Introduction and Objective. Management of gap non-union of the tibia, the major weight bearing bone of the leg remains controversial. The different internal fixation techniques are often weighed down by relatively high complication rates that include fractures which fail to heal (non-union). Minimally invasive techniques with ring fixators and bone transport (distraction osteogenesis) have come into picture as an alternative allowing alignment and stabilization, avoiding a graduated approach. This study was focused on fractures that result in a gap non-union of > 6 cm. Ilizarov technique was employed for management of such non-unions in this case series. The Ilizarov apparatus consists of rings, rods and kirschner wires that encloses the limb as a cylinder and uses kirschner wires to create tension allowing early weight bearing and stimulating bone growth. Ilizarov technique works on the principle of distraction osteogenesis, that is, pulling apart of bone to stimulate new bone growth. Usually, 4–5 rings are used in the setup depending on fracture site and pattern for stable fixation. In this study, we demonstrate effective bone transport and formation of gap non-union more than 6 cm in 10 patients using only 3 rings construct Ilizarov apparatus. Materials and Methods. This case study was conducted at Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical Hospital, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. The study involved 10 patients with a non-union or gap > 6 cm after tibial fracture. 3 rings were used in the setup for the treatment of all the patients. Wires were passed percutaneously through the bone using a drill and the projecting ends of the wires were attached to the metal rings and tensioned to increase stability. The outcome of the study was measured using the Oxford Knee scoring system, Functional Mobility Scale, the American Foot and Ankle Score and Visual Analog Scale. Further, follow up of patients was done upto 2 years. Results. All the patients demonstrated good fixation as was assessed clinically and radiologically. 9 patients had a clinical score of > 65 which implied fair to excellent clinical rating. The patients showed good range of motion and were highly satisfied with the treatment as measured by different scoring parameters. Conclusions. In this case study, we demonstrate that the Ilizarov technique using 3 rings is equally effective in treating non-unions > 6 cm as when using 4–5 rings. Obtaining good clinical outcome and low complication rate in all 10 patients shows that this modified technique can be employed for patients with such difficulties in the future

Acetabular fractures in the elderly are associated with high levels of morbidity and mortality and are becoming more common. Treatment is complicated by osteoporosis and multiple comorbidities. We present the early results of the use of a coned hemi-pelvis component and total hip arthroplasty in the primary treatment of these injuries. We have prospectively monitored a series of seventeen patients (18 cases) with a mean follow-up of sixteen (4–36) months. They have been reviewed clinically and radiographically. The mean patient age was 78 (64–87), and they had a mean ASA score of 3.3 (3–5). There were (Letournel classification) three elementary fractures, and 15 associated fractures. Mean operative time was 94 (61–134) minutes. There were seven minor post-operative complications. One patient suffered a pre-operative bilateral sciatic nerve injury, partially resolved. Sixteen of 17 patients were allowed to mobilise full weight bearing day one post-operatively. Mean length of hospital stay was 12 (5–27) days. Mortality at 30 days was 0%, and at one year 8%. There have been no thromboembolic events, dislocations or deep infections and no cases of prosthesis migration. Early weight bearing is essential for a successful outcome in this cohort. The coned hemi-pelvis bypasses the fracture, creating an immediately stable construct that allows immediate weight bearing. This is the first description of an innovative use of this prosthesis in the treatment of a complex fracture that is traditionally associated with poor outcomes. Early results suggest this to be a safe technique with an acceptable early complication rate

Introduction. Curved varus intertrochanteric osteotomy of the femur is an excellent and minimally invasive method for the treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head or osteoarthritis of the hip for joint preservation. However, the early postoperative complications of this procedure may be due to separation at the osteotomy site and an increase in varus angle due to early partial weight bearing. Methods. We modified the curved varus intertrochanteric osteotomy of the femur by performing an additional rotation. Regarding the surgical technique, curved varus osteotomy is performed at an angle of 30 degrees to the femoral shaft and an additional rotational osteotomy is also performed at an angle of 15 or 20 degrees to the osteotomy plane. Partial weight bearing with one-third body weight is permitted 3 weeks after surgery. Results. Curved varus intertrochanteric osteotomy of the femur was designed for developmental dysplastic hip by Nishio in 1969 and reported to have good outcomes in 1971. An important feature of this method is that the incidence of high riding of the greater trochanter or shortening of leg length is less than that in varus intertrochanteric osteotomy. Moreover, good contact at the osteotomy site and less lateral shift of the femoral shaft is observed. However, we have experienced a case of separation at the osteotomy site and increase of the varus angle in our hospital. Previous reports recommended that partial weight bearing with one-third body weight should be initiated after 5 weeks and full weight bearing after 6 months because the contact area is decreased at the osteotomy site by varus osteotomy. The post-operative recovery of the patients with total hip arthroplasty is rapid, therefore, we must consider important issues such as initiating the rehabilitation program early and reducing the duration of hospitalization. As per our experience, we think that partial weight bearing with one-third body weight should be initiated at 3 weeks. At the osteotomy site, we rotated the nearest bone segment to move it such that it intersects the proximal and distal bone cortex. Therefore, the osteotomy site will be stabilized and will have the ability to endure load. Another feature of this technique is that the partial removal of the necrotic area leads to an increase in the healthy load-bearing area. A limitation of this method is that an angle of an additional rotation is up to 30 degrees, because the joint capsule cannot be incised circumferentially and the short external rotator tendons should also be preserved. Conclusion. Modified curved varus intertrochanteric osteotomy is a useful method for the prevention of increased degree of a varus angle as well as for obtaining more intact area of femoral head in osteonecrosis