Management of segmental bone defects

Segmental bone defects cause significant disability in patients. Modern orthopaedic surgical techniques have proved to be reliable for reconstruction of these defects. Autogenous bone graft remains the standard of care for reconstruction of small defects (<5 cm). Induced membrane technique and distraction osteogenesis are contemporary strategies of choice for reconstruction of larger bony defects. The use of vascularized fibular grafts has waned in popularity because of donor site morbidity and the success of alternative methods. Complications are ubiquitous with all methods of reconstruction for segmental bone defects but can be limited with careful surgical judgment and technique. In most cases, the rehabilitation period is prolonged, although some treatment options are shorter and enable a more active recovery than do others.