We report our experience of treating 17 patients with benign lesions of the proximal femur with non-vascularised, autologous fibular strut grafts, without osteosynthesis. The mean age of the patients at presentation was 16.5 years (5 to 33) and they were followed up for a mean of 2.9 years (0.4 to 19.5). Histological diagnoses included simple bone cyst, fibrous dysplasia, aneurysmal bone cysts and giant cell tumour. Local recurrence occurred in two patients (11.7%) and superficial wound infection, chronic hip pain and deep venous thrombosis occurred in three. Pathological fracture did not occur in any patient following the procedure. We conclude that non-vascularised fibular strut grafts are a safe and satisfactory method of treating benign lesions of the proximal femur

A vascularised fibular strut graft was used for anterior spinal fusion in 16 patients with spinal kyphosis. The procedure was abandoned in three because of difficulty in establishing a vascular anastomosis and in one because the grafted fibula dislodged two days after operation. One patient died after five days. Of the 11 remaining patients, there were seven males and four females. Their ages at the time of operation averaged 30.9 years (12 to 71). The number of vertebrae fused averaged 6.7 (5 to 9) and the length of fibula grafted averaged 10.9 cm (6.5 to 18). Average follow-up was 54 months (27 to 84). Bone union occurred at both ends of the grafted fibula in all 11 patients, with an average time to union of 5.5 months (3 to 8). We did not see a fracture of the grafted fibula. Two patients had postoperative complications; the graft dislodged in one and laryngeal oedema occurred two days after operation in the other. A vascularised fibular strut graft provides a biomechanically stable and long-standing support in spinal fusion because the weak phase of creeping substitution does not take place in the graft

We evaluated the biomechanical properties of two different methods of fixation for unstable fractures of the proximal humerus. Biomechanical testing of the two groups, locking plate alone (LP), and locking plate with a fibular strut graft (LPSG), was performed using seven pairs of human cadaveric humeri. Cyclical loads between 10 N and 80 N at 5 Hz were applied for 1 000 000 cycles. Immediately after cycling, an increasing axial load was applied at a rate of displacement of 5 mm/min. The displacement of the construct, maximum failure load, stiffness and mode of failure were compared. The displacement was significantly less in the LPSG group than in the LP group (p = 0.031). All maximum failure loads and measures of stiffness in the LPSG group were significantly higher than those in the LP group (p = 0.024 and p = 0.035, respectively). In the LP group, varus collapse and plate bending were seen. In the LPSG group, the humeral head cut out and the fibular strut grafts fractured. No broken plates or screws were seen in either group. We conclude that strut graft augmentation significantly increases both the maximum failure load and the initial stiffness of this construct compared with a locking plate alone

Aims

Orthopaedic and reconstructive surgeons are faced with large defects after the resection of malignant tumours of the sacrum. Spinopelvic reconstruction is advocated for resections above the level of the S1 neural foramina or involving the sacroiliac joint. Fixation may be augmented with either free vascularized fibular flaps (FVFs) or allograft fibular struts (AFSs) in a cathedral style. However, there are no studies comparing these reconstructive techniques.

Aims. Giant cell tumours (GCTs) of the proximal femur are rare, and there is no consensus about the best method of filling the defect left by curettage. In this study, we compared the outcome of using a fibular strut allograft and bone cement to reconstruct the bone defect after extended curettage of a GCT of the proximal femur. Methods. In a retrospective study, we reviewed 26 patients with a GCT of the proximal femur in whom the bone defect had been filled with either a fibular strut allograft (n = 12) or bone cement (n = 14). Their demographic details and oncological and nononcological complications were retrieved from their medical records. Limb function was assessed using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score. Results. Mean follow-up was 116 months (SD 59.2; 48 to 240) for the fibular strut allograft group and 113 months (SD 43.7; 60 to 192) for the bone cement group (p = 0.391). The rate of recurrence was not significantly different between the two groups (25% vs 21.4%). The rate of nononcological complications was 16.7% in the strut allograft group and 42.8% in the bone cement group. Degenerative joint disease was the most frequent nononcological complication in the cement group. The mean MSTS score of the patients was 92.4% (SD 11.5%; 73.3% to 100.0%) in the fibular strut allograft group and 74.2% (SD 10.5%; 66.7% to 96.7%) in the bone cement group (p < 0.001). Conclusion. Given the similar rate of recurrence and a lower rate of nononcological complications, fibular strut grafting could be recommended as a method of reconstructing the bone defect left by curettage of a GCT of the proximal femur. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(2):297–301

Background. In young patients with femoral neck non-union it is desirable to preserve the femoral head. The objective of this study was to assess the outcome results of revision internal fixation and nonvascular fibular bone grafting. Patients and Methods:. Ten patients with non united fracture neck femur were included in this prospective study. Fixation was done with two cancellous screws leaving behind a space between two screws for fibular strut graft. Assessment of union was done by both clinical and radiological criteria. Results:. union was achieved in 8 cases in an average time of 16 weeks (range 12–20 weeks). There was no infection, thromboembolic complications, donor site morbidity or implant failure in our series. Conclusion:. Nonvascularized fibular strut graft along with cancellous screws provides a biological and mechanically sound method of treatment. Fibula being cortical provides mechanical strength besides stimulating union and getting incorporated as biological graft

We report the results of limb salvage for non-metastatic osteosarcoma of the distal tibia using resection arthrodesis, autogenous fibular graft and fixation by an Ilizarov external fixator. In six patients with primary osteosarcoma of the distal tibia who refused amputation, treatment with wide en bloc resection and tibiotalar arthrodesis was undertaken. The defect was reconstructed using non-vascularised free autogenous fibular strut graft in three patients and a vascularised pedicular fibular graft in three, all supplemented with iliac cancellous graft at the graft-host junction. An Ilizarov external fixator was used for stabilisation of the reconstruction. In five patients sound fusion occurred at a mean of 13.2 months (8 to 20) with no evidence of local recurrence or deep infection at final follow-up. The mean post-operative functional score was 70% (63% to 73%) according to the Musculoskeletal Tumour Society scoring system. All five patients showed graft hypertrophy. Union of the graft was faster in cases reconstructed by vascularised fibular grafts. One patient who had a poor response to pre-operative chemotherapy developed local tumour recurrence at one year post-operatively and required subsequent amputation

Aims: To review the results of reconstruction of pseudoarthrosis and/or significant varus with retroversion of proximal femur in congenital longitudinal lower limb deficiencies. Methods: 23 of 95 patients had proximal femoral reconstruction. 7 had pseudoarthrosis of the neck of femur and the remaining had significant coxa vara with retroversion of femur. 3 patients with pseudoarthroses were treated with valgus derotation osteotomy and cancellous bone grafting, 2 with fibular strut grafts, 1 King’s procedure and 1 with excision of fibrous tissue and valgus derotation osteotomy. Remaining patients underwent valgus derotation osteotomies. A variety of internal fixation devices and external fixators were used. Results: All patients with pseudoarthroses underwent multiple procedures to achieve union. 3 with cancellous bone grafting underwent repeat osteotomies to correct residual varus and 2 had grafting repeated twice. 2 patients achieved union after fibular strut grafting. One patient, who underwent excision of pseudoarthrosis, achieved union but had to undergo further valgus osteotomy. The remaining 17 patients with coxa vara and retroversion of femur also had valgus osteotomies repeated more than once (average 2.3) for recurrence of varus deformity. There were significant numbers of implant failures. Average initial neck-shaft angle of 72 degrees improved to 115 degrees after reconstruction. Conclusion: Achieving union of pseudoarthrosis and early axis correction using valgus derotation osteotomy with a view to later lengthening is important in limb reconstruction. Recurrence may require repeated osteotomies and pseudoarthrosis may need more aggressive surgery to achieve union. Muscle slides and soft tissue releases decrease the stress on implant and maintain correction

Introduction. Treatment of spinal metastatic disease has evolved with the advent of advanced interventional, surgical and radiation techniques. Spinal Oligometastatic disease is a low volume disease state where en bloc resection of the tumour, based on oncological principles, can achieve maximum local control (MLC). Hybrid therapy incorporating Separation surgery (>2mm clearance of the thecal sac) and Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy (SABR) offer an alternative approach to achieving MLC. Hybrid therapy is also a viable option in patients eligible for SBRT who have failed conventional radiation therapy. En-bloc surgery may be a suitable option for those patients who are ineligible for or have failed SBRT. A multidisciplinary approach is particularly important in the decision-making process for these patients. Metal free instrumentation is aiding the optimization of these surgeries. The authors present a supra-regional centre's experience in managing spinal oligometastases. Methods. Retrospective review of oligometastatic spinal disease at a supra-regional centre between 2017 and 2021. Demographics, operative course, complications and Instrument type are examined. Results. Demographics: 24 patients with mean age 53.8y (range 12–77), 44% (40y–59y), 40% (60y–69y); 51% Male. Histology: Breast, Renal and Sarcoma accounted for 16.7% each; Thyroid, Prostate and Chordoma accounted for 8.3% each. Primary disease 7%, Synchronous 15%, Metachronous 78%. Instrumentation: Carbon-fibre (85%), TiAl (11%), Non-Instrumented (3%). Separation Surgery (70%), En-bloc resection/Tomita surgery (30%); SABR/Proton Beam Planned: 70%. Average length of hospital stays 19.1 days; twenty patients required intensive care admission for an average 2.7 days. 30 Day Mortality 8.3% (n=2: COVID-19 during admission and ventriculitis post discharge), 1y Mortality – 16.7%, 3y Mortality – 25%; Synchronous Mortality 75% (n=3) at 3 years. 30 Day infection rate 3%; 1y infection rate 7%. 1 Non-instrumented case developed proximal junctional failure post proton beam therapy and required a vascularised fibular strut graft. 2-year Revision for Local Recurrence 5% (Revision at 23 months). Conclusion. There are very few case series of oligometastatic spinal disease due to the relatively new concept of adjuvant SABR and its limited availability. Solid tumours pre-dominated the histology in our series with metachronous disease being the most commonly operated disease state. 92% of cases were eligible for SABR. The majority (85%) of cases were performed with Carbon-fibre instrumentation and has been shown to be safe with no mechanical failures in this series. Infection rates are in keeping with patients requiring radical radiotherapy with 3% early and 7% late. 30-day mortality was 8.3%, 1y=16.7% and 25% at last follow up. Mortality, as expected, is highest within the synchronous disease group and should be operated on sparingly. With the current management strategy, there was no local recurrence at 1 year and excellent local recurrence rate at 2 years (5%). Although radical en bloc surgery carries significant morbidity, it should be considered in selective cases to achieve MLC. All Oligometastatic cases deserve extra consideration and specialist MDT as not all are suitable for SABR. Multimodal Hybrid therapy, incorporating less invasive surgical techniques and SABR, represents a paradigm shift in achieving MLC in oligometastatic spinal disease

Introduction:. The anterior column of the spine is often destroyed by trauma or disease. It is reconstructed by using autograft, allograft, or synthetic cages. The fibula strut graft provides good strength, incorporates quickly and has less risk of disease transmission, which is a big advantage in communities with high incidence of HIV. Various authors cite that its major drawback is the size of its foot print. We could not find any literature that measures its size. We undertook a study to measure the size of the footprint of the fibular in relation to the surface area of the endplate. The clinical relevance is that it may guide the surgeon in deciding how many struts of fibular are required in reconstructing the anterior column, and also quantifies the statement that the fibular strut has a small footprint. Material and Method:. CT angiograms are done frequently for peripheral vascular diseases. These angiograms also show CT scans of the lumbar and thoracic vertebrae, and fibulae of the same patient. We retrospectively examined the first 35 scans done during the year 2012 at Steve Biko Academic Hospital. From the CT we measured the surface area of the endplate of the vertebral bodies T6, 8, 12, L2, and the surface area of the cut surface of the proximal, middle and distal thirds of the fibular, all in square millimetres. We then compared the areas of the vertebral measurements to the area of the fibular measurements. Results:. The middle third of the fibular had the biggest cross sectional surface area. This fact, together with anatomical features of the fibula, explains why the middle part of the fibular is the preferred graft donor site. The ratio of the fibular surface area to that of the vertebral endplate is 1:3–6. It is difficult to advise in a biological system how many struts are required, as compared to a mechanical system. However these ratios suggest that more than one fibular strut graft is required to reconstruct the anterior column. Conclusion:. This is the first time to our knowledge that the surface area of the fibular graft is quantified against the vertebral end plate surface area. The study shows that at least 2 fibula struts are required to reconstruct the thoracic and lumbar anterior columns

Purpose- To review the long term survival of patients, complications and functional outcome of diaphyseal replacements in 40 consecutive femoral endoprosthetic reconstructions for treatment of primary bone sarcoma. Methods- A retrospective case study analysis was performed on all patients treated in our hospital between 1991 and 2002 with diaphyseal replacements for the management of sarcomas of femur. Results- 40 cases (28 males and 12 females) with a mean age of 38.4 years (10–56) were identified.The indications were ostesarcoma (18), chondrosarcoma (12), MFH (4) and ewings sarcoma (6). The presenting complaints were pain (24), swelling (16) or both (6). Fibular strut graft was used in 12 cases as an adjuvant to the diaphyseal replacement. Adequate surgical clearence was obtained in 37 cases (92.5%). The average follow up period was 98 months (11–158). The patients were assessed by the Musculoskeletal Tumour Society (MSTS) scoring system. The average MSTS score was 19 (range 16–22). The average range of motion at the knee was 94° (range 74°–126°). Twenty nine remained disease free at review. 16 patients died at a median of 28 months (11 to 124) – 6 from metastatic disease and 10 from other causes. The cumulative complication rate was 18%- wound debridement (5%), infection (3%), revision surgeries (10%–4 cases- periprosthetic fracture n=1, implant breakage n=1 and implant loosening n=2.) One patient needed amputation for recurrence. Conclusion-.Surgical management of bone tumours using diaphyseal endoprosthesis is an effective method of treatment which allows the patient to retain a high level of function and range of motion

We present the results of ankle fusion using the Ilizarov technique for bone loss around the ankle in 20 patients. All except one had sustained post-traumatic bone loss. Infection was present in 17. The mean age was 33.1 years (7 to 71). The mean size of the defect was 3.98 cm (1.5 to 12) and associated limb shortening before the index procedure varied from 1 cm to 5 cm. The mean time in the external fixator was 335 days (42 to 870). Tibiotalar fusion was performed in 19 patients and tibiocalcaneal fusion in one. Associated problems included diabetes in one patient, pelvic and urethral injury in one, visual injury in one patient and ipsilateral tibial fracture in five. At the final mean follow-up of 51.55 months (24 to 121) fusion had been achieved in 19 of 20 patients. A total of 16 patients were able to return to work. The results were graded as good in 11 patients, fair in six and poor in three. The mean external fixation index was 8.8 days/mm (0 to 30). One patient with diabetes developed severe infection which required early removal of the fixator. Refractures occurred in three patients, two of which were at the site of fusion and one at a previous tibial shaft fracture site. Equinus deformity of the ankle fusion occurred after a further fracture in one patient. There were two patients with residual forefoot equinus, and one developed late valgus at the fusion site. Poor consolidation of the regenerated bone in two patients was treated by bone grafting in one and by bone and fibular strut grafting in the other. Residual soft-tissue infection was still present in two patients

To review the results of reconstruction of pseudoar-throsis and/or significant varus with retroversion of proximal femur in congenital longitudinal lower limb deficiencies, twenty-three of ninety-five patients with lower limb deficiencies underwent proximal femoral reconstruction at the Sheffield Children’s Hospital. All twenty-three underwent valgus derotation osteotomies to correct coxa vara and retroversion of femur. Seven patients also had pseudoarthrosis of the neck of femur. Three of these were treated with valgus derotation osteotomy and cancellous bone grafting, two with fibular strut grafts, one King’s procedure and one with excision of fibrous tissue and valgus derotation osteotomy. A variety of internal fixation devices and external fixator were used. Seventeen of the twenty-three patients had valgus osteotomies repeated more than once (average 2.3) for recurrence of varus deformity. Average initial neck-shaft angle was 72 degrees, which improved to an average of 115 degrees after reconstruction. All seven patients with pseudoarthroses underwent multiple procedures (average 3.3) to achieve union. Cancellous bone grafting was repeated twice in two patients to achieve union but all three with cancellous bone grafting underwent repeat osteotomies to correct residual varus. Two patients achieved union after fibu-lar strut grafting. One patient, who underwent excision of pseudoarthrosis, achieved union but had to undergo further valgus osteotomy. No particular advantage of any one-fixation device over the others was noted in achieving correction. Early axis correction using valgus derotation oste-otomy is important in limb reconstruction when there is significant coxa vara and retroversion, although recurrence may require repeated osteotomies. Pseudoarthro-ses needed more aggressive surgery to achieve union

Abstract: It is known that the treatment of intra or extraspinal paediatric tumours with surgery and radiotherapy or radiotherapy alone can lead to the onset of progressive spinal deformity the management of which can be extremely challenging. We review our series of patients who have developed a spinal deformity in these circumstances. Methods: A review of all patients seen between 1996 and 2007 in the spinal department who have developed a significant spinal deformity following treatment for an intra or extra spinal tumour. Results: 14 patients were identified. The age of presentation to the spinal service was between 2 years 6 months and 15 years 3 months. The underlying diagnoses were Wilms Tumour treated with surgery and radiotherapy in 3, 1 extraspinal sarcoma treated with surgical resection, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, 1 extraspinal neuro-blastoma treated with surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and stem cell rescue and 9 intra spinal tumours (PNET, astrocytoma, ganglioneuroblastoma and der-moid) all managed with resection with or without radiotherapy. The spinal deformities that have developed were thoracic kyphoscoliosis, thoracolumbar kyphosis and lumber hyperlordosis. The spinal management of these deformities has been conservative in 12 with regular assessment to allow intervention if indicated. 2 patients have undergone surgery, a vascularised fibular strut graft and anterior instrumentation in 1 and a non vascularised rib graft in 1 for progressive deformity felt to lead to neurological dysfunction or lung hypoplasia. The cases managed operatively were complicated by poor posterior soft tissues following previous surgery and radiotherapy requiring an anterior approach. In all patients who were treated with radiotherapy platyspondyly was always seen in the vertebral bodies anteriorly and this corresponded to the apex of the deformity. Conclusion: In all children who undergo spinal surgery and or radiotherapy for paediatric tumours there must be ongoing surveillance for the development of a spinal deformity. We feel that this is as much a result of anterior growth arrest secondary to radiotherapy as to posterior laminectomy for intra canal tumour excision. The surgical management of this problem is complex and may require innovative solutions

This is an ongoing retrospective study of 35 children treated from 1986 to 2001 for chronic osteomyelitis following acute haematogenous osteomyelitis. The purpose was to validate the use of a modified Cierny classification to predict behaviour, to assess the timing of sequestrectomy in relation to involucrum formation, and to evaluate the results of dealing with the resultant defect by conventional methods of bone grafting. The mean age of the patients was 7 years (1 to 12). All except 18, who were treated within five days of acute onset, were delayed presentations or transfers. In 14 children the tibia was involved, in 13 the femur, in five the humerus and in three the fibula. Monthly radiographs were taken and the size and location of the sequestrum and involucrum was documented. Our classification represents the size and location of the sequestrum. We divided the patients into cortical (one), medullary (three), corticomedullary (12) and structural (19) types. Fractures occurred in all the structural types, as well as in five of the 12 corticomedullary types. A sequestrum was apparent at a mean of 2.4 months (1 to 3). The mean length of the sequestrum at diagnosis was 8.5 cm and at surgery 5.8 cm, suggesting partial resorption. Involucrum formed in 69% of patients at a mean of 1.9 months (1 to 3) after sequestrum. In 31% of patients no involucrum formed from 4 to 12 months after surgery. This suggests that involucrum formation depends on viable periosteum and not on the sequestrum, and in the absence of involucrum early rather than late sequestrectomy is warranted. The resultant incomplete bone defects in the corticomedullary type ranged from 1 cm to 15 cm, but had an intact cortical bed on one or more sides. These and complete defects of less than 6 cm in the structural type united after autogenous cancellous bone grafting, with or without an exoskeleton. Four structural defects greater than 6 cm united after fibular strut grafting (humerus) or bone grafting from fibula to tibia via a posterolateral approach (tibia). Patients were followed up both clinically and radiologically for a mean of 2.9 years. Twenty patients (57%) had an excellent result and 15 (43%) a good result

Aims

High-grade dysplastic spondylolisthesis is a disabling disorder for which many different operative techniques have been described. The aim of this study is to evaluate Scoliosis Research Society 22-item (SRS-22r) scores, global balance, and regional spino-pelvic alignment from two to 25 years after surgery for high-grade dysplastic spondylolisthesis using an all-posterior partial reduction, transfixation technique.

The development of spinal deformity in children with underlying neurodisability can affect their ability to function and impact on their quality of life, as well as compromise provision of nursing care. Patients with neuromuscular spinal deformity are among the most challenging due to the number and complexity of medical comorbidities that increase the risk for severe intraoperative or postoperative complications. A multidisciplinary approach is mandatory at every stage to ensure that all nonoperative measures have been applied, and that the treatment goals have been clearly defined and agreed with the family. This will involve input from multiple specialities, including allied healthcare professionals, such as physiotherapists and wheelchair services. Surgery should be considered when there is significant impact on the patients’ quality of life, which is usually due to poor sitting balance, back or costo-pelvic pain, respiratory complications, or problems with self-care and feeding. Meticulous preoperative assessment is required, along with careful consideration of the nature of the deformity and the problems that it is causing. Surgery can achieve good curve correction and results in high levels of satisfaction from the patients and their caregivers. Modern modular posterior instrumentation systems allow an effective deformity correction. However, the risks of surgery remain high, and involvement of the family at all stages of decision-making is required in order to balance the risks and anticipated gains of the procedure, and to select those patients who can mostly benefit from spinal correction.

Aims

The value of core decompression (CD) in the treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) remains controversial. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate whether CD combined with other treatments could improve the clinical and radiological outcomes of ONFH patients compared with CD alone.

From a global point of view, chronic haematogenous osteomyelitis in children remains a major cause of musculoskeletal morbidity. We have reviewed the literature with the aim of estimating the scale of the problem and summarising the existing research, including that from our institution. We have highlighted areas where well-conducted research might improve our understanding of this condition and its treatment.