Application of bone transport external fixation with locking plate internal fixation in segmental tibial bone defect

Objective To explore the effect of bone transport external fixation combined with locking bone plate internal fixation technology in the treatment of segmental tibial defects. Methods The clinical data of 12 patients with segmental tibial defects treated with annular external fixator and long locking plate in the Honghui Hospital, Xi′an Jiaotong University College of Medicine from January 2013 to March 2017 were analyzed retrospectively. There were 10 males and 2 females with an average age of 45 years (aged range from 20 to 65 years). External fixation time, external fixation index, healing time, mean healing index and complications were recorded. The follow-up time was 12-48 months, and the Paley bone and functional scores were used to evaluate the efficacy at the last follow-up. Results All the patients achieved union at the distraction callus and docking site. The average external fixation time was 112.1 d, the average external fixation index was 16.5 d/cm, the average healing time was 299.5 d, and the average healing index was 44.9 d/cm. Seven cases had pain and 4 cases had pin-site infections as minor complications. The bony outcomes were excellent in all patients. The functional outcomes were excellent in eight cases and good in four. Conclusion Bone transport with external fixation combined with locking plate internal fixation in the treatment of segmental bone defects of tihia can shorten external fixation time and is beneficial to functional rehabilitation after operation. Key words: Ilizarov technique; Tibial; Locking plate; Bone defect