Tibialization of Fibula in Treatment of Major Bone Gap Defect of the Tibia: A Case Report

Abstract

Gap bone defect is a major challenge. Its treatment has evolved over the years from amputation to limb reconstruction through vascularised graft, distraction osteogenesis and use of customised implants. Availability and affordability of these innovative techniques have always been an additional challenge in the developing resource poor countries. We report the use of Tibialization of Ipsilateral fibula first suggested by Hahns in 1884 to bridge a gap of 12 cm in an 8 year old male, with segmental tibia loss from chronic osteomyelitis. We did an end to end transposition of the ipsilateral fibular into the tibia gap defect in a one stage procedure. This was after eradication of the infective process of osteomyelitis. He commenced partial weight bearing ambulation in cast at 3 months and out of cast ambulation at 18 months post surgery. The transposed fibula was 75% tibialized at 18 months post surgery. Conclusion: Fibular is a useful armamentarium in filling segmental bone defect.