Arch Reconstr Microsurg.  2015 Nov;24(2):68-74. 10.15596/ARMS.2015.24.2.68.

Reconstruction of Large Femur and Tibia Defect with Free Vascularized Fibula Graft and Locking Plate

• Kim MB
• Lee YH
• Baek JK
• Choi HS
• Baek GH

• KMID: 2130576
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.15596/ARMS.2015.24.2.68

Abstract

PURPOSE
The reconstruction of femur and tibia defects following tumor resection remains a surgical challenge. The clinical outcome of free vascularized fibula graft (VFG) reconstruction with locking plate for massive femur and tibia defects of more than 10 cm that were secondary to skeletal tumor resection is reported.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Thirteen patients with a mean follow-up of 3.3 years were reviewed. Seven patients received vascularized fibula grafts in the femur and six in the tibia. The mean bony defect of the femur and tibia was more than 10 cm and the length of the grafted fibula was more than 15 cm. All defects were stabilized with long locking plates.
RESULTS
All patients were free of disease at final follow-up; All VFGs were transferred successfully. All patients had a successful outcome with bony union. Stress fractures of the grafted fibula had occurred but the locking plate stabilized the fracture and healed until the last follow-up. All patients were able to walk without a brace after a mean of 9 months postoperatively.
CONCLUSIONS
VFG with locking plate is a reliable reconstructive procedure for massive femur and tibia defects.

Keyword

Free vascularized fibula graft; Reconstruction; Locking plate; Bone defect

MeSH Terms

Braces
Femur*
Fibula*
Follow-Up Studies
Fractures, Stress
Humans
Tibia*
Transplants*