Callus distraction of the femur and tibia. Experience with the Monofixator - indications for reosteosynthesis

In a 4-year period, 18 patients underwent callus distraction of the femur or tibia with the use of a unilateral external fixator. Twelve patients had post-traumatic bone loss resulting from complex lower-limb fractures. The bony defect was located in the tibia in 11 cases and in the femur in one case. All patients had major associated soft-tissue lesions. The length of the bony defect averaged 6.25 cm. Eight fractures were infected at the beginning of treatment. Six other patients underwent callus distraction for reasons of limb shortening. Five femora and one tibia were lengthened. The average increase in length was 6.5 cm. There were no fixator-related complications during distraction. Th…