Reconstruction of segmental bone defects due to chronic osteomyelitis with use of an external fixator and an intramedullary nail

Abstract

Background: Callus distraction over an intramedullary nail is a rarely used technique for the reconstruction of intercalary defects of the femur and tibia after radical debridement of chronic osteomyelitic foci. The aim of this study was to summarize our experience with distraction osteogenesis performed with an external fixator combined with an intramedullary nail for the treatment of bone defects and limb-shortening resulting from radical debridement of chronic osteomyelitis.