IIIB Segmental Open Tibial Plafond Fracture Treated with Ankle Joint Salvage and Bone Transport

Stabilization of short periarticular segmental tibial plafond fractures with internal fixation is difficult. Soft tissue compromise, especially in open fractures, further complicates these injuries. Circular external fixation is a versatile tool for treatment of these complex injuries. In addition to stabilizing the fracture, ipsilateral bone transport or lengthening can be performed to treat segmental bone loss. This article describes the treatment of an open distal tibia fracture with significant metaphyseal bone loss and soft tissue compromise. A circular external fixator (Taylor Spatial Frame,Taylor Spatial Frame, TSF) was used with acute shortening, iliac crest bone graft distally, and concommitant ipsilateral lengthening.