HEMICORTICOTOMY IN THE MANAGEMENT OF TRAUMATIC BONE LOSS OF TIBIA

Distraction osteogenesis with Ilizarov technique has been described to fill bone defects in traumatic bone loss. However, very little has been published regarding hemicorticotomy and hemi tibia transport in trauma. We present a case report of management of massive bone loss of tibia using hemicorticotomy and hemi tibia transport. Partial corticotomy was performed of the anterior aspect of tibia adjacent to the healthy bone in distal tibia. The segment was internally transported proximally till the gap was filled under supervision.Bony gap was filled with consolidated regenerate over a period of 18 months from the time of injury.Hemicorticotomy with hemi tibia transport is an effective way to bridge bony gaps resulting from traumatic bone loss. Compared to total segment transfer, the time of healing is faster and external fixator can be removed earlier. Docking site problems and soft tissue interposition can be avoided.