The Use of Cylindrical Titanium Mesh Cages in the Treatment of Post-Traumatic Segmental Bone Loss of the Femur

Abstract

We describe the management of a male road traffic accident victim who presented with an eleven-centimetre segmental defect of his left femur. This was treated with a cylindrical titanium mesh cage, autografted with cancellous bone and stabilised with the LISS plate system. At a two-year follow-up, radiographs showed good alignment and restoration of the limb length. Although there was formation of a good bone bridge, no osseous continuity was seen in the metal cages between the two main fragments. This treatment modality allowed attainment of immediate axial stability of the bone-implant construct, which made early weight bearing possible. In our opinion, this reconstructive technique for segmental defects in long bones is an alternative worthy of comparison with the established technique of distraction osteogenesis. The above technique may be of use in selected cases, where infection is absent.

Open fractures - defect fractures - complications of operative fracture treatment

References

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