Common complications of segmental bone transport with Ilizarov technique in defective tibia pseudoarthrosis: A review

In tibial pseudoarthrosis, segmental bone transport with Ilizarov external fixator is being widely applicated all around the world, with encouraging successful outcomes. As the treatment with this technique requires a long period of time, the surgeon may face many problems which may negatively affect the final outcome. Pin tract infection, early or delayed consolidation, axial deviation and translation at the target area, skin inversion, rupture of the bone by the wires and joint contractures or stiffness form the main and common clinical problems. The rate of failure and complications with Ilizarov method used for diaphysial bone defects are so rare when precise technical details are carried out. With other treatment modalities, it is usually too difficult to obtain union synchronously with infection eradication. Thus, the Ilizarov technique presents successful outcomes against some complications mentioned above. Segmental bone transport is a surgical technique in which some of the problems can never be prevented. However, close patient follow up and always keeping the problems in mind make early diagnosis possible. With the early recognition of problems, successful treatment and increased overall outcome can be expected. © 2006 Springer-Verlag.