title: A challenging case of limb salvage requiring a combination of composite fixation and masquelet technique to address significant segmental bone loss.
abstract: Cases of limb salvage following skeletal trauma involving significant bone loss pose a particular challenge to the reconstructive surgeon. Certain techniques for addressing this complex issue have been advanced in recent years and have met with considerable success. The Masquelet technique involves a staged procedure in which a temporary skeletal stabilization is paired with implantation of an antibiotic spacer and left in place for 6-8 weeks, during which time a "pseudomembrane" forms around the cement spacer. During the second stage of the procedure, the pseudomembrane is incised, the antibiotic spacer removed, and bone graft is placed. We present a case of significant segmental femur loss in a 19-year-old male opting for limb salvage in which a 17-centimeter segmental loss of bone was essentially regrown using a combination of the Masquelet technique with supplemental endosteal fixation.
authors: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Broward Health Medical Center, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA.
authors: C
authors: C
authors: Blair
authors: University Hospitals, Richmond Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA.
authors: A T
authors: AT
authors: Simela
authors: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Broward Health Medical Center, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA.
authors: B J
authors: BJ
authors: Cross