Induced membrane technique for acute bone loss and nonunion management of the tibia.

OBJECTIVES

To report our experience and clinical results of using the Masquelet technique for the treatment of tibial nonunions and acute traumatic tibial bone defects.

DESIGN

Retrospective study of prospectively collected data (Level IV).

SETTING

Level I trauma center in the UK.

PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: Consecutive patients with tibial nonunions and open fractures associated with bone loss.Intervention: Two-stage Masquelet Procedure for the tibia.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Clinical and imaging assessment at 6 weeks, 3,6,9,12 months, or until pain-free mobilization and union.

RESULTS

There were 17 eligible patients, with a mean size of bone defect of 6 cm (range, 4-8 cm) and an 88.2% union rate at a mean of 8 months (range 5-18 months). Mean range of motion was 95 degrees of knee flexion (range 80°-130°). All patients but 2 returned to their previous occupation.

CONCLUSIONS

The Masquelet technique is simple, effective, and has a high rate of success for the management of a variety of situations including acute bone loss or infected nonunions and is associated with a low incidence of complications.