Bone transport in the management of fractures of the tibia

A review was carried out in 21 cases of bone transport in the tibia done between May 1995 and December 1997. These were done for the treatment of compound (Grade IIIB) fractures with extensive bone and soft tissue loss and in infective non-unions of the tibia using the Ilizarov technique and ring fixator. In 5 cases, 2 or 3 additional procedures were needed such as tendo achilles (TA) lengthening, bone grafting, revision of construct or revision of scar at the docking site. Average resection of infected bone was 5.2 cms in the infective non-union group and average bone and soft tissue loss was 8 cms in the compound Grade IIIB fracture group. The defect was bridged and regenerate bone occurred in all the cases except one. Union was achieved in all the cases although 10 needed bone grafting. Infection was eradicated in all the cases. Limb length discrepancy was corrected in all the cases except three. Mean duration of treatment was 12 months.