Abstract
The reconstruction of large skeletal defects secondary to osteomyelitis is a challenging
problem. This paper reports on the treatment of bone defects caused by osteomyelitis
of the radius using an Ilizarov distraction technique and a vascularized fibular graft.
A 25-year-old man first presented with a right radial defect caused by osteomyelitis
when he was 3 years old. His right forearm was shortened and angulated with a dislocation
of the distal radio-ulnar joint. The defect in the radial shaft was noted on a radiograph.
The reconstruction of his radial bone defect was performed in three separate operations.
A two-stage Ilizarov application was performed. Ten months after this operation, the
radial bone defect was reconstructed with a vascularized fibular osteocutaneous graft.
The right radius was shortened by 10 mm due to the angulation in the distal fixation
of the graft 14 years after surgery. Although limited motions of the right thumb extension
and wrist supination were noted, other hand functions were adequately restored. The
Ilizarov technique is an effective method for correcting distal radio-ulnar joint
dislocations and shortened, angulated ulnar bones. The specific features of the vascularized
fibular graft make it suitable for the bone reconstruction of large defects in the
radius.
Keywords
vascularized fibular osteocutaneous graft - Ilizarov technique - osteomyelitis
