Bone reconstruction by the induced membrane technique. What differences between conventional and ballistic trauma?

Background: The induced membrane technique (IMT) has been widely evaluated for reconstruction of post-traumatic bone defects. However, no specific evaluation was conducted in ballistic injuries. The objective of the present study was to compare IMT in conventional trauma (CT) versus ballistic trauma (BT) managed in a military trauma center.

Methods: A retrospective study was conducted between 2009 and 2018 in patients treated by IMT for post-traumatic bone defects, whatever the defect location. Endpoints comprised bone union, residual infection, additional bone grafting and lower-limb amputation.

Results: Thirty-six patients were included: 24 in the CT and 12 in the BT group. Demographics and injury pattern were similar in both groups, with open fracture and infected lesions predominating. The only significant difference was that tibial bone defects were larger in the BT group. Operative parameters and results were also similar. At a mean 24 months' follow-up, bone union rate was 83% in both groups, without significant differences in residual infection, complementary grafting or late amputation.

Conclusion: IMT is appropriate to bone reconstruction in the aftermath of ballistic trauma, with similar results to those obtained in conventional trauma.

Level Of Evidence: IV, retrospective study.