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Gradual fibular transfer by ilizarov external fixator in post-traumatic and post-infection large tibial bone defects

  • Trauma Surgery
  • Published:
Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Introduction

Several reconstructive procedures have been used in management of large tibial bone defects including bone graft, bone transport (distraction osteogenesis) using various external fixators, and vascularized bone graft. Each of these procedures has its limitations and complications. The study describes gradual medial fibular transfer using Ilizarov external fixators in management of patients with large tibial defect, either following infection or trauma.

Patients and methods

Between May 2011 and June 2013, 14 patients were prospectively included in the current study. The inclusion criteria were large tibial defect due to trauma or infection with severe soft tissue compromise, and small or poor tibial bone remnants making bone lengthening difficult. Exclusion criteria were patients with vascular or nerve injuries. The average age of the patients was 31.64 (± 6.5) years. Medial fibular transfer was done for all patients using Ilizarov at a rate of 0.5 mm twice daily. Iliac bone graft was used in all patients after the transfer.

Results

The average segmental bone defect of the tibia was (13.2 ± 2.6), ranging between 8 and 18.6 cm. Union was achieved in all patients with average fixator time was 32.42 (± 4.32) weeks. Average follow-up after removal of the fixator was 40.5 (± 6.9) months.

Conclusion

Gradual fibular transfer by Ilizarov external fixator is a reliable technique in management of post-traumatic and post-infection large tibial bone defects with good clinical outcome, and with few complications.

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Funding

All authors did not receive any fund or research Grants.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Orthopedic Department, Benha University, El-Shaheed Farid Nada Street, Kafer el Gazar, Banha, Qalyubia, 13511, Egypt

    Mohammed Anter Meselhy, Mohamed Salah Singer, Abdelsamie M. Halawa, Gamal Ahmed Hosny, Adel H. Adawy & Osama M. Essawy

Authors
  1. Mohammed Anter Meselhy
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  2. Mohamed Salah Singer
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  3. Abdelsamie M. Halawa
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  4. Gamal Ahmed Hosny
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  5. Adel H. Adawy
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  6. Osama M. Essawy
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Mohammed Anter Meselhy.

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Conflict of interest

All authors have no conflict of interest to disclose.

Ethical approval

The study was approved by ethical committee of Benha University and were in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional and national research committee and with the 1964 Helsinki Declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards.

Informed consent

Informed consent was obtained from all individual participants included in the study. All patients signed an informed consent after clear explanation of the surgical procedure.

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Meselhy, M.A., Singer, M.S., Halawa, A.M. et al. Gradual fibular transfer by ilizarov external fixator in post-traumatic and post-infection large tibial bone defects. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg 138, 653–660 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-018-2895-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-018-2895-z

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