title: One-bone forearm formation using vascularized fibula graft for massive bone defect of the forearm with infection: case report.
abstract: Massive long-bone defects of greater than 6 cm are difficult to treat with conventional bone grafts, and other methods are sometimes recommended, such as vascularized bone grafts or bone transport using the Ilizarov external fixator. The combination of local infection with a massive bone defect exacerbates the problem, and provides an even more negative prognosis. The authors treated a large bone defect of the forearm with local infection, using a one-bone forearm formation with a large vascularized fibula graft. They attached an adequate amount of muscle fascia to the vascularized fibula, which was useful not only for coverage of the skin defect, but also for treatment of the local infection. Twenty months after surgery, elbow and hand functions were maintained, and the patient had no disturbance of hand function in daily activities, although rotation of the forearm was sacrificed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hirosaki University School of Medicine, Aomori, Japan.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Arai
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Toh
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Yasumura
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Okamoto
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Harata
mesh_terms: D001864:Bone Wires; D002648:Child; D016267:External Fixators; D005260:Female; D005360:Fibula / Q000637:transplantation*; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal; D005597:Fractures, Open / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D011552:Pseudomonas Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D014458:Ulna Fractures / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*