Unilateral Orthofix external fixation for tibial defects

Abstract

Objective To explore the curative effects of unilateral Orthofix external fixation in the treatment of tibial defects. Methods From June 2012 to February 2016, we treated 19 patients with tibial defects using unilateral Orthofix external fixation. They were 14 men and 5 women, aged from 26 to 79 years (mean, 43.0 years). The right tibia was involved in 12 cases and the left tibia in 7. The soft tissue defects averaged 6.4 cm×3.7 cm. The mean bone defect before bone transport was 8.9 cm in length. The anteroposterior and lateral X-ray films of the affected tibia were taken regularly after surgery. Edwards tibial fracture scores were used to evaluate the functional recovery and complications of the affected limb at final follow-ups. Results All the patients were followed up for 10 to 40 months (average, 18.5 months). Bone union time ranged from 4 to 16 months (average, 9.0 months). Lengths of bone transport ranged from 6 to 10 cm (average, 7.8 cm). All the bone defects were reconstructed. According to the Edwards scoring at the final follow-ups, 10 cases were rated as excellent, 6 as good and 3 as poor. Complications were observed in 4 cases, giving a complication rate of 21.1%. Conclusion Unilateral Orthofix external fixation and bone transport can lead to preferable curative effects in the management of tibial defects. Key words: Tibia; Bone defects; External fixator; Bone transport

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