Abstract There are several options for the treatment of traumatic tibial defects. Among these options, free vascularized fibula and Ilizarov bone transport are well-known and effective techniques. The differences between both techniques and the indications for each of them are not well studied in the literature. Between September 1995 and December 2004, Ilizarov bone transport and free vascularized fibula were used to treat 25 traumatic bone. Patients were divided into two groups, Ilizarov group (12) and free fibula group (13). Preoperative