Transverse tibial bone transport for non-healing heel wound: A case report

Treatment of diabetic foot ulcer is complex and expensive, and frequently results in amputation. Transverse Tibia Transport is a new strategy for diabetic foot ulcers, which is based on the techniques of distraction histogenesis.

We present a 32-year-old male with longstanding insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and many medical comorbidities with a non-healing heel ulcer of greater than 1 year. Following diagnosis of his diabetic foot ulcer complicated by osteomyelitis, he underwent a series of vascular and local wound interventions unsuccessfully. Transverse tibia transport was successful in healing the ulcer after 4 months. No complications were observed during follow up.

Distraction histogenesis mechanically stimulates regeneration of soft tissues such as muscles, tendons, and blood vessels by sustained tension. Inducing vascular regeneration at a targeted site has broad potential value for treating various disorders such as atrophic union and osteomyelitis.

For patients with refractory diabetic foot ulcers, transverse tibia transport may be considered as a treatment option.