[Foot reconstruction with the "bi-Masquelet" procedure]

Abstract

A case of complex injury of the dorsal aspect of the foot is reported, the reconstruction of which combined two procedures described by A.C. Masquelet. The induced membrane and spongy autograft technique was used to reconstruct the metatarsal arch. The first stage was the insertion into the defect of a cement spacer which was responsible for the formation of a pseudosynovial membrane. The second stage was the reconstruction by a fresh autologous cancellous bone graft combined with hydroxyapatite. The membrane induced by the spacer prevents from the resorption of the graft and favors its vascularity and its corticalization. Soft tissue reconstruction was achieved by the mean of a supramalleolar island flap. Although bone healing occurred by the ninth month, the authors describe and discuss the possible mistakes when using this technique. Despite the many technical problems reported in this clinical case, bone reconstruction with the induced membrane and spongy autograft technique has proved to be easily handable and effective under adverse conditions.