Bone Transport With Balanced Cable Transport

Summary: The introduction of the Ilizarov method and distraction osteogenesis revolutionized the treatment of segmental bone loss. However, the classic technique had major drawbacks of pin problems, linear scars with poor cosmesis, and the long time required in an external fixator. The balanced cable transport method eliminates the pain, scarring, and possible soft tissue damage associated with classic methods. It also provides greater ease and safety for multifocal transport and for conversion to intramedullary fixation in a transport and then nailing fashion. Together these aspects mitigate the concerns with the classic method by greatly decreasing the time required in an external fixator and providing much faster bone healing at both the regenerate and docking site than any other method. Balanced cable transport is a powerful treatment option but also establishes principles that can be applied in various ways because further refinements of bone transport are developed.