Masquelet technique and double plate fixation combo effectively treats large segmental bone defects of distal tibia: Study

Results: All patients were followed up for 16 to 26 months (mean, 19.48 months). The group mean full weight-bearing time and bone healing time after bone grafting were 2.41 (± 0.37) months and 6.29 (± 0.66) months, respectively. During the treatment, one patient had a wound infection on the medial side of the leg, so the medial plate was removed. The wound completely healed after debridement without any recurrence. After extraction of iliac bone for grafting, one patient had a severe iliac bone defect, which was managed by filling the gap with a cement spacer. Most patients reported mild pain in the left bone extraction area after surgery. The postoperative Iowa ankle score range was 84–94 (P < 0.05). In this cohort, 15 cases were rated as “excellent”, and 6 cases as “good” on the Iowa ankle scoring system. The Masquelet technique combined with double plate fixation is a safe and effective method for the treatment of large segmental bone defects of the distal tibia.

Reference:

Wang, Z., Zou, C., Zhan, X. et al. Application of double plate fixation combined with Masquelet technique for large segmental bone defects of distal tibia: a retrospective study and literature review. BMC Surg 24, 103 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12893-024-02396-1