Tetrafocal leg reconstruction using combined Ilizarov/TSF technique

Abstract

Treatment of segmental tibial bone defects after high-energy trauma or atrophic nonunion resection is challenging. In the last two decades, distraction osteogenesis Ilizarov bone transport has become a gold standard for the treatment of segmental tibial bone defects and lengthening in spite of the fact that frequent frame modifications and the need for sequential correction of deformities during bone transport are the main limitations of the device itself. The Taylor Spatial Frame applies the concept of the Stewart platform to the standard Ilizarov frame while applying the same principles of distraction osteogenesis postulated by Ilizarov. We report the case of a patient with two problems we could treat simultaneously: an ankle equinus contracture (a consequence of limb leg discrepancy) and infected tibial nonunion and soft-tissue damage complication after plating in a 41A3 type II Gustilo fracture of the left leg.