Nonunion/Bone Loss

Tibial Bone Loss treated with Bone Transport

One of Ilizarov's most innovative contributions is bone transport. This technique relies on the body to heal a corticotomy site while the bone is slowly shifted (transported) through the leg to fill a gap.

In this case the gap occurred from a severe compound fracture.

The x-ray (left) shows the position shortly after fixator application. X-ray (right) was taken three months later, after transporting the bone to fill the defect.

X-rays show completed treatment. Amputation would have been an alternative in the past.

Non-Union/Bone Loss Index