Free tissue transfer for type III tibial fractures. Microsurgery in 19 cases.

We report 19 tibial fractures Types III B and C treated by free flaps. The fracture healed in 16 cases after 12 (3-54) months. In 3 cases a secondary amputation was carried out. Tibial malalignment or substantial shortening ensued in 1 case each. We conclude that coverage with free flaps, radical removal of dead bone, stable external fixation and transfer of vascularized bone may salvage the majority of Type III B and C tibial fracture with function superior to that after amputation.