Reconstruction of Soft Tissue Defects and Bone Loss in the Tibia by Flap Transfer and Bone Transport by Distraction Osteogenesis: A Case Series and Our Experience

Objective The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical outcome of flap transfer followed by delayed bone transport using external fixator on the soft tissue defect with segmental tibial loss. Methods A total of 14 patients with soft tissue defects and bone loss were treated with flap transfer combined followed by delayed bone transport using external fixator from January 2010 to January 2017 and, successfully, follow-up were included. Demographic data and data on clinical outcomes and complications were obtained from hospital record. The mean age was 35.5 years, and the average time from injury to reconstructive surgery was 4.14 months. The average soft tissue and bone defect sizes were 33.57 cm 2 and 7.04 cm, respectively. Local or free flap was created to reconstruct the soft tissue defects. The Ilizarov external fixator or Orthofix limb reconstruction system (OLRS) was used to reconstruct bony defects by bifocal or trifocal bone transport using delayed distraction osteogenesis. The functional results were evaluated by Association for the Study and Application of the Method of Ilizarov scoring system, and all postoperative complications were recorded. Results The mean duration of follow-up after removal of fixator was 29.49 ± 4.34 months (range, 24–38 months). All wounds healed after 1-stage operation, and all transferred flaps were survived. The average interval between flap coverage and bone transportation was 13.4 weeks (range, 8–24 weeks). Eight patients used bifocal, and 6 patients used trifocal approach for bone transportation. An average external fixation time was 208.5 days (range, 168–235 days) and external fixation index was 33.6 days/cm (range, 18.8–46.5 days/cm). Superficial necrosis of the flap edge was noted in 4 cases, after debridement and regular dressing, the flap healed successfully. Bone union was achieved in all patients except 4 cases that occurred with docking site nonunion which achieved satisfactory union after application of accordion maneuver and autografting of iliac bone. All patients achieved satisfactory functional recovery and were able to walk normally. Conclusions The flap transfer followed by delayed distraction osteogenesis using external fixator which can be used for successful reconstruction of bone and soft tissue defects in lower leg.