SPONTANEOUS HEALING OF A MASSIVE TIBIAL CORTICAL DEFECT

This case report describes the spontaneous healing of a 20-cm massive tibial cortical defect. The defect was created during debridement of n ecrotic bone and soft tissue in a low-velocity gunshot wound of the ti bia that became infected in a skeletally mature patient. The patient w as treated in an external fixator and had a soleus flap to provide sof t-tissue coverage. He had refused any surgical reconstructive options. Despite the absence of surgical reconstruction, his tibia healed and he returned to full activity without any orthotic device 9 months afte r the original injury.