Modified Masquelet technique using free vascularized fibula grafting for reconstruction of large bone defects after bone infection.

BACKGROUND

Bone infection with large bone defects presents a significant challenge for orthopedic surgeons. Free vascularized fibula grafting (FVFG) and the Masquelet technique have proven to be a practical reconstructive approach for addressing large bone defects. Although various strategies have been utilized to manage bone infection with large bone defects, there remains debate concerning the optimal treatment approach. The aim of this study was to observe the outcomes of a new surgical procedure of the modified Masquelet technique for bone infection with large bone defects.

METHODS

From October 2021 to October 2023, 10 patients of bone infection with large bone defects underwent the surgery of the modified Masquelet technique. A large bone defect was defined as bone defects >6 cm. Among the 10 cases, 8 were male, and 2 were female, with a mean age of 54.7 ± 11.1 years. The median and interquartile range of the infection history was 6 (2, 66) months. The infected skeletal sites included 7 cases in the tibia and 3 in the femur. All cases underwent the modified Masquelet technique, which included two-stage surgical approaches: the first-stage surgery (FSS) involved debridement, bone cement filling, soft tissue coverage, and external fixation; the second-stage surgery (SSS) included removal of the bone cement, FVFG, iliac bone grafting, and external fixation. The bone defect sizes ranging from 9.7 to 22.4 cm (16.4 ± 4.1 cm). The median and quartile of the bone defect volume were 70.1 (52.1, 139.9) cm3. The size of the vascularized fibula varied from 11.3 to 21.0 cm (17.2 ± 3.7 cm). Postoperatively, patients were followed for a duration ranging from 12 to 31 (19.7 ± 6.4) months. Bone graft fusion was assessed according to the radiographic union score (RUS), with scores greater than 8 indicating successful bone fusion. The pain was measured by the visual analogue scale (VAS), limb function was assessed with the lower extremity functional scale (LEFS), and anxiety levels were evaluated using the self-rating anxiety scale (SAS).

RESULTS

All patients achieved complete resolution of their infections, resulting in an infection cure rate of 100%, with no recurrences observed during the follow-up period. All patients achieved osseous fusion, resulting in an overall bony union rate of 100%. The average RUS recorded was 10.6 ± 1.5, and no instances of re-fracture were observed during the follow-up period. There were no wound-related complications at the donor site of the fibula graft, nor were there any issues such as toe flexion weakness, ankle instability, or pain. Compared with the preoperative scores, the last follow-up VAS scores (0.6 ± 0.5 vs. 5.8 ± 1.0, p < 0.001) and SAS scores (33.3 ± 2.3 vs. 59.7 ± 4.1, p < 0.001) were significantly lower. Compared with the preoperative scores, the last follow-up LEFS scores (63.3 ± 7.8 vs. 20.8 ± 3.8, p < 0.001) significantly improved.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that the modified Masquelet technique effectively treated bone infection with large bone defects. This approach resulted in a high bone union rate, minimal damage to the donor site, fewer postoperative complications, and a good recovery of lower limb function, highlighting its potential for broader adoption.