Clinical And Radiological Assessment Of The Induced Membrane Technique Using Beta-Tricalcium Phosphate In Reconstructive Surgery For Lower Extremity Long Bone Defects

AimsTo clarify the effectiveness of the induced membrane technique (IMT) using beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP) for reconstruction of segmental bone defects by evaluating clinical and radiological outcomes, and the effect of defect size and operated site on surgical outcomes.MethodsA review of the medical records was conducted of consecutive 35 lower limbs (30 males and five females; median age 46 years (interquartile range (IQR) 40 to 61)) treated with IMT using beta-TCP between 2014 and 2018. Lower Extremity Functional Score (LEFS) was examined preoperatively and at final follow-up to clarify patient-centered outcomes. Bone healing was assessed radiologically, and time from the second stage to bone healing was also evaluated. Patients were divided into >= 50 mm and < 50 mm defect groups and into femoral reconstruction, tibial reconstruction, and ankle arthrodesis groups.ResultsThere were ten and 25 defects in the femur and tibia, respectively. Median LEFS improved significantly from 8 (IQR 1.5 to 19.3) preoperatively to 63.5 (IQR 57 to 73.3) at final follow-up (p < 0.001). Bone healing was achieved in all limbs, and median time from the second stage to bone healing was six months (IQR 5 to 10). Median time to bone healing, preoperative LEFS, or postoperative LEFS did not differ significantly between the defect size groups or among the treatment groups.ConclusionIMT using beta-TCP provided satisfactory clinical and radiological outcomes for segmental bone defects in the lower limbs; surgical outcomes were not influenced by bone defect size or operated part.