Novel Surgical Approach to Segmental Bone Transport Using a Magnetic Intramedullary Limb Lengthening System.

Novel Surgical Approach to Segmental Bone Transport Using a Magnetic Intramedullary Limb Lengthening System. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2018 Sep 05;: Authors: Barinaga G, Beason AM, Gardner MP Abstract Posttraumatic bone defects (BDs) remain a difficult complication for orthopaedic surgeons. Surgical goals in these reconstructive cases are to create stable limb fixation, maintain limb length, and provide adequate soft-tissue coverage. Historically, surgical approaches in these cases have required the use of an external fixator, which is associated with several postoperative complications. A plate-assisted bone segment transport (PABST) technique using a magnetic limb lengthening system eliminates the need for an external fixator and is effective for these reconstructive cases. A 51-year-old male patient presented as a category I trauma after a motorcycle collision. Osseous injury was defined as Gustilo-Anderson type IIIB distal tibia and fibula fracture (AO 42-C2). After fixation failure, the PABST technique was performed using a magnetic intramedullary limb lengthening system. Radiographic union was achieved 18 months postoperatively. This innovative surgical technique is effective in treating posttraumatic BDs without the need for limb shortening or the use of an external fixator. PABST has the potential to decrease postoperative complications in BD reconstructive cases using all-internal technology designed for limb lengthening. PABST...
Source: The Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons - Category: Orthopaedics Tags: J Am Acad Orthop Surg Source Type: research