Use of an islanded fasciocutaneous flap in the lower limb following distraction callotasis

Severe limb injuries present a challenge to the attending surgeon and there has been an emergence of complex modes of treatment. The Ilizarov technique for distraction osteogenesis is accepted as a worthwhile option in selected cases of massive segmental bone loss. The blood supply of the bone during this process has been studied experimentally but the response of the soft tissue envelope to the process of compression followed by slow and progressive elongation is not entirely understood. We present a case of lower limb trauma where a combined approach to reconstruction was required with acute shortening followed by distraction osteogenesis for a major segmental tibial defect. Late soft tissue reconstruction for persistent ulceration over the tibia was then undertaken using a distally based fasciocutaneous flap.