Plate-assisted bone segment transport: Novel application on distal tibia defect after tumour resection. A case report

• Published in: International journal of surgery case reports Vol. 84; p. 106079
• Main Authors: Eldesouqi, Ahmed A., Yau, Raymond Ching Hin, Ho, Wai-Yip Kenneth, Lam, Ying-Lee
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.07.2021; Elsevier
• Subjects: Bone defect; Case Report; Distraction osteogenesis; Plate-assisted bone segment transport; Precice; Tibia; Case report; Bone defect; Precice; Tibia; Distraction osteogenesis; Plate-assisted bone segment transport
• ISSN: 2210-2612; 2210-2612
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2021.106079

Reconstruction of a large bone defect of the distal tibia after limb salvage surgery is difficult. The options include custom-made ankle endoprosthetic replacement, arthrodesis, and biological or metallic intercalary reconstructions. This report introduces a technique that provides the patient with a long-lasting biological reconstruction while preserving the native ankle. We present the case of a 47-year-old man with osteosarcoma of the distal tibia. After neoadjuvant chemotherapy, wide excision was performed while preserving the ankle joint. Bone reconstruction by Plate-assisted bone segment transport (PABST) was performed with a non-invasive growing intramedullary nail. At 34 months of follow-up, there was solid union and the Musculoskeletal Tumour Society Score was 26/30. This is the first report of PABST after distal tibia tumour resection. It shows that this is a viable and safe method of reconstruction. Despite the use of adjuvant chemotherapy, regenerate was formed and union was achieved. PABST is a useful tool in the armamentarium to tackle difficult large bone defects. •Large distal tibia bone defects are difficult to manage.•First report of Plate-assisted bone segment transport after distal tibia tumour resection•Regenerate was formed and bone union was achieved despite adjuvant chemotherapy.•Good outcome and function at 34 months of follow-up•Plate-assisted bone segment transport is a useful reconstructive technique.