Distraction osteogenesis for large bone defect of the lower extremity

Objective To discuss the therapeutic effect of distraction osteogenesis for large bone defect of the lower extremity. Methods From August 2002 to August 2010, 11 patients with large bone defect at the lower extremity were treated with distraction osteogenesis. They were 10 men and one woman, aged from 14 to 53 years (average, 34. S years). The defect was at the right tibia in 7 cases, left tibia in 3 cases and right femur in one case. The lengths of bone defect ranged from 5 to 15 cm (average, 8. 6 cm). Results The patients were followed up for 7 to 48 months, with a mean period of 27. 3 months. The treatment of 9 cases was over, with a mean healing index of 1. 99 months/cm. According to the Paley evaluation system, the bony results were excellent in 6 and good in 3 patients; the functional results were excellent in 4, good in 4, and fair in one patient. Two cases were still in the mineralization period. Conclusion Treatment of large bone defects with distraction osteogenesis is simple and can obtain satisfactory therapeutic effects, especially when a monolateral external fixator is used for the simple shaft bone defect. Key words: Tibia;  Femur, External fixations;  Bone defect