Long bone open fractures with bone loss managed with antibiotic cement spacer and induced membrane bone grafting: a case series

Background: Open fractures are a difficult entity, often complicated by infection and nonunion. Bone loss in such fractures adds to the complexity. Conventional techniques of bone defect management are mainly directed toward fracture union but not against preventing infection or joint stiffness. In this case series, we evaluated Masquelet’s technique for management of open fractures with bone loss. Materials and Methods: Twenty seven open fractures with bone defect, which presented within 3 days of trauma were planned for treatment by Masquelet’s technique. Follow up ranged from 21 to 60 months. Results: Average length of bone defect was 6 cm. Radiological union was obtained at a mean of 280 days since first stage of surgery. Time for union was not related to the size of defect. Union was faster in metaphyseal region (265.6 ± 38.8 days) as compared to diaphysis (300.9 ± 58.6 days). No patient had residual infection after stage 1. All the patients were able to mobilize with full weight bearing after radiological union with a satisfactory range of motion of adjacent joints. Conclusion: This technique can be routinely applied in compound fractures with bone loss with good results. Chances of infection are reduced using antibiotic cement spacer as an adjunct to thorough debridement. Induced biomembrane revascularizes the graft. Union can be expected in most of the cases, however, long time to union is a limitation. Technique is cost-effective and does not require special training or instrumentation. Although it is a two-stage surgery, requirement of multiple surgeries, as may be needed in conventional methods is avoided.