Ipsilateral fibular transfer for a large tibial defect caused by a gunshot injury: case report

Segmental bony defects in open fractures of the tibia are bridged with bone grafting, free vascularized fibular grafts, or an external ring fixator. A 33-year-old man sustained a gunshot injury to his left leg, resulting in Gustillo type IIIB open fractures of the tibia and fibula. The tibia had a segmental massive defect of 19 cm in the midshaft. Debridement and immediate application of an Ilizarov external fixator were performed. The midportion of the ipsilateral fractured fibula served as a bridging vascularized graft for the tibial defect. Good bony union and fibular hypertrophy were obtained. Use of a fractured fibula from a zone previously injured by a gunshot has not been reported. This case demonstrates the successful transfer of a fractured fibula for the bridging of an ipsilateral tibial defect caused by a gunshot injury.