Case report: Plate-assisted bone transport with uniplanar external fixator in large bone defects of the humerus

We present a case series of two patients who underwent plate-assisted bone transport (PABT) with a uniplanar external fixator for the treatment of large bone defects of the humerus. The efficacy and outcomes were evaluated. A retrospective review of patients treated with PABT for humeral defects over a 2-year period was performed. Proper gap healing occurred within 3 months, and a long course of physiotherapy was involved in obtaining satisfactory outcomes. Our results demonstrate that PABT might be a potentially effective alternative for large humeral defects, allowing controlled bone lengthening and healing without disrupting vascularity and providing stability for early motion. PABT appears to be a viable option for the management of large humeral defects with good functional outcomes and a manageable complication profile.