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Published in: International Orthopaedics 5/2024

15-03-2024 | Refracture | Original Paper

Refracture-related bone transport of tibia: technical notes and preliminary clinical results in nineteen cases

Authors: Xiaochen Tian, Yanlong Zhang, Shibo Liu, Wenfang Zhai, Junchuan Liu, Qing Lu, Yong Wang, Aqin Peng

Published in: International Orthopaedics | Issue 5/2024

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Abstract

Purpose

Refracture is one of the main complications of bone transport, which brings additional physical and mental burden to surgeries and patients. We aimed to raise a new classification system of refracture-related bone transport based on the Simpson classification and to present our experience on treatment.

Methods

This retrospective analysis included 19 patients with refracture-related bone transport (average age of 37.7 years; 18 men). We developed a modified Simpson classification system to assist decision-making (conservative versus surgical). The ASAMI criteria were used to assess the outcomes at last follow-up.

Results

The mean follow-up was 12.3 ± 3.2 months. Complete union was achieved in all patients, with no reinfection. Based on the modified Simpson classification, refracture was Ia type (within regeneration area) in three cases, Ib (collapsed fracture at the regeneration area) in one case, Ic (stress fracture) in three cases, II (at the junction between the regenerate and original bone) in one case, III (at the docking site) in nine cases, and V (at distant site) in two cases. Refracture was managed conservatively in six cases and surgically in 13 cases. Average time to bone union was 2.8 ± 1.2 months in the conservative group versus 4.4 ± 1.4 months in the surgery group. Assessment at the final follow-up using the ASAMI criteria revealed excellent bone result in all patients, excellent functional results in six patients (31.6%), and good functional results in 13 patients.

Conclusions

The modified Simpson classification could include refracture at the docking site and stress fracture in the regeneration zone and provide some guidance in determining the appropriate treatment strategy.
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Metadata
Title
Refracture-related bone transport of tibia: technical notes and preliminary clinical results in nineteen cases
Authors
Xiaochen Tian
Yanlong Zhang
Shibo Liu
Wenfang Zhai
Junchuan Liu
Qing Lu
Yong Wang
Aqin Peng
Publication date
15-03-2024
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
International Orthopaedics / Issue 5/2024
Print ISSN: 0341-2695
Electronic ISSN: 1432-5195
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-024-06141-4

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