Inter-tibiofibular graft for traumatic segmental bone defect of the tibia

SummaryIntroductionThe present study sought to assess the interest of inter-tibiofibular graft (ITFG), alternatively called posterolateral bone graft, in traumatic segmental tibial bone defect.Material and methodsTwenty-eight ITFGs were performed in 125 tibial reconstructions for traumatic bone defect. Patient's records were reviewed retrospectively in a multicenter study. Tibial reconstruction with and without ITFG was compared for bone healing and patient's return to full weight-bearing status.ResultsThere were no failures of bone healing in the ITFG group, versus 14 (14%) in the non-ITFG group. Graft-to-consolidation delays were shorter with first-line ITFG, at a mean 10 months (range, 3–20 months) versus 16.5 months (range, 3–63 months) in the non-ITFG group (P < 0.05). Weight-bearing was likewise more quickly resumed, with full weight-bearing at a mean 9 months (range, 3–19 months) versus 15 months (range, 1–34 moths) respectively (P < 0.05). Return to work was also quicker, at a mean 15 months (range, 4–28 months) versus 27 months (range, 8–56 months) respectively (P < 0.05).DiscussionThis study confirmed the interest of ITFG in tibial bone defect reconstruction. ITFG may singly be used for small defects less than 4 cm, or in conjunction with another tibial reconstruction technique; ITFG in the present series achieved consolidation in all cases and significantly shortened the times to return to full weight-bearing status and to work.Level of evidenceIII: retrospective case-control study.