ReviewJournal of orthopaedics2024
Comparative analysis of free vascularized fibula grafting and Ilizarov bone transport in management of segmental long bone defect of the lower limb: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Review in Journal of orthopaedics, 2024. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 7 papers.
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Who cites it
7 citing papers in PubMed, 12 citations in OpenAlex.
- Cumulative operative burden is associated with poorer function after segmental bone transport for lower-extremity long-bone defects.European journal of trauma and emergency surgery : official publication of the European Trauma Society · 2026Article
- Strategic considerations in the treatment of infected nonunion in the lower extremity: a narrative review.International journal of surgery (London, England) · 2026Article
- Masquelet technique combined with Ilizarov external fixation for the management of large femoral defects: A neglected technique.Trauma case reports · 2025Article
- Management of Bone Defects and Complications After Bone Tumor Resection Using Ilizarov Method.Orthopaedic surgery · 2025Article
- A Treatment Algorithm for Free Vascularized Bone Reconstruction in Rare Large Osseous Defects Involving the Wrist.Life (Basel, Switzerland) · 2024Article
- Evaluating the clinical efficacy of the anterolateral thigh flap in lower limb reconstruction surgeries: a systematic review and meta-analysis.American journal of translational research · 2024Review
- Tibial periosteum flap combined with autologous bone grafting in the treatment of Gustilo-IIIB/IIIC open tibial fractures.Open medicine (Warsaw, Poland) · 2024Article
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
5 authors at 2 institutions in 1 country.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
Introduction: Reconstruction of segmental defects of long bones is a daunting task for surgeons. Bone transport with the help of Illizarov external fixator and vascularized free fibula flap are some of the most discussed and valid options for the same. Both techniques have their limitations and overlapping indications. However, there has been no objective evidence in the manner of a systematic review supporting one treatment method over the other. Aim: This systemic review is aimed to compare the bony union, functional outcomes, and complications of Illizarov bone lengthening and free fibula flap performed for segmental bone defects of long bones of the leg. Methods: A comprehensive search was done for all studies published before May 2023. Any observational study comparing bone transport based on Illizarov external fixator and free vascularized fibula grafting techniques for treating lower limb long bone segmental defects was entailed in this study. Results: This systematic review comprised of five retrospective studies. A total of 96 patients were treated by the Illizarov-based bone transport technique and 72 patients were treated by the free vascularized fibula grafting technique. The free vascularized fibula grafting technique yielded a shorter mean time to union (average difference 9.3 months), relatively shorter external fixator time (average difference 5.32 months), and external fixator index (average difference 0.57 months/cm). However, there was no difference in terms of bony and functional outcomes between both techniques when used for the reconstruction of bony defects in the lower limb. Total number of complications was 68 % higher in bone transport with Illizarov external fixator. However, the rates of non-union didn't differ between the groups. Conclusion: The free vascularized fibula grafting technique had a lesser time to bony union, shorter time for external fixator application, and lower incidence of complications. However, the functional and bony outcomes didn't differ between both techniques. Level of evidence: Level 4.
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