title: Reconstruction of massive bone losses of the elbow with vascularized bone transfers.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Massive bone loss of the elbow in young patients is a complex injury. A series of five cases of massive loss of the elbow joint reconstructed with single or double vascularized bone transfers is reported.
  
  
  METHODS
  Five patients with nonacute massive bone loss of the distal humerus (two cases) or distal humerus and proximal ulna (three cases) were reconstructed with a single (two cases) or double (three cases) microvascular vascularized bone transfer from the iliac crest, the fibula, or the scapula. Collateral ligament reconstruction was performed in a second stage. Follow-up was 1 to 3 years.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All free flaps survived. There was one septic complication not affecting flap survival. The number of surgical procedures was 3.2 (range, two to five). Active range of motion was 86 degrees (range, 70 to 100 degrees), without significant pain and acceptable lateral stability. Treatment time was 7 to 13 months.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Vascularized bone transfer can restore the articular gross anatomy in cases of massive destruction of the elbow. Midterm functional results have been favorable in a short series of young patients.
authors.affiliation: Valencia, Spain From the Clínica Cavadas.
authors.forename: Pedro C
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Cavadas
authors.forename: Luis
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Landin
authors.forename: Alessandro
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Thione
authors.forename: Javier
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ibañez
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Nthumba
authors.forename: Ignacio
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Roger
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016025:Bone Transplantation; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D006811:Humerus / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D009104:Multiple Trauma / Q000601:surgery*; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000379:methods; D011884:Radius / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery*; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply*; D014457:Ulna / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery*; D055815:Young Adult; D000092464:Elbow Injuries
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