scholarly journals Utility of Ipsilateral Medial Fibular Transport Using the Ilizarov Frame in the Treatment for Non-elderly Patients Sustaining Massive Tibial Bone Defects as a Sequela of Trauma and Infection: A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 55 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricio E. Dumlao III ◽  
Gracia Cielo E. Balce
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
External Fixation ◽  
Bone Defect ◽  
External Fixator ◽  
Bone Defects ◽  
Fixation Index ◽  
Tibial Bone ◽  
Ilizarov Frame ◽  
Vascularized Fibula ◽  
The Mean

Introduction and Objectives. Segmental tibial bone loss from tumor, trauma, or infection is a debilitating, limb-threatening scenario where treatment principles involve aggressive resection of infected tissues usually leading to large defects requiring reconstruction. A systematic review was conducted to determine the best available evidence related to the ipsilateral medial fibular transport using the Ilizarov frame in the management of these massive tibial bone defects. Methods. Multiple medical online database search for articles containing the keywords: ipsilateral medial fibular transport, medial fibula transport, medialization of the fibula using the Ilizarov fixator, ring external fixator, vascularized free fibula, vascularized fibula transfer, and other related MeSH terms was done. Data was summarized to describethe mean age, bone defect, external fixator time, external fixator index, and bone and functional results using the ASAMI criteria. Results. Eight studies with a total of 43 patients with massive tibial bone defects treated by fibular transport using the Ilizarov methods were identified. The mean age was 25.27 years (6.5-44.4) with a mean bone defect of 13.57 cm (9.52-17). The mean length of follow-up was 37.67 months (18-70.2). The bone union rate was 100%. Mean external fixation time was 9.59 months (8.31-10.88) and external fixation index was 0.61 months/cm (0.52-0.70). The majority of patients have an excellent bone (84%) and functional (52%) results. The average rate of complication was determined at 0.74/patient (95% CI, 0.60-0.89). The most common complications include pin-tract infection (37%), residual loss of motion/stiffness of knee and ankle (35%), and pain on the transport site (21%). Conclusion. Ipsilateral medial fibular transport using the Ilizarov frame provides a viable alternative treatment option for the treatment of massive tibial bone defects.

scholarly journals Management of Osteomyelitis-Induced Massive Tibial Bone Defect by Monolateral External Fixator Combined with Antibiotics-Impregnated Calcium Sulphate: A Retrospective Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chenghe Qin ◽  
Lei Xu ◽  
Juan Liao ◽  
Jia Fang ◽  
Yanjun Hu
Keyword(s):  
External Fixation ◽  
Bone Defect ◽  
External Fixator ◽  
Combined Treatment ◽  
Calcium Sulphate ◽  
Fixation Index ◽  
External Fixators ◽  
Tibial Bone ◽  
Radical Debridement ◽  
Monolateral External Fixator

Aim. The present study is aimed at evaluating the effect of combined treatment on massive bone defect using radical debridement, antibiotic calcium sulphate, and monolateral external fixator. Methods. 35 patients with tibial osteomyelitis received radical debridement, and during surgery antibiotics-impregnated calcium sulphate was used for filling the bone defect. Monolateral external fixator was used to manage the bone defect of average 95 (61-185) cm. Results. Bone union was achieved in 34 patients (97.1%) with no reinfection. One case was presented with reinfection and further debridement was conducted. The average time for the utility of external fixation was 17 (7-32) months, and external fixation index (EFI) was 1.79 mon/cm. The mean follow-up duration after surgery was 33.7 (21-41) months. 19, 13, and 3 patients got excellent, good, and fair bone results, respectively. Meanwhile, functional results were excellent, good, fair, and poor in 13, 15, 6, and 1 patient. The most common complication was pain (100%) and superficial pin-tract infection (22.8%). Delayed maturation was incurred in 2 patients. Conclusion. Our study reveals that radical debridement combined with antibiotics-impregnated calcium sulphate can suppress infection, and distraction osteogenesis using monolateral external fixators plays an effective role in managing osteomyelitis-induced massive tibial bone defect.

scholarly journals Reconstruction of Long Segmental Tibial Bone Defects Caused by Infection using the Bifocal or Trifocal Bone Transport Technique with Monolateral Rail External Fixator

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alimujiang Abulaiti ◽  
Yanshi Liu ◽  
Feiyu Cai ◽  
Kai Liu ◽  
Abulaiti Abula ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
External Fixation ◽  
External Fixator ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Bone Defects ◽  
Bone Transport ◽  
Fixation Index ◽  
Fixation Time ◽  
Tibial Bone ◽  
Operation Duration ◽  
Transport Technique

Abstract Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and determine the differences, if any, between trifocal and bifocal bone transport technique in the reconstruction of long segmental tibial bone defects caused by infection using a monolateral rail external fixator. Methods: A total of 53 consecutive patients with long segmental tibial bone defects caused by infection and treated by monolateral rail external fixator in our department were retrospectively collected and analyzed from January 2013 to April 2019, including 39 males and 14 females with an average age of 38.8±12.4 years (range 19 to 65 years). 32 patients were treated by bifocal bone transport (BFT) technique, and the other 21 patients were managed by trifocal bone transport (TFT) technique. The demographic data, operation duration, docking time, external fixation time, and external fixation index were documented and analyzed. Difficulties that occur during the treatment were classified according to Paley. The clinical outcomes were evaluated by the Association for the Study and Application of the Method of Ilizarov criteria (ASAMI) at the last clinical visit.Results: All patients achieved an infection-free union finally, and there was no significant difference between the two groups in demographic data and both ASAMI bone and functional scores (P>0.05). The mean defect size and operation duration in TFT (9.4±1.5 cm, 161.9±8.9 minutes) were larger than that in BFT (7.8±1.8 cm, 122.5±11.2 minutes) (P<0.05). The mean docking time, external fixation time, and external fixation index in TFT (65.9±10.8 days, 328.0±57.2 days, 34.8±2.1 days/cm) were all less than those in BFT (96.8±22.6 days, 474.5±103.2 days, 60.8±1.9 days/cm) (P<0.05). Difficulties and complications were more prevalent in the BFT group, while less in the TFT group (P<0.05). Conclusions: Both the trifocal and bifocal bone transport technique in the reconstruction of long segmental tibial bone defects caused by infection using a monolateral rail external fixator achieve satisfactory clinical outcomes. The trifocal bone transport technique can significantly decrease the docking time, external fixation time, external fixation index, difficulties, and complications compared with the bifocal bone transport technique.

scholarly journals Bone Defects in Tibia Managed by the Bifocal Versus Trifocal Bone Transport Technique

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alimujiang Abulaiti ◽  
Yanshi Liu ◽  
Feiyu Cai ◽  
Kai Liu ◽  
Abulaiti Abula ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
External Fixation ◽  
External Fixator ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Bone Defects ◽  
Bone Transport ◽  
Fixation Index ◽  
Fixation Time ◽  
Tibial Bone ◽  
Operation Duration ◽  
Transport Technique

Abstract Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and determine the differences, if any, between trifocal and bifocal bone transport technique in the reconstruction of long segmental tibial bone defects caused by infection using a monolateral rail external fixator. Methods: A total of 53 consecutive patients with long segmental tibial bone defects caused by infection and treated by monolateral rail external fixator in our department were retrospectively collected and analyzed from January 2013 to April 2019, including 39 males and 14 females with an average age of 38.8±12.4 years (range 19 to 65 years). 32 patients were treated by bifocal bone transport (BFT) technique, and the other 21 patients were managed by trifocal bone transport (TFT) technique. The demographic data, operation duration, docking time, external fixation time, and external fixation index were documented and analyzed. Difficulties that occur during the treatment were classified according to Paley. The clinical outcomes were evaluated by the Association for the Study and Application of the Method of Ilizarov criteria (ASAMI) at the last clinical visit.Results: All patients achieved an infection-free union finally, and there was no significant difference between the two groups in demographic data and both ASAMI bone and functional scores (P>0.05). The mean defect size and operation duration in TFT (9.4±1.5 cm, 161.9±8.9 minutes) were larger than that in BFT (7.8±1.8 cm, 122.5±11.2 minutes) (P<0.05). The mean docking time, external fixation time, and external fixation index in TFT (65.9±10.8 days, 328.0±57.2 days, 34.8±2.1 days/cm) were all less than those in BFT (96.8±22.6 days, 474.5±103.2 days, 60.8±1.9 days/cm) (P<0.05). Difficulties and complications were more prevalent in the BFT group, while less in the TFT group (P<0.05). Conclusions: Both the trifocal and bifocal bone transport technique in the reconstruction of long segmental tibial bone defects caused by infection using a monolateral rail external fixator achieve satisfactory clinical outcomes. The trifocal bone transport technique can significantly decrease the docking time, external fixation time, external fixation index, difficulties, and complications compared with the bifocal bone transport technique.

scholarly journals Reconstruction of massive tibial bone and soft tissue defects by trifocal bone transport combined with soft tissue distraction: experience from 31 cases

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yong-Qing Xu ◽  
Xin-Yu Fan ◽  
Xiao-Qing He ◽  
Hong Jie Wen
Keyword(s):  
Soft Tissue ◽  
External Fixation ◽  
Functional Results ◽  
Bone Transport ◽  
Fixation Index ◽  
Soft Tissue Defects ◽  
Safety And Efficacy ◽  
Tibial Bone ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Tissue Defects

Abstract Background Large post-traumatic tibial bone defects combined with soft tissue defects are a common orthopedic clinical problem associated with poor outcomes when treated using traditional surgical methods. The study was designed to investigate the safety and efficacy of trifocal bone transport (TFT) and soft-tissue transport with the Ilizarov technique for large posttraumatic tibial bone and soft tissue defects. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 31 patients with massive posttraumatic tibial bone and soft tissue defects from May 2009 to May 2016. All of the eligible patients were managed by TFT and soft-tissue transport. The median age was 33.4 years (range, 2-58 years). The mean defect of bone was 11.87cm ± 2.78cm (range, 8.2-18.2cm) after radical resection performed by TFT. The soft tissue defects ranged from 7cm x 8cm to 24cm x 12cm. The observed results included bone union time, wound close time and true complications. The Association for the Study and Application of the Method of Ilizarov (ASAMI) scoring system was used to assess bone and functional results and postoperative complications were evaluated by Paley classification. Results The mean duration of follow-up after frame removal was 32 months (range, 12-96 months). All cases achieved complete union in both the elongation sites and the docking sites, and eradication of infection. The mean bone transport time was 94.04 ± 23.33 days (range, 63.7-147 days). The mean external fixation time was 22.74 ± 6.82 months (range, 14-37 months), and the mean external fixation index (EFI) was 1.91 ± 0.3 months/cm (range, 1.2–2.5 months/cm). The bone results were excellent in 6 patients, good in 14 patients, fair in 8 patients and poor in 3 patients. The functional results were excellent in 8 patients, good in 15 patients, fair in 5 patients and poor in 3 patients. Conclusion: TFT, in conjunction with soft tissue transport technique, can give good results in most patients (in this article, good and excellent results were observed in 64% of patients). Soft tissue transport is a feasible method in providing good soft tissue coverage on the bone ends. Although it has no advantages over microvascular techniques, it might be an good alternative in the absence of an experienced flap surgeon. Nonetheless, high-quality controlled studies are needed to assess its long-term safety and efficacy.

scholarly journals Reconstruction of massive tibial bone and soft tissue defects by trifocal bone transport combined with soft tissue distraction: experience from 31 cases

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yong-Qing Xu ◽  
Xin-Yu Fan ◽  
Xiao-Qing He ◽  
Hong Jie Wen
Keyword(s):  
Soft Tissue ◽  
External Fixation ◽  
Functional Results ◽  
Bone Transport ◽  
Fixation Index ◽  
Soft Tissue Defects ◽  
Safety And Efficacy ◽  
Tibial Bone ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Tissue Defects

Abstract Background Large post-traumatic tibial bone defects combined with soft tissue defects are a common orthopedic clinical problem associated with poor outcomes when treated using traditional surgical methods. The study was designed to investigate the safety and efficacy of trifocal bone transport (TFT) and soft-tissue transport with the Ilizarov technique for large posttraumatic tibial bone and soft tissue defects. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 31 patients with massive posttraumatic tibial bone and soft tissue defects from May 2009 to May 2016. All of the eligible patients were managed by TFT and soft-tissue transport. The median age was 33.4 years (range, 2-58 years). The mean defect of bone was 11.87cm ± 2.78cm (range, 8.2-18.2cm) after radical resection performed by TFT. The soft tissue defects ranged from 7cm x 8cm to 24cm x 12cm. The observed results included bone union time, wound close time and true complications. The Association for the Study and Application of the Method of Ilizarov (ASAMI) scoring system was used to assess bone and functional results and postoperative complications were evaluated by Paley classification. Results The mean duration of follow-up after frame removal was 32 months (range, 12-96 months). All cases achieved complete union in both the elongation sites and the docking sites, and eradication of infection. The mean bone transport time was 94.04 ± 23.33 days (range, 63.7-147 days). The mean external fixation time was 22.74 ± 6.82 months (range, 14-37 months), and the mean external fixation index (EFI) was 1.91 ± 0.3 months/cm (range, 1.2–2.5 months/cm). The bone results were excellent in 6 patients, good in 14 patients, fair in 8 patients and poor in 3 patients. The functional results were excellent in 8 patients, good in 15 patients, fair in 5 patients and poor in 3 patients. Conclusion: TFT, in conjunction with soft tissue transport technique, can give good results in most patients (in this article, good and excellent results were observed in 64% of patients). Soft tissue transport is a feasible method in providing good soft tissue coverage on the bone ends. Although it has no advantages over microvascular techniques, it might be an good alternative in the absence of an experienced flap surgeon. Nonetheless, high-quality controlled studies are needed to assess its long-term safety and efficacy.

scholarly journals Efficacy Comparison of Trifocal Bone Transport Using Unilateral External Fixator for Femoral and Tibial Bone Defects Caused by Infection

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kai Liu ◽  
Yanshi Liu ◽  
Feiyu Cai ◽  
Chenchen Fan ◽  
Peng Ren ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
External Fixation ◽  
External Fixator ◽  
Lower Limb ◽  
Functional Outcomes ◽  
Bone Defects ◽  
Bone Transport ◽  
Limb Bone ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Fair Poor

Abstract Background: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and functional outcomes of patients with critical femoral and tibial bone defects treated by trifocal bone transport using the Ilizarov method.Methods: In a retrospective comparative study, 39 patients treated for lower limb bone non-union with bone loss measuring between 6 and 14 cm were included. Depending on the location of bone transport, the patients were divided into the femur group (n =18) and tibia groups (n =21). The demographics data, intraoperative records, and postoperative outcomes were documented and compared between the two groups. At the last follow-up, the bone and functional outcomes were evaluated according to the criterion given by the Association for the Study and Application of the Method of the Ilizarov (ASAMI) and postoperative complications evaluated by Paley classification.Results: The average follow-up time was 26.1 months (range 17–34 months) since the unilateral external fixators were removed. The mean size of the bone defect was 8.3 cm in the femur group, and 7.5 cm in the tibia group. All bone defects were reconstructed successfully. The mean time in external fixation in the femur group was 334.4 days, and in the tibia group was 344.6 days. The external fixation index (EFI) measured 55.9 days/cm in the femur group and 65 days/cm in the tibia group. A statistically significant difference of bone grade was found between the two groups (excellent/good/fair/poor, 3/11/3/1 vs 2/13/4/2, P<0.05), as well as the function grade in two groups (excellent/good/fair/poor/failure, 3/14/1/0 vs 4/13/3/1, P<0.05). According to the ASAMI classification, the clinical and functional results in the femur group were better than in the tibia group. The complication rate of the two groups was 94.4% vs 76.2% (femur vs tibia). One femur and five tibias were performed additional surgery because of delayed union and axial deviation. Conclusions: The trifocal bone transport using the unilateral external fixator is a reliable treatment in the management of post-traumatic and post-infection lower limb bone defects (>6cm). In the comparison of the tibia, the trifocal bone transport treatment period of the femur was shorter, the functional recovery was better and the risk of minor complications was higher.

scholarly journals Comparison of Ilizarov Bifocal, Acute Shortening and Relengthening with Bone Transport in the Treatment of Infected, Segmental Defects of the Tibia

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 279
Author(s):  
Irene K. Sigmund ◽  
Jamie Ferguson ◽  
Geertje A.M. Govaert ◽  
David Stubbs ◽  
Martin A. McNally
Keyword(s):  
External Fixation ◽  
Bone Defect ◽  
Bone Transport ◽  
Defect Size ◽  
Fixation Index ◽  
Segmental Defect ◽  
Docking Site ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Acute Shortening

This prospective study compared bifocal acute shortening and relengthening (ASR) with bone transport (BT) in a consecutive series of complex tibial infected non-unions and osteomyelitis, for the reconstruction of segmental defects created at the surgical resection of the infection. Patients with an infected tibial segmental defect (>2 cm) were eligible for inclusion. Patients were allocated to ASR or BT, using a standardized protocol, depending on defect size, the condition of soft tissues and the state of the fibula (intact or divided). We recorded the Weber–Cech classification, previous operations, external fixation time, external fixation index (EFI), follow-up duration, time to union, ASAMI bone and functional scores and complications. A total of 47 patients (ASR: 20 patients, BT: 27 patients) with a median follow-up of 37.9 months (range 16–128) were included. In the ASR group, the mean bone defect size measured 4.0 cm, and the mean frame time was 8.8 months. In the BT group, the mean bone defect size measured 5.9cm, and the mean frame time was 10.3 months. There was no statistically significant difference in the EFI between ASR and BT (2.0 and 1.8 months/cm, respectively) (p = 0.223). A total of 3/20 patients of the ASR and 15/27 of the BT group needed further unplanned surgery during Ilizarov treatment (p = 0.006). Docking site surgery was significantly more frequent in BT; 66.7%, versus ASL; 5.0% (p < 0.0001). The infection eradication rate was 100% in both groups at final follow-up. Final ASAMI functional rating scores and bone scores were similar in both groups. Segmental resection with the Ilizarov method is effective and safe for reconstruction of infected tibial defects, allowing the eradication of infection and high union rates. However, BT demonstrated a higher rate of unplanned surgeries, especially docking site revisions. Acute shortening and relengthening does not reduce the fixator index. Both techniques deliver good functional outcome after completion of treatment.

scholarly journals Reconstruction of massive tibial bone and soft-tissue defects by trifocal bone transport combined with soft-tissue transport: experience from 31 cases

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yong-Qing Xu ◽  
Xin-Yu Fan ◽  
Xiao-Qing He ◽  
Hong Jie Wen
Keyword(s):  
Soft Tissue ◽  
External Fixation ◽  
Functional Results ◽  
Bone Transport ◽  
Fixation Index ◽  
Soft Tissue Coverage ◽  
Soft Tissue Defects ◽  
Tibial Bone ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Tissue Defects

Abstract Background The study was designed to investigate the safety and efficacy of trifocal bone transport (TFT) and soft-tissue transport with the Ilizarov technique for large posttraumatic tibial bone and soft tissue defects. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 31 patients with massive posttraumatic tibial bone and soft tissue defects from May 2009 to May 2016. All of the eligible patients were managed by TFT and soft-tissue transport. The median age was 33.4 years (range, 2-58 years). The mean defect of bone was 11.87cm ± 2.78cm (range, 8.2-18.2cm) after radical resection performed by TFT. The soft tissue defects ranged from 7cm x 8cm to 24cm x 12cm. The observed results included bone union time, wound close time and true complications. The Association for the Study and Application of the Method of Ilizarov (ASAMI) scoring system was used to assess bone and functional results and postoperative complications were evaluated by Paley classification. Results The mean duration of follow-up after frame removal was 32 months (range, 12-96 months). All cases achieved complete union in both the elongation sites and the docking sites, and eradication of infection. The mean bone transport time was 94.04 ± 23.33 days (range, 63.7-147 days). The mean external fixation time was 22.74 ± 6.82 months (range, 14-37 months), and the mean external fixation index (EFI) was 1.91 ± 0.3 months/cm (range, 1.2–2.5 months/cm). The bone results were excellent in 6 patients, good in 14 patients, fair in 8 patients and poor in 3 patients. The functional results were excellent in 8 patients, good in 15 patients, fair in 5 patients and poor in 3 patients. Conclusion The TFT in concert with soft-tissue transport technique can be used successfully to manage large tibial bone and soft-tissue defects. Soft-tissue transport can offer a feasible method for the defects with good soft tissue coverage on the bone ends. However, imprecision in the series results precludes a definitive conclusion, and comparative study is needed to assess whether soft-tissue transport is more effective than flap transfer for such soft-tissue defect.

scholarly journals Efficacy of trifocal versus bifocal bone transport on large tibial bone defect: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 2084
Author(s):  
I. Wayan Subawa ◽  
Putu Astawa ◽  
Priza Razunip ◽  
Anak A. G. D. Maha Putra ◽  
Gede M. Putra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Loss ◽  
External Fixation ◽  
Bone Defect ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Bone Transport ◽  
Fixation Index ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Tibial Bone ◽  
Segmental Bone ◽  
Transport Technique

One of the most common long-term complication of chronic osteomyelitis of tibia is segmental bone loss. One of the methods to manage the segmental bone loss in osteomyelitis is bone transport technique, which is able to reconstruct a defect of more than 6 cm. This paper aims to systematically review and analyze the outcome of bifocal and trifocal bone distraction technique on the tibial bony defect. A comprehensive literature search was performed using PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane library. The inclusion criteria were any studies about comparison between bifocal bone transports with trifocal bone transport in management of large tibial bone defect. The outcomes assessed includes external fixation index, duration of regenerate consolidation, lengthening speed, bone transport distance, and operating time. Two studies reported shorter external fixation index in total of 57 fractures in the trifocal group and 61 fractures in the bifocal group. The meta-analysis showed significant difference in external fixation index between the two groups (Figure 1; RR=-44.37; 95% CI 73.73-15.01; p<0.0001) with significant heterogeneity (Chi square=11.38, p=0.0007); I2: 91%. Although only two studies were compared, both studies had almost similar subjects, and shown that trifocal bone transport technique had faster external fixator index compared to the bifocal bone transport group in the setting of severe bone loss in tibial fracture.

scholarly journals Reconstruction of massive tibial bone and soft tissue defects by trifocal bone transport combined with soft tissue distraction: experience from 31 cases

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yong-Qing Xu ◽  
Xin-Yu Fan ◽  
Xiao-Qing He ◽  
Hong-Jie Wen
Keyword(s):  
Soft Tissue ◽  
External Fixation ◽  
Functional Results ◽  
Bone Transport ◽  
Fixation Index ◽  
Soft Tissue Defects ◽  
Safety And Efficacy ◽  
Tibial Bone ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Tissue Defects

Abstract Background Large post-traumatic tibial bone defects combined with soft tissue defects are a common orthopedic clinical problem associated with poor outcomes when treated using traditional surgical methods. The study was designed to investigate the safety and efficacy of trifocal bone transport (TFT) and soft-tissue transport with the Ilizarov technique for large posttraumatic tibial bone and soft tissue defects. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 31 patients with massive posttraumatic tibial bone and soft tissue defects from May 2009 to May 2016. All of the eligible patients were managed by TFT and soft-tissue transport. The median age was 33.4 years (range, 2–58 years). The mean defect of bone was 11.87 cm ± 2.78 cm (range, 8.2–18.2 cm) after radical resection performed by TFT. The soft tissue defects ranged from 7 cm × 8 cm to 24 cm × 12 cm. The observed results included bone union time, wound close time and true complications. The Association for the Study and Application of the Method of Ilizarov (ASAMI) scoring system was used to assess bone and functional results and postoperative complications were evaluated by Paley classification. Results The mean duration of follow-up after frame removal was 32 months (range, 12–96 months). All cases achieved complete union in both the elongation sites and the docking sites, and eradication of infection. The mean bone transport time was 94.04 ± 23.33 days (range, 63.7–147 days). The mean external fixation time was 22.74 ± 6.82 months (range, 14–37 months), and the mean external fixation index (EFI) was 1.91 ± 0.3 months/cm (range, 1.2–2.5 months/cm). The bone results were excellent in 6 patients, good in 14 patients, fair in 8 patients and poor in 3 patients. The functional results were excellent in 8 patients, good in 15 patients, fair in 5 patients and poor in 3 patients. Conclusion: TFT, in conjunction with soft tissue transport technique, can give good results in most patients (in this article, good and excellent results were observed in 64% of patients). Soft tissue transport is a feasible method in providing good soft tissue coverage on the bone ends. Although it has no advantages over microvascular techniques, it might be an good alternative in the absence of an experienced flap surgeon. Nonetheless, high-quality controlled studies are needed to assess its long-term safety and efficacy.

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