Eighteen patients with proximal tibial shaft nonunion and shortening were treated. In each patient, the nonunion area was débrided, realigned and stabilised with an Ilizarov lengthening frame. The tibia was gradually lengthened by 1-1.5 mm per day. After achieving the desired length, external fixation was converted to an angled blade plate and packed with cancellous bone graft. Follow-up of 16 patients for a median of 2.4 (1.2-4.5) years revealed satisfactory outcomes in all. No wound infections were noted. The described technique has a high success rate, a short treatment course and reduces patient discomfort. This method may be considered preferential treatment for all patients with the specified indications.