Bone transport is a method used at The Denver Clinic for Extremities at Risk to fill in gaps of bone due to nonunion or trauma as well as for lenghtening and deformity correction.

This procedure was developed by Gavriil Ilizarov in Kurgen, Russia.  The limb lengthening and deformity correction process works on the principle of distraction osteogenesis. In this process, a bone that has been cut during surgery can be gradually distracted (pulled apart), leading to new bone formation (osteogenesis) at the site of the lengthening. Bone segments can be lengthened by 15 to 100 percent of their original length.

X-rays showing the frame for bone transport, bone formation and the healed tibia after the frame is removed

The regenerated bone is normal and does not wear out. The muscles, nerves and blood vessels grow in response to the slow stretch like they do during a growth spurt or in pregnancy.

Bone transport is a good surgical option for the following indications:

• Acute fractures
• Soft tissue problems from trauma or joint contractures
• Chronic bone healling problems such as bone infection, non-healing fractures, or bone deformities

Click here to read more about the Taylor Spatial Frame^TM.