Abstract

Purpose: The Aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and functional outcome of patients with large post-traumatic tibial bone defects managed by Trifocal bone transport using the Ilizarov technique.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 46 cases of 38.2 years (range, 15.0-68.0years). The bone defects averaged 10.5±3.5cm (range: 6.5cm–20.5cm) after radical debridement and it was managed by trifocal bone transport.

Results: The mean duration of follow up after Ilizarov frame removal was 28.5±1.5months (range 10.0-24.0months). All patients achieved complete union in both the regenerates. The mean bone transport time was 50.6±20.5days (range 30.0-130.0days). The mean Ilizarov fixator time was 1.2±0.4months/cm (range 0.8-2.2months/cm). The bone results were excellent in 40 patients and good in 6 patients. The functional results were excellent in 42 patients and good in 4 patients.

Conclusion: Trifocal bone transport is a safe, reliable and successful methods for large post-traumatic tibial.

Keywords

bone defects, bone transport, Ilizarov technique, trifozcal approach, reliable, post-traumatic tibial, soft tissue, bone transport, distal tibia, intra-operatively, corticotomies, length discrepancy, infection, deformity, Ilizarov fixator