Treatment of tibial and femoral bone loss by distraction osteogenesis. Experience in 28 infected and 14 clean cases.

42 patients with diaphyseal bone defects (25 tibial and 17 femoral) who were treated by radical debridement and bone transport are reviewed. Their mean age was 35 (10-64) years and there were 29 men. 19 patients had active infections with drainage and 9 were previously infected. After resection of the infected and necrotic bone, the intercalate defect averaged 6 (3-12) cm. The mean duration of treatment was 10 (20-52) months. Regeneration of the distraction gap was achieved in all 42 patients. Union at the target zone was achieved in 38, and in the remaining 4 cases consolidation was achieved by application of autogenous bone grafts. The infection was eradicated in all 28 patients treated for bone defects associated with infection, without the need for a second operation. Complications were not severe and did not affect the final results. Residual malalignment remained in 2 patients, 1 femur and 1 tibia, with 10 degrees and 8 degrees of varus deformity, respectively. The final leg-length discrepancy never exceeded 1.5 cm. Residual fixed flexion of the knee was left in 5 cases, but never exceeded 10 degrees. Loss of 5 degrees to 10 degrees of dorsiflexion of the ankle joint remained in 7 patients. There were no intraoperative or postoperative neurovascular damage or compartment syndrome. Psychological intolerance was seen in 1 young patient. All patients, but 3 returned to their previous occupation. Bone transport is a simple and safe method for successful treatment of diaphyseal bone defects.