Treatment of segmental tibial bone loss by distraction osteogenesis

ABSTRACT

To assess the clinical outcome of reconstruction of segmental tibial defects by the technique of bone transport. This prospective, quasi-experimental study was conducted in Lady Reading Hospital and private hospitals of Peshawar, Pakistan from October 2009 to September 2011. Segmental losses of tibia diaphysis in 32 patients were 'regenerated' by bone transport. Radiological results were excellent in 24 [75%], good in 3 [9%], fair in 4 [12%] and poor in 1 [3%] patient. Clinical results were excellent in 19 [59%], good in 7 [22%], fair in 5 [16%] and poor in 1 [3%] patient. During follow-up there were 9 obstacles of pin/wire infections and 7 problems which required surgical intervention. At the last follow-up there were 6 true complications. The average fixator time [external fixator index] was 25.9 weeks and the average bone healing time was 26.1 weeks. Distraction osteogenesis may be the best biological method of restoring the integrity of a bone in segmental bone loss