[Free fibular flaps in children: morbidity of the donor site and pitfalls to avoid].
BACKGROUND
We report a case of donor site morbidity late after harvesting a free fibular flap for reconstruction of the mandibular symphsis.


METHODS
An 8-year-old boy presented a valgus deformity of the ankle 4 years harvesting of a vascularized fibular graft for mandibular reconstruction. The deformation was repaired with a tibial bone slit and pin fixation. The biomechanical result was very satisfactory, allowing normal gait.


CONCLUSIONS
We recall the rules for fibular flap harvesting needed to prevent deformation of the donor site in children aged less than 9 years.
Gleizal
A
A
Service de Stomatologie et Chirurgie Maxillo-Faciale, Hôpital Nord, 103, grande rue de la Croix Rousse, 69002 Lyon.
Revol
P
P
Bouletreau
P
P
Sailhan
F
F
Freidel
M
M
Breton
P
P
D016025:Bone Transplantation; D002648:Child; D005360:Fibula / Q000637:transplantation; D006801:Humans; D007869:Leg Injuries / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000601:surgery*; D008339:Mandibular Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D019647:Oral Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D013639:Tarsal Bones / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D020858:Tissue and Organ Harvesting / Q000009:adverse effects*