Preserving the Ankle by the Masquelet Technique for the Large Bone Defect in the Distal Tibia in Children

Abstract

Case: A 14-year-old adolescent girl sustained an open fracture of the foot after jumping off a building. Initial radiographs revealed large bone defect in the distal metaphysis of the comminuted tibia. The comminuted distal tibia was reconstructed by external fixation and internal fixation with bridge plating, followed by the Masquelet technique. After 12 months, the fracture healed without infection, and the patient could walk independently. Conclusion: In the case of a comminuted fracture of the contaminated distal tibia with a large bone defect, plate fixation and the Masquelet technique produced good outcomes.