A comparative study between bone transport technique using Ilizarov/LRS fixator and induced membrane (Masquelet) technique in management of bone defects in the long bones of lower limb.

Introduction: In earlier times due to difficulty in managing segmental long bone defects, amputation was the preferred treatment. Nonunion with bone loss of long bones is a challenging problem, requiring serious attention. Post-traumatic segmental bone defects can have severe long-term ill impact on patient's lives. Reconstruction is more difficult and functional outcome is usually less satisfactory compared to bony outcome. Distraction osteogenesis and induced membrane technique are the techniques that can be used.

Aims And Objectives: To find out and compare clinical, radiological, and functional outcome of bone transport technique and induced membrane technique in management of bone defects in the long bones of lower limb.

Materials And Methods: A comparative study was conducted on 24 patients (22 males and 2 females) of lower extremity fractures with bone defect more than 3 cm. Patients were divided into two groups according to the method of reconstruction used, that is, either bone transport technique in 12 patients (group A) or masquelet in the other 12 patients (group B). The mean age of the patients was 44 years in group A and was 38 years in group B. Regular follow-up was done with a mean period of follow up of 18.35 ± 5.58 months in group A and 18.25 ± 3.95 months in group B.

Result: In group A (bone transport), 67% showed union, 25% showed union with bone graft and 8% showed delayed union. In group B (masquelet), 75% showed union and 25% showed delayed union. bone transport technique showed excellent results in 58.3% and good in 41.7% while Masquelet technique showed excellent result in 50% and good in 50%.

Conclusion: For an orthopaedic surgeon, long bones defects with a substantial loss of bone volume are one of the most challenging bone defects encountered in clinical practice. Induced membrane technique and bone transport both offer successful options for filling of bone defects. Both techniques have its own pros and cons and provide varied option for healing. In our study, both methods have comparable results statistically although induced membrane technique required soft tissue reconstructive procedures.