OBJECTIVETo investigate the efficacy of the application of transosseous osteosynthesis with annular external fixator for the treatment of traumatic large bone defects of the tibia.

METHODSFrom 2002 to 2011,17 cases of traumatic tibial long bone defect were treated by transosseous osteosynthesis with annular external fixator including 11 males and 6 females with an average age of (31.00+/-2.35) years old ranging from 22 to 45 years. The length of defect was from 5 to 13.1 cm with an average of (7.50+/-1.01) cm. The fixed time,bone healing time and the extend length of the affected limb were observed, and the degree of recovery of limb function after surgery were assessed ccording to the Paley's limb function evaluation.

RESULTSAll patients were followed up from 12 to 48 months with an average of (30.00+/-2.35) months, the bone defects of 17 patients achieved bone healing. The average bone healing time was (10.10+/-0.59) months (8 to 15 months); the average time of fixed time was (14.10+/-0.65) months (12 to 16 months); the average extend length of the affected limb was (7.50+/-1.01) cm. The results of Paley's functional evaluation was excellent in 9 cases,good in 6,fair in 2.

CONCLUSIONTransosseous osteosynthesis with annular external fixator is an effective method for treatment of large bone defects of the tibia. It is successful reconstruction of limb length, simple operation, less soft tissue injury,and is clinical worthy of promotion.