Treatment of tibial bone defects with the Ilizarov circular external fixator in high-velocity gunshot wounds

One of the applications for circular external fixators is the treatment of large-bone defects which may be difficult to manage with conventional metho ds. Successful results have been reported with the use of circular external fixators, particularly in the treatment of infected tibial pseudoarthroses and those with bone loss. In this study, a total of 43 cases with tibial b one defects (18 infected) as a result of high-velocity gun-shot injuries we re treated with circular external fixators between January 1, 1988 and Dece mber 31, 1995. The mean follow-up period was 50 months (range: 28-98 months ) after the removal of the Ilizarov device. Satisfactory union tvas obtaine d in 40 cases without any major complication or additional surgical interve ntion, in spire of the large and in some cases infected defects. We conclud e that this is a safe method for the treatment of infected or noninfected t ibial bone defects.