Free vascularized fibular grafts for reconstruction of skeletal defects.
Nourished by the peroneal vessels, the versatile free vascularized fibular graft can be transferred to reconstruct skeletal defects of the extremities. It may be combined with skin, fascia, muscle, and growth-plate tissue to address the needs of the recipient site. It may be cut transversely and folded to reconstruct the length and width of tibial or femoral defects. The main indications for this graft are defects larger than 5 to 6 cm or with poor vascularity of the surrounding soft tissues. Detailed preoperative planning, experience in microvascular techniques, and careful postoperative follow-up are necessary to minimize complications and improve outcome. The free vascularized fibular graft has been successfully applied as a reconstruction option in patients with traumatic or septic skeletal defect, after tumor resection, and has shown promise in patients with congenital pseudarthrosis.
Malizos
Konstantinos N
KN
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Thessalia Medical School, 22 Papakiriazi Street, 41222 Larissa, Greece.
Zalavras
Charalampos G
CG
Soucacos
Panayotis N
PN
Beris
Alexandros E
AE
Urbaniak
James R
JR
D001859:Bone Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D016025:Bone Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D005360:Fibula / Q000637:transplantation*; D006801:Humans; D007869:Leg Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011542:Pseudarthrosis / Q000601:surgery*; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*