PMC6339744_01
Anteroposterior (AP) and lateral radiographs of the left leg demonstrating a transverse distal diaphyseal tibial fracture and segmental fibular fracture.
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An otherwise healthy, nonsmoking, 31-year-old male (25.0 kg/m2) was involved in a dirt bike accident and sustained an isolated type II distal diaphyseal tibia fracture with an associated segmental fibula fracture (Figure 1).
AP and lateral radiographs of the left leg illustrating the induced deformity created with the Taylor spatial frame to allow for primary soft-tissue wound closure.
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The fracture site was shortened and varus recurvatum deformity was induced until tension-free primary closure of the wound was possible; the struts were fastened, vascular status reassessed, and wound closed (Figures 2 and 3(a)).
Clinical images demonstrating the acute deformity and soft-tissue closure (a) intraoperatively, (b) 1-week postoperatively, and (c) at final follow-up.
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The fracture site was shortened and varus recurvatum deformity was induced until tension-free primary closure of the wound was possible; the struts were fastened, vascular status reassessed, and wound closed (Figures 2 and 3(a)). At final follow-up (postoperative month 16), the patient displayed a nonantalgic gait, fully healed surgical sites (Figure 3(c)), and no signs of infection and was working full-time as an auto mechanic.
AP and lateral radiographs of the left leg demonstrating deformity correction after a 27-day period.
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Patient's sutures were maintained for four weeks (wound healed) at which point deformity correction commenced at a rate of 0.75 mm per day for a 27-day period (Figure 4).
AP and lateral radiographs of the left leg show a united fracture at week 24.
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At week 24, the frame was removed as radiographic fracture union was achieved (Figure 5).