Fig. 3

Application of external fixator and L-shaped osteotomy. a The holes drilled by Kirschner wires form an L-shaped configuration (yellow line), and osteotome is used to separate the bone flap. b The bone flap is separated from the posterior half of tibia. c The bone flap is not separated from the soft tissue it attaches to, thus being provided with good blood supply from the anterior and lateral soft tissue (black arrow), and remaining posterior cortex after debridement and sequestrectomy keeps the periosteal attachment intact and also ensures a good blood supply (yellow arrow). d Two 5.0-mm half pins are used for unilateral cortical fixation of the bone flap. e The incision is closed with drainage tube. f, g Immediate postoperative latera and anteroposterior radiographs