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Reconstruction of Large Diaphyseal Defects of the Femur and the Tibia with Autologous Bone

  • Focus on Soft Tissue and Bone Reconstruction
  • Published:
European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Post-traumatic segmental bone defects of the femur and the tibia above the critical size require special attention because conventional bone grafts result in high rates of nonunion. The biological and biomechanical aspects of this challenging surgery, as well as ongoing refinements to achieve mechanically stable bone healing with correct bone alignment are reviewed. Choosing the best appropriate method is mainly dependent on both the location and etiology of the bone defect. Three patients with successful bone reconstruction using two-stage reconstruction with cancellous bone graft, double-barrel free vascularized fibula transfer and distraction osteogenesis are described. Advantages and disadvantages of these methods are discussed in accordance with recent literature.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Orthopädische Klinik, Spital Ziegler, Spitalnetzbern, Bern, Switzerland

    Charles E. Dumont MD, PhD

  2. Orthopädie Zentrum Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland

    Charles E. Dumont MD, PhD & Ulrich G. Exner

  3. Orthopädische Klinik, Spital Ziegler, Spitalnetzbern, Morillonstrasse 75-91, 3001, Bern, Switzerland

    Charles E. Dumont MD, PhD

Authors
  1. Charles E. Dumont MD, PhD
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  2. Ulrich G. Exner
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Correspondence to Charles E. Dumont MD, PhD.

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Dumont, C.E., Exner, U.G. Reconstruction of Large Diaphyseal Defects of the Femur and the Tibia with Autologous Bone. Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg 35, 17–25 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00068-008-8224-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00068-008-8224-4

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