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 fol...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inJournal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Vol. 12; no. 5; p. 360
Main Authors Malizos, Konstantinos N, Zalavras, Charalampos G, Soucacos, Panayotis N, Beris, Alexandros E, Urbaniak, James R
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.09.2004
Subjects
Bone Neoplasms - surgery
Bone Transplantation - methods
Fibula - transplantation
Humans
Leg Injuries - surgery
Postoperative Complications
Pseudarthrosis - surgery
Reconstructive Surgical Procedures - methods
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Summary: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.
ISSN:1067-151X
DOI:10.5435/00124635-200409000-00010