[Clinical experience on the management of post-traumatic bone defects of long bones treated with the membrane...

bone defects drastically alter the patient's quality of life, and can produce serious sequelae such as dysfunctional shortening, angular deformity, joint stiffness and irreversible gait disorder.

to describe the experience of managing post-traumatic bone defects of long bones treated with the membrane induction technique.

retrospective observational study of patients with bone defects greater than 3 cm in diaphyseal pseudoarthrosis of long bones, who underwent the Masquelet technique. Period taken from January 2019 to January 2021. All patients underwent vigorous debridement and stabilization of the fracture, to then place the cement spacer. Spacer removal was at 4-6 weeks. The degree of consolidation was assessed, as well as the evolution of the treatment.

25 patients were included in the study; the mean age was 36.8 ± 8.9 years. Diameter of bone losses was 3 to 10 cm (84%) and > 10 cm (16%). Bone consolidation occurred in patients with a defect < 10 cm (16%). 32% of patients presented some complication.

bone union was achieved only in a few patients with defects smaller than 10 cm, requiring alternative procedures in most cases. Proper selection of patients is required.