Abstract Background: Surgical reconstruction of segmental skeletal defects represents a true challenge for the orthopaedic surgeons. Masquelet et al described a two stage technique for reconstruction of bone defects known as induced membrane technique in the management of segmental skeletal defects resulting from traumatic bone loss, osteomyelitis. Materials and Methods: Eight patients with segmental bone defects were treated in our hospital by induced membrane technique. The mean age of patients was 36 years (age range18 – 55 years). The causes of the defects were traumatic bone loss in 4 patients and chronic osteomyelitis in 4 patients. The defects were located in femur (n=3), tibia (n=3), humerus (n=1), radius shaft (n=1). The defect ranges were from 3 – 9 cms. All cases were treated by induced membrane technique in two stages. Results: Bone union happened in all patients. Duration of keeping cement spacer was 6 – 8 weeks. Five out of 8 cases required second episode of bone grafting. Conclusion: The induced membrane technique is a valid option for the management of segmental defects if done judiciously but the time required for growth and maturation of graft is relatively long.
Keywords: Induced Membrane; Osteomyelitis; Bone Defects; Cement Spacer; Post Traumatic.