Expert consensus on the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers using tibial transverse transport (2020)

Abstract

Ilizarov first reported the tibial transverse transport (TTT) for limb regeneration and functional reconstruction. The law of tension-stress could activate and enhance the regenerative potentials of living tissues, leading to growth or regeneration of muscles, fascia, blood vessels, and nerves simultaneously. Ilizarov discovered the phenomenon of rich vascular network formation during distraction osteogenesis process, but he did not apply this technique purposely to reconstruct microcirculation. Chinese orthopedic surgeons first used the TTT to treat lower extremity vascular lesions and diabetic foot ulcers. At present, some small sample clinical studies showed that the TTT could reconstruct microvascular network in the lower limbs of diabetic foot and promote the healing of foot ulcers. The use of TTT could significantly reduce the overall risk of diabetic foot complication especially the amputation risk. This expert consensus is initiated by the Chinese Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons (CAOS), Taskforce Group of Tibial Cortex Transverse Transport Technique for the Treatment of Diabetic Foot Ulcers. This expert consensus provides clear recommendations for indications, contraindications, principles for surgical procedures, preoperative and postoperative management, which maximize the success rate for TTT surgery in treatment of severe diabetic foot ulcers.