an 88.2% union rate at a mean of 8 months (range 5-18 months). Mean range of motion was 95 degrees of knee flexion (range 80°-130°). All patients but 2 returned to their previous occupation.
Conclusions:
The Masquelet technique is simple, effective, and has a high rate of success for the management of a variety of situations including acute bone loss or infected nonunions and is associated with a low incidence of complications.
