腓骨横向搬移治疗胫骨大段骨缺损

目的 探讨应用腓骨横向搬移术治疗胫骨大段骨缺损的方法与疗效.方法 2004年4月至2009年10月收治4例胫骨大段骨缺损患者,男3例,女1例;年龄14～62岁,平均27岁.胫骨缺损长度为13～25 cm.采用环形外同定支架固定,腓骨远、近端分别截骨后用2根橄榄针穿过腓骨固定于牵引器上,术后逐渐牵拉腓骨至胫骨骨缺损区,并于断端取髂骨植骨.结果 所有患者术后获12～60个月(平均34.6个月)随访.4例患者应用腓骨横向搬移修复胫骨大段骨缺损均获成功,治疗时间(安装外固定支架至拆除外固定支架时间)为12～26个月,平均19个月.全部患者伤口愈合良好,无感染复发,牵引过程中无神经损伤等并发症发生.2例患者有针道感染,均为表浅软组织感染,无需特殊处理,拔除牵引针后愈合.随着负重行走等功能锻炼,腓骨逐渐增粗,未发生再骨折.患肢功能恢复良好,均能完全负重行走.结论应用Ilizarov外固定支架进行腓骨横向搬移是治疗胫骨大段骨缺损的有效方法.

Abstract：

Objective To explore the therapeutic effects of ipsilateral fibular transport with an Ilizarov frame for treatment of massive tibial bone loss. Methods From April 2004 to October 2009, 4 cases of massive tibial bone loss were treated with an Ilizarov frame and ipsilateral fibular transport. They were 3 men and one woman, aged from 14 to 62 years (average, 27 years). Their tibial losses ranged from 13 to 25 cm. The whole tibia was first fixed with an external Ilizarov ring frame. Osteotomy was then performed at both distal and proximal parts of the fibula, before the isolated fibula was fixed to the Ilizarov frame with 2 olive wires. Next, the isolated fibula was gradually distracted to the site of tibial bone loss at a speed of one mm per day. Bone grafts were transplanted where and when the isolated fibula touched the tibia at last. Results The 4 patients were followed up for an average duration of 34. 6 months (range, 12 to 60 months). The external fixation time ranged from 12 to 26 months, (average, 19 months). Two patients had superficial pin site infection during fibular transport and healed spontaneously after removal of the pins. All the wounds were completely healed and no wound infection recurred. No nerve injury occurred during the fibular distraction.After full-weight bearing exercise, the isolated fibula became thicker gradually and no refracture happened.All patients regained good walking with full weight-bearing. Conclusion Gradual ipsilateral fibular transport with an Ilizarov frame is a reasonable and effective therapeutic method for patients with massive tibial bone loss.     

Ilizarov treatment of tibial nonunions with bone loss

Twenty-five patients aged 19-62 years were treated for tibial nonunions (22 atrophic, three hypertrophic) with bone loss (1-23 cm, mean 6.2 cm) by the Ilizarov technique and fixator. Thirteen had chronic osteomyelitis, 19 had a limb-length discrepancy (2-11 cm), 12 had a bony defect (1-16 cm), and 13 had a deformity. Six had a bone defect with no shortening, 13 had shortening with no defect, and six had both a bone defect and shortening. Nonunion, bone defects, limb shortening, and deformity can all be addressed simultaneously with the Ilizarov apparatus. Bone defects were closed from within without bone grafts by the Ilizarov bone transport technique of sliding a bone fragment internally, producing distraction osteogenesis behind it until the defect is bridged (internal lengthening). Length was reestablished by distraction of a percutaneous corticotomy or through compression and subsequent distraction of the pseudarthrosis site (external lengthening). Distraction osteogenesis resulting from both processes obviated the need for a bone graft in every case. Deformity was corrected by means of hinges on the apparatus. Infection was treated by radical resection of the necrotic bone and internal lengthening to regenerate the excised bone. Union was achieved in all cases. The mean time to union was 13.6 months, but it was only 10.6 months if the time taken for unsuccessful compression-distraction of the nonunion is eliminated from the calculation. The bone results were excellent in 18 cases, good in five, and fair in two based on union in all cases, persistent infection in three, deformity in four, and limb shortening in one. The functional results were excellent in 16 cases, good in seven, fair in one, and poor in one based on return to work and daily activities in all cases, limp in four cases, equinus deformity in five cases, dystrophy in four cases, pain in four cases, and voluntary amputation for neurogenic pain in one case.     

Ulnar translation, a commonly overlooked, unrecognized deformity of distal radius fractures: techniques to correct the malalignment

Distal radius fracture is one of the most common fractures, accounting for up to 15% of all bone injuries. Radial shortening, loss of palmar inclination, and/or radial tilt are commonly recognized and addressed components of radius fracture deformity. However, a common but typically overlooked and unrecognized component of distal radius fracture deformity is ulnar translation of the proximal radius metaphyseal/shaft. Several techniques to address ulnar translation deformity are presented.     

Primäre Arthrodese des oberen Sprunggelenks nach nicht rekonstruierbarer Trümmerfraktur der distalen Tibia (Pilonfraktur)

OBJECTIVE: Ankle arthrodesis in a plantigrade position. In high-energy open injuries with segmental bone loss: proximal tibial metaphyseal corticotomy with distal Ilizarov bone transport for compensation of leg length discrepancy. INDICATIONS: Posttraumatic loss of the tibial plafond, usually resulting from open fracture type IIIC. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Ipsilateral foot injuries impairing ambulation after fusion. Severe injury to the posterior tibial nerve with absent plantar sensation. Soft-tissue injury not manageable surgically. Inadequate patient compliance. Advanced age. Severe osteoporosis. Acute infection. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Standard technique: anteromedial longitudinal incision. Removal of remaining articular cartilage. Passing of Ilizarov wires through the distal fibula, talar neck and body. Placement of 5-mm half-pins through stab incisions, perpendicular to the medial face of the tibial shaft. A lateral to medial 1.8-mm Ilizarov wire in the proximal tibial metaphysis is optional. Callus distraction/Ilizarov bone transport: exposure through an anteromedial incision or transverse traumatic wound. Removal of small residual segment of tibial plafond blocking transport. Retain small vascularized bone fragments not blocking transport. For Ilizarov external fixation, two rings in the proximal tibial region. Drill osteoclasis of the tibial metaphysis 1 cm distal to the tibial tuberosity and complete with Ilizarov osteotome. Secure the Ilizarov threaded rods or clickers. Weight bearing as tolerated. Begin distraction 14 days after corticotomy at a rate of 0.5-1 mm per day depending on patient's age. After docking: Ilizarov ankle arthrodesis. RESULTS: Between January 1993 and September 1996, four patients (two men, two women) with severe, nonreconstructable fractures of the tibial plafond were treated. Callus distraction and Ilizarov bone transport in three patients. Age range 19-68 years (average age 45.7 years). Mean follow-up 6.6 years (4 years 9 months to 7 years 4 months). Average duration of the entire treatment in external fixation 54.4 days/cm for the three bone distraction patients. Mean transport 6 cm (4.5-8.5 cm). One patient required repeat ankle arthrodesis.     

Correction of severe wrist deformity following physeal arrest of the distal radius with the aid of a three-dimensional computer simulation

Growth arrest following physeal injury may result in severe limb deformity. We report a case of complex wrist deformity caused by injury to the distal radial physis resulting in radial shortening and abnormal inclination of the radial articular surface, which was successfully treated by gradual correction after computer simulation. The simulation enabled us to develop an appropriate operative plan by accurately calculating the axis of the three-dimensional (3D) deformity using computer bone models. In the simulative surgery with a full-size stereolithography bone model, an Ilizarov external fixator was applied to the radius such that its two hinges were located on the virtual axis of the deformity, which was reproduced in the actual surgery. This technique of 3D computer simulation is a useful alternative to plan accurate correction of complex limb deformities following growth arrest.     

Bone density in osteopenic women: A modified distal radius density measurement procedure to develop an “at risk” value for use in screening women

This study measured radial and lumbar spine bone density in postmenopausal white female patients with nontraumatic fractures and their agematched controls. Bone density measurements were made with a single-beam densitometer. Distal radial bone density measurements were made at the site at which the radius and ulna are separated by 5 mm, which is ～5 mm from the distal radioulnar joint. Lumbar spine density was obtained using a dualbeam densitometer. Density at the commonly used “2/3” site near the midradius was also measured. Forty-six crush fracture osteoporotic patients, 35 hip fracture patients, and 20 osteopenic patients referred to the clinic for back pain or excessive bone loss but with no history of nontraumatic fracture were studied. Bone density values at all sites in the patient populations were statistically reduced from control values (p < 0.01). At a mean age of 62 years, density of the midradius was 12% below the control value. However, both vertebral and distal radial densities (“5 mm” site) were 25% below control values. The spine/distal radius ratio remained constant. It was demonstrated that bone density at the modified distal radial site could be used to predict vertebral density in osteopenic patients. An “at risk” value useful in screening procedures was determined as that distal radius density value ?95% of all values from fracture patients—325 mg/cm². It is concluded that distal radial density at the new “5 mm” site can be used in conjunction with midradius density as a preliminary test for both generalized and trabecular bone mass loss in women.     

Ilizarov外固定器治疗肥大性骨不连

 目的 探讨采用Ilizarov外固定器治疗肥大性骨不连的疗效。方法 回顾性分析2008年6月至2010年12月,采用Ilizarov环型外固定器直接牵张治疗肥大性骨不连患者的病例,男10例,女2例;年龄22～62岁,平均46.5岁;肱骨中段1例,股骨髁上2例,胫骨中段3例,胫骨中下1/3交界处6例;患肢畸形成角10°～35°,平均25°,其中2例为双平面畸形,10例为单平面畸形;肢体短缩2～6 cm,平均3.5 cm。所有患者术前均拍摄双下肢全长X线片。对骨断端尽量不切开,局部不植骨,直接安装预构的Ilizarov外固定器。对局部留存内固定物者,采用微创的方法取出,尽量保护骨断端血供。术后第7天开始进行矫形延长,断端处每天延长0.25 mm。在恢复肢体长度的同时,矫正成角畸形,对双平面畸形,先矫正冠状面畸形,再矫正矢状面畸形。结果 12例骨不连患者均通过断端直接牵张成骨而获得骨性愈合, 骨断端无需植骨。骨性愈合时间6～12个月,平均8个月。成角畸形和肢体不等长全部获得矫正。畸形矫正时间15～35 d,平均24 d。畸形矫正10°～30°,平均23°。患肢延长2.0～5.5 cm,平均3.0 cm。随访6～18个月,平均14个月,所有患者获得的矫形均未丢失。结论 肥大性骨不连断端间纤维骨痂有活跃的成骨潜能,采用Ilizarov外固定器治疗肥大性骨不连可取得满意的疗效。     

Osteocutaneous thermal necrosis of the leg salvaged by TSF/Ilizarov reconstruction. Report of 7 patients

Injudicious reaming of the tibial shaft can lead to extreme local hyperthermia, which in turn can result in the rare but catastrophic complication of segmental bone and soft tissue necrosis (osteocutaneous thermal necrosis). This is a retrospective study showing osteocutaneous thermal necrosis occurring after tibial intramedullary reaming salvaged by Ilizarov reconstruction in seven patients from the collective experience of four limb reconstruction centres. All patients were males, with an average age of 51.8 years (range, 30–70 years), who had undergone intramedullary reaming during the treatment of closed tibial fractures. In all patients, circumferential bone and variable contiguous soft tissue necrosis developed a few days after reaming. Bone and soft tissue reconstruction was subsequently performed using a circular external fixator (Ilizarov apparatus or Taylor spatial frame) a mean of four months after injury in six patients; in one case, reconstruction was undertaken four years after the original injury. Two complications (secondary tissue breakdown at a bone transport site; premature consolidation) necessitated cessation of bone transport at one of two bone transport levels in two patients. All patients eventually healed with a good functional result after an average of 11.5 months in the fixator (range, 10–13 months).     

Vascularized proximal fibular epiphyseal transfer for distal radial reconstruction

BACKGROUND: Treatment of the loss of the distal part of the radius, including the physis and epiphysis, in a skeletally immature patient requires both replacement of the osseous defect and restoration of longitudinal growth. Autologous vascularized epiphyseal transfer is the only possible procedure that can meet both requirements. METHODS: Between 1993 and 2002, six patients with a mean age of 8.4 years (range, six to eleven years) who had a malignant bone tumor in the distal part of the radius underwent microsurgical reconstruction of the distal part of the radius with a vascularized proximal fibular transfer, including the physis and a variable length of the diaphysis. All of the grafts were supplied by the anterior tibial vascular network. The rate of survival and bone union of the graft, the growth rate per year, the ratio between the lengths of the ulna and the reconstructed radius, and the range of motion of the wrist were evaluated for five of the six patients who had been followed for three years or more. RESULTS: The mean duration of follow-up of the six patients was 4.4 years (range, eight months to nine years). All six transfers survived and united with the host bone within two months postoperatively. The five patients who were followed for three years or more had consistent and predictable longitudinal growth. Serial radiographs revealed remodeling of the articular surface. The functional result was rated as excellent for all but one patient, in whom the distal part of the ulna had also been resected because of neoplastic involvement. No major complication occurred at the recipient site, whereas a peroneal nerve palsy occurred at the donor site in three patients. The palsy was transient in two patients, but it persisted in one. No instability of the knee joint was observed. CONCLUSIONS: After radical resection of the distal part of the radius because of a neoplasm in children, vascularized proximal fibular transfer, based on the anterior tibial artery, permits a one-stage skeletal and joint reconstruction, provides excellent function, and minimizes the discrepancy between the distal radial and ulnar lengths.     

Operations for forearm deformity caused by multiple osteochondromas

We reviewed 36 cases of forearm deformity caused by multiple osteochondromas in 30 patients and classified them into three types: Type I showed a combination of ulnar shortening and bowing of the radius secondary to osteochondromas of the distal ulna (22 forearms). Type II showed dislocation of the radial head, either with osteochondromas of the proximal radius (Type IIa, two forearms) or secondary to more distal involvement (Type IIb, five forearms). Type III had relative radial shortening due to osteochrondromas at the distal radius (seven forearms). Operations were performed on 16 forearms in 13 patients, with 92% of satisfactory results. For Type I deformity, excision of osteochondromas, immediate ulnar lengthening and corrective osteotomy of the radius are recommended. For Type IIa, excision of the radial head is necessary, and for Type IIb, we advise gradual lengthening of the ulna using an external fixator. Excision of osteochondromas alone gave good results in Type III deformity. Our classification gives a reliable indication of the prognosis and is a guide to the choice of surgical treatment.     

Osteofibrous dysplasia treated with distraction osteogenesis: a report of two cases

We treated two patients with osteofibrous dysplasia of the tibia using en bloc marginal excision of the lesion and bone transport, a distraction osteogenesis procedure. In one patient, we had performed curettage procedures twice, each time followed by local recurrence and deformity. In contrast, with marginal excision and bone transport using an Ilizarov apparatus, the disease healed. In the other patient, we performed marginal excision and bone transport as the first procedure, which resulted in a healed lesion. In patients with osteofibrous dysplasia requiring treatment by an open method, curettage frequently is followed by local recurrence and deformity. We now prefer marginal excision of the lesion to avoid long-term failures, as in our first case. Distraction osteogenesis has proven useful for restoring structure and function in the affected limb.     

Ilizarov reconstruction of the distal radius after resection of a giant-cell tumor: a case report

We present a case of Ilizarov reconstruction after en bloc resection of the distal radius. An 8-cm resection was required to remove a giant-cell tumor. Reconstruction was based on the ascension technique using an Ilizarov external fixator after corticotomy of the proximal fragment of the radius. Satisfactory reconstruction with formation of a neoarticulation between the radius and the carpus was achieved. Satisfactory wrist function was achieved and the patient was recurrence free at five years. The arguments leading to this therapeutic option are discussed.     

Papineau debridement,Ilizarov bone transport,and negative-pressure wound closure for septic bone defects of the tibia

Purpose

Ilizarov pioneered bone transport using a circular external fixator. Papineau described a staged technique for the treatment for infected pseudarthrosis of the long bones. This article presents a single-stage Papineau technique and Ilizarov bone transport, and postoperative negative-pressure wound dressing changes for septic bone defects of the tibia.

Materials and methods

We studied the files of seven patients (mean age, 32 years) with septic bone defects of the tibia treated with a Papineau technique and Ilizarov bone transport in a single stage, followed by postoperative negative-pressure wound dressing changes. All patients had septic pseudarthrosis and skin necrosis of the tibia. The technique included a single-stage extensive surgical debridement of necrotic bone, open bone grafting with cancellous bone autograft and bone transport, and postoperative negative-pressure wound dressing changes for wound closure. The mean time from the initial injury was 6 months (range, 4–8 months). The mean follow-up was 14 months (range, 10–17 months).

Results

All patients experienced successful wound healing at a mean of 29 days. Six patients experienced successful bone regeneration and union at the docking side at a mean of 6 months. One patient experienced delayed union at the docking site, which was treated with autologous cancellous bone grafting. Two patients experienced pin track infection, which was successfully treated with antibiotics and pin site dressing changes. All patients were able to return to their work and previous levels of activity, except one patient who had a stiff ankle joint and had to change his job. No patient experienced recurrence of infection, or fracture of the regenerated or transported bone segment until the period of this study.

Conclusion

The combined Papineau and Ilizarov bone transport technique with negative-pressure wound closure provides for successful eradication of the infection, reconstruction of the bone defect, and soft-tissue closure. A single-stage surgical treatment is feasible, without any complications.     

Bone Transport for Reconstruction in Benign Bone Tumors

Background

The aim of this study was to assess the results of using the Ilizarov apparatus to transport bones in the treatment of benign bone tumors.

Methods

Seven patients (six males and one female) with benign bone tumors were treated by bone transport with an Ilizarov apparatus at our institution. Their mean age at surgery was 14.4 years (range, 4.8 to 36.9 years). The histological diagnoses were osteofibrous dysplasia (4), giant-cell tumor (1), intraosseous cavernous hemangioma (1), and aneurysmal bone cyst (1). Three radiological indices were used for evaluating the results: an external fixation index, a distraction index, and a maturation index. The bone and functional results were evaluated according to the Association for the Study and Application of the Method of Ilizarov classification.

Results

Five patients had bone union at the reconstructed site, one patient had a local recurrence, and the other had a nonunion at the docking site. The mean length of distraction was 7.3 cm (range, 5.1 to 12.1 cm). The mean external fixation index was 26.0 day/cm (range, 19.8 to 32.5 day/cm), the distraction index was 9.6 day/cm (range, 6.8 to 12.0 day/cm), and the maturation index was 14.9 day/cm (range, 8.0 to 22.5 day/cm). Ultimately, the bone and the functional results were rated excellent in six cases and good in one case.

Conclusions

Bone transport using the Ilizarov apparatus is a good treatment option in patients with bone defects after the resection of an active or aggressive benign bone tumor.     

Stability of the forearm after resection of the distal ulna and proximal radius in rheumatoid arthritis: report of 11 cases

Combined resection of radial head and distal ulna could jeopardize the stability and kinematics of the forearm bones. The goals of this retrospective study was to investigate these data after resection of distal ulna and proximal radius in rheumatoid arthritis. Between 1990 and 1998, eleven patients had these bone resections combined with implantation of elbow prostheses (eight Kudo and three GSB III). Wrist surgery consisted in five wrist arthrodeses combined with Darrach procedure, four Sauvé-Kapandji procedures and two isolated Darrach procedures. Mean age at surgery was 58 years and the average follow-up was 40 months. We assessed at follow-up: 1) wrist and elbow pain according to Gschwend; 2) stability of the forearm bones (cubitus valgus angle, impingement of the proximal radial stump with humerus, giving away accident of the ulnar distal stump); 3) wrist and elbow mobility. At follow-up six patients had no pain at the elbow and five had slight occasional pain. At the wrist, five patients had no pain and six slight occasional pain. Elbow motion was increased (from mean 83 degrees [50 degrees-100 degrees] to mean 110 degrees [85 degrees-135 degrees]) excepted in supination which slightly decreased (from mean 3 degrees [40 degrees-90 degrees] to mean 75 degrees [85 degrees-90 degrees]). Mean wrist mobility was impaired because of the five combined radiocarpal arthrodeses. If these five wrist arthrodeses were excluded, the mean ranges of motion were: 10 degrees in flexion, 16 degrees in extension, 2 degrees in radial deviation, 14 degrees in ulnar deviation. At follow-up, no patient had giving away accident of the ulnar distal stump nor impingement between radial stump and humerus in full flexion. Average cubitus valgus was 10 degrees. This study pointed out the predominant effect of the interosseous membrane in stability of the forearm bones.     

Ilizarov technique in management of nonunited fracture of both bones of the forearm

Nonunited fracture of the forearm, although not a common problem, is associated with marked disability. Nonunion can due to infection secondary to open fracture or can be a complication of surgical open reduction and internal fixation. Nonunion can also result from improper management or technique that is not suitable for the type of injury. This study reviews 11 patients with nonunited fractures of the shafts of the radius and ulna. Average duration of nonunion was 18 months. Nine patients presented with active infection or a history of infection in the form of open discharging wound with or without exposed bone, while two had no history of infection. Patients were managed by surgical debridment, removal of dead bone and hard wear, if any, and application of Ilizarov external fixation frame followed by acute shortening by compressing the fracture site. Three weeks later, gradual lengthening started to regain the normal length. Eradication of infection and sound union was achieved in all cases, with good hand, wrist, and elbow function on final follow-up. Limitation in pronation and supination ranges of movement were found in all cases. This could be due to multiple surgeries, long duration of management, the external fixation wires that crossed the distal and proximal radio-ulnar joints, or loss of the normal radial and ulnar bowing during lengthening. Ilizarov technique and external fixation represent an option in the management of resistant nonunion of diaphysial fractures in the forearm. Received: 5 July 2002, Accepted: 16 July 2002     

Infected nonunion of the tibia

The treatment of infected nonunited fractures of the tibia using the techniques of Ilizarov was compared with autogenous cancellous bone graft application under a well vascularized soft tissue envelope. There were 10 patients in the Ilizarov group and 17 in the bone graft group. Soft tissue coverage with a free vascularized or a rotational muscle flap was used more frequently among the patients having bone graft (71%) than the Ilizarov group (30%). All 27 patients had bony defects (average, 3.7 cm; range, 1-18 cm). At an average followup of 6 years, 26 patients had a functional limb, and one patient (Ilizarov group) ultimately required a below knee amputation. Three patients in each group required a second plate and bone graft procedure to gain union. Infection persisted in four patients (all in the Ilizarov group). If a well vascularized soft tissue envelope is present (particularly after flap coverage), bone grafting procedures are safe and efficacious. The Ilizarov technique may be best suited for the treatment of very proximal or distal metaphyseal nonunions and nonunions associated with large leg length discrepancies.     

Simultaneous ipsilateral fractures of distal and proximal ends of the radius

We treated a patient with a rare combination of ipsilateral fractures of the distal and proximal ends of the radius. A woman aged 52 years had simultaneous fractures of the distal and proximal ends of the radius (radial head and neck) after she fell from a high place. The fracture of the radial head was treated by open fixation with a cancellous bone screw, and the fractured distal end of the radius was treated by bone graft, with the subsequent application of an external fixator. At the 1-year follow up, the patient had minor residual limitation of forearm pronation and elbow joint extension, but she had no pain on movement, and had a good result based on Cooney's score (90 points). Received: December 20, 2000 / Accepted: April 4, 2001     

Ipsilateral vascularised fibular transport for massive defects of the tibia

The ipsilateral and contralateral fibulae have been used as a vascularised bone graft for loss of tibial bone usually by methods which have involved specialised microvascular techniques to preserve or re-establish the blood supply. We have developed a method of tibialisation of the fibula using the Ilizarov fixator system, ipsilateral vascularised fibular transport (IVFT), and have used it in five patients with massive loss of tibial bone after treatment of an open fracture, infected nonunion or chronic osteomyelitis. All had successful transport, proximal and distal union, and hypertrophy of the graft without fracture. One developed a squamous-cell carcinoma which ultimately required amputation of the limb. The advantage of IVFT is that the fibular segment retains its vascularity without the need for microvascular dissection or anastomoses. Superiosteal formation of new bone occurs if the tibial periosteal bed is retained. Other procedures such as corticotomy and lengthening can be carried out concurrently.     

Ilizarov external fixator: acute shortening and lengthening versus bone transport in the management of tibial non-unions

Eighteen patients with tibial shaft non-unions were treated by the Ilizarov method between March 1995 and September 2001 by the senior author. Three subgroups of six patients each were treated by either acute shortening and lengthening, bone transport or simple stabilisation with a frame. All aspects of non-union, infection, shortening, deformity and bone loss were addressed by using Ilizarov principles. There were 10 cases of infected non-unions in the entire series. Bone resection in the shortening group was between 3 and 6 cm (median 4.6) compared to 3-7.5 cm (median 5.9) in the bone transport group. Union was achieved in all the patients with the average time to union at 12.1 months, 17.2 months and 8.0 months, respectively. The bone transport group required additional bone grafting in five patients (83.3%) prior to union compared to one (16.7%) in the acute shortening group.