Abstract
This case report describes the spontaneous healing of a 20-cm massive tibial cortical defect. The defect was created during debridement of necrotic bone and soft tissue in a low-velocity gunshot wound of the tibia that became infected in a skeletally mature patient. The patient was treated in an external fixator and had a soleus flap to provide soft-tissue coverage. He had refused any surgical reconstructive options. Despite the absence of surgical reconstruction, his tibia healed, and he returned to full activity without any orthotic device 9 months after the original injury.
MeSH terms
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Adolescent
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Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
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Fracture Healing / physiology*
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Fractures, Ununited / diagnostic imaging
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Fractures, Ununited / physiopathology*
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Humans
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Ilizarov Technique
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Male
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Radiography
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Remission, Spontaneous
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Serratia Infections / diagnosis
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Serratia Infections / physiopathology
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Serratia Infections / therapy*
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Streptococcal Infections / diagnosis
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Streptococcal Infections / physiopathology
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Streptococcal Infections / therapy*
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Surgical Flaps
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Surgical Wound Infection / diagnosis
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Surgical Wound Infection / physiopathology
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Surgical Wound Infection / therapy*
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Tibia / diagnostic imaging
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Tibia / physiopathology*
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Tibial Fractures / diagnostic imaging
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Tibial Fractures / etiology
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Tibial Fractures / physiopathology*
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Wounds, Gunshot / diagnostic imaging
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Wounds, Gunshot / physiopathology
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Wounds, Gunshot / surgery*