Free vascularized fibular graft in patient with skeletal defect after neurofibroma surgical excision of forearm

The free vascularized fibular graft has been successfully applied as a reconstruction option in patient with large secondary skeletal defects result from excision of pathologic tissue after neurofibroma surgical excision. It provides a strong cortical strut for reconstruction of defects, so that the free vascularized fibular graft is ideal for ulna reconstruction. A 22-year-old male with lump in his right forearm for 3 months previously which become bigger and more painful. There was also sings of ulnar nerve disfunction. From the CPC result, we diagnosed forearm neurofibroma. We performed wide excision and reconstruction using free vascularized fibular graft. On the last follow up, the active and passive ranges of motion (ROM) of 4th and 5th metacarpal was measured with the help of a goniometer. The ulnar neurological state was tested by manual testing and graded on the Medical research council (MRC) scale. Four weeks after surgery, the operation wound at the right forearm and right lower leg was good and no infection signs. The graft viability was good with compromised vascularity. The post-operative passive and active ROM of the 4th and 5th metacarpal able did full extend. The post-operative sensoris level of the ulnar area improved from pre-operative sensoris level.Post-operative follow-up, in the early period (up to 6 weeks) we monitor the graft viability. Our case reported good result in the operation wound, the graft viability, the passive and active ROM of the 4th and 5th metacarpal and the sensoris level of the ulnar area.

Operative management of chondrosarcoma in pelvic region: case series

Chondrosarcoma is the second most frequent malignant bone tumour after osteosarcoma. It most often occurs in the pelvis. Treatment of pelvic chondrosarcoma is a difficult problem for the musculoskeletal oncologist. We report 3 patient with chondrosarcoma in pelvic region that undergoing internal hemipelvectomy. First patient, male 28 y.o. with chondrosarcoma in left iliac wing 11.2cm x 10.8cm x 9.2cm. Second, woman, 47 y.o with chondrosarcoma in right superior and inferior pubic rami 13.7cm x 11.5cm x 14.2cm with soft tissue mass around extended to medial part of proximal thigh. Already done A wide excision of the tumor was performed and we use non-vascularized fibular graft (NVFG) to fill the defect. Last patient, pregnant woman 22 y.o. (16weeks gestational age) with chondrosarcoma in right pubic rami 9.8cm x 11.4cm x 13cm. We already done internal hemipelvectomy without terminating the fetus. The second and third patient confirmed with the histopathology result with chondrosarcoma grade II, and the first patient with chondrosarcoma grade I. After 3month post operatively, all of the patients have no pain, no urinary tract complain. The first patient can ambulatory full weight bearing with no crutches or walker. Second patient ambulatory partial weight bearing with crutches. The last patient ambulatory with wheel chair during the pregnancy. Since chondrosarcomas are unresponsive to chemotherapy or radiotherapy, surgical resection was the only therapeutic solution for these patients. It also reinforce the need of a correct diagnose and collaboration between specialities in the treatment of oncological patients.

Free Vascularized Fibular Graft for Femoral Head Collapse Combined with Ununited Pathologic Intertrochanteric Fracture / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Surgery for pathologic hip fracture poses significant challenges regarding the fixation of fracture and management of the original tumor lesion. An extensive destruction of the femoral neck and intertrochanteric region by benign or malignant lesions complicated by a pathological fracture generally necessitates total hip arthroplasty; however, in adolescents and young adults, preservation of the hip is preferable. We present a 14-year-old female patient, who sustained a pathological intertrochanteric fracture through a pre-existing aneurysmal bone cyst. Several operative interventions with internal fixation and bone graft were unsuccessful, and combined nonunion and progression of osteolysis around the compression hip screw eventually caused femoral head collapse, mimicking osteonecrosis. Hip preservation and resolution of the original tumor were achieved by free vascularized fibular graft.

Updated Surgical Techniques and Expanded Indications of Free Vascularized Fibular Graft

Free or pedicled vascularized fibular grafts (VFG) are useful for the reconstruction of large skeletal defects, particularly in cases of scarred or avascular beds, or in patients with combined bone and soft tissue defects. Compared to non-VFG, VEG, which contains living osteocytes and osteoblasts, maintains its own viability and serves as good osteoconductive and osteoinductive graft. Due to its many structural and biological advantages, the free fibular osteo- or osteocutaneous graft is considered the most suitable autograft for the reconstruction of long bone defects in the injured extremity. The traditional indication of VFG is the long bone and soft tissue defect, which cannot be reconstructed using a conventional operative method. Recently, the indications have been widely expanded not only for defects of midtibia, humerus, forearm, distal femur, and proximal tibia, but also for the arthrodesis of shoulder and knee joints. Because of its potential to allow further bone growth, free fibular epiphyseal transfer can be used for the hip or for distal radius defects caused by the radical resection of a tumor. The basic anatomy and surgical techniques for harvesting the VFG are well known; however, the condition of the recipient site is different in each case. Therefore, careful preoperative surgical planning should be customized in every patient. In this review, recently expanded surgical indications of VFG and surgical tips based on the author's experiences in the issues of fixation method, one or two staged reconstruction, size mismatching, overcoming the stress fracture, and arthrodesis of shoulder and knee joint using VFG are discussed with the review of literature.

Chronic Tibial Osteomyelitis in Children. A Case Review at Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan, Kuantan

Osteomyelitis in children has various clinical manifestations causing diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties. Inappropriate treatment of acute osteomyelitis may lead to chronic, serious and complicated condition. Chronic osteomyelitis continues to be a major cause of morbidity and disability in children living in developing countries. We present three cases of tibial osteomyelitis that have different presentations and sequalae. Our intention is to alert our colleagues, particularly primary physicians, regarding the variety of presentation and the important of early diagnosis and treatment to reduce the risk of morbidity following osteomyelitis.

Long-term Follow-up Results of the Free Vascularized Fibular Graft in Congenital Pseudarthrosis of the Tibia / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: To report the long-term follow-up results of a free vascularized fibular graft (FVFG) for the treatment of patients with congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia (CPT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourteen patients with CPT, who underwent FVFG and were followed-up for more than 4 years, were enrolled in this study. The average age at FVFG was 4.5 years (range, 1~10.6 years) with an average follow-up of 11.6 years (range, 4~26.6 years). In 11 cases, 24 additional procedures were performed due to the secondary problems, such as delayed union, nonunion, leg length discrepancy, and deformity of the tibia. The clinical and radiological data were reviewed to evaluate the outcomes of the FVFG. RESULTS: Bone union and hypertrophy of the fibular graft was observed in all cases. The average time of union in 7 cases, in whom bone union was achieved without the aid of any supplementary procedures, was 6.7 months (range, 3.5~11 months). At the last follow-up, the mean limb length discrepancy was 2.5 cm (range, 0~8 cm), and the average anterior apex and valgus angulation of the tibial shaft were 18.4degrees (range, 0~85degrees) and 9.9degrees (range, -5~34degrees), respectively. The mean ankle alignment was valgus 7.2degrees (range, -3~30degrees), and the mean range of motion of the ankle joint was dorsiflexion 17degrees and plantar flexion 30degrees. CONCLUSION: FVFG is an effective procedure in congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia which has the advantages of allowing a more aggressive resection of the abnormal bone and scar tissue and as well as resolving the bone defect after resecting the lesion. This procedure is expected to produce a better clinical result if rigid internal and external fixation are performed.

Reconstructive Arthrodesis using a Non-living Fibular Graft with an Attached Periosteal Sleeve for Osteosarcoma of the Distal Tibia: A Case Report / 대한정형외과학회잡지

According to previous reports, ankle arthrodesis is regarded as the best reconstructive procedure after limb salvage surgery for osteosarcoma of the distal tibia. Of the many arthrodesis options, vascularized fibular graft (VFG) is widely accepted as the most successful method. However, reconstruction using VFG is not always possible, because VFG is a complicated surgical procedure and is associated with high rates of morbidity at donor sites. The authors devised a novel reconstructive surgical procedure that exploits the osteogenic potential of the periosteum. A 10-year-old female patient with osteosarcoma of the distal tibia underwent limb salvage surgery and the ipsilateral distal fibula and periosteal sleeve were transported to the defect for ankle arthrodesis. The transported fibula and periosteal new bone formation acted as a dual strut bone graft providing better stronger stability than fibula alone transfer. The authors believe the proposed procedure is an easier alternative to the surgically demanding VFG method.

Vascularized Fibular Graft in the Treatment of Intractable Infected Nonunion of Femur: 3 Cases

PURPOSE: To report the clinical results of the vascularized fibular graft in the treatment of intractable infected nonunion of femur. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed 3 patients who were performed vascularized fibular graft in treated for intractable infected nonunion of femur. They had received an average of 5.6 times(4~8 times) surgical treatment at different hospitals. 1 case was of a infected nonunion in a fracture treated with internal fixation, the fracture having occurred after resection of a malignant tumor and transplantation of pasteurized autologous bone. 2 cases occurred after internal fixation in closed fractures. Surgical treatment was performed an average of 4 times(3~5 times) at our hospital and in all of the cases debridement of necrotic tissue and sequestrectomy. And vascularized fibular graft was performed. In all cases unilateral external fixation devices were used, of these, 1 case was changed into internal fixation. The final conclusion was made by assessment of functional outcomes and complications according to the standards of Paley. RESULTS: As a result, in all of the cases bone union was achieved, and in the last follow up the functional results were excellent in 2 cases and good in 1 case. There were not presented leg length discrepancy of more than 2 cm, and further loss of knee joint motion. After previous treatment, average 23.3 months(16~30 months) was taken to eliminate infection and achieve complete bone union via vascularized fibular graft in our hospital. CONCLUSION: In treatment of intractable infected nonunion of femur, fairly good results can be expected after firm fixation, through debridement and vascularized fibular graft.

Microsurgical Reconstruction of Giant Cell Tumor of Distal Epiphysis of Radius

Treatment of giant cell tumor of distal radius can be treated in several ways according to the aggressiveness of the tumor. But the management of giant cell tumor involving juxta-articular portion has always been a difficult problem. In some giant cell tumors with bony destruction, a wide segmental resection may be needed for preventing to recur. But a main problem is preserving of bony continuity in bony defect as well as preservation of joint function. We have attempted to overcome these problems by using a microvascular technique to transfer the fibula with peroneal vascular pedicle or anterior tibial vessel as living bone graft. From April 1984 to July 2005, we performed the reconstruction of wide bone defect after segmental resection of giant cell tumor in 14 cases, using Vascularized Fibular Graft, which occur at the distal radius. VFG with peroneal vascular pedicle was in 8 cases and anterior tibial vessel was 6 cases. Recipient artery was radial artery in all cases. Method of connection was end to end anastomosis in 11 cases, and end to side in 3 cases. An average follow-up was 6 years 6 months, average bone defect after wide segmental resection of lesion was 6.8 cm. All cases revealed good bony union in average 6.5 months, and we got the wide range of motion of wrist joint without recurrence and serious complications. Grafted bone was all alive. In functional analysis, there was good in 7 cases, fair in 4 cases and bad in 1 case. Pain was decreased in all cases but there was nearly normal joint in only 4 cases. Vascularized fibular graft around wrist joint provided good functional restoration without local recurrence.

Treatment of Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral Head with Free Vascularized Fibular Graft / 대한정형외과학회잡지

We reviewed 46 hips of the 36 patients treated with free vascularized fibular graft for avascular necrosis of femoral head with a mean follow-up of 39.9 months (ranging from 2 years to 6 years 4 months). There were thirty-four men and two women. The mean age of patients at the time of operation was 36.6 years (ranging from seventeen to fifty-seven years). The procedure was performed on both hips in ten patients. Of the 46 hips, twenty-nine were idiopathic, ten alcoholic, six steroid induced, and one traumatic. According to Ficats stage, there were eighteen in Stage 2A, fifteen in Stage 2B and thirteen in Stage 3. According to Ohzonos classification, there were four in Type 1B, forty in Type 1C and one in Type 3B. Clinical assessments according to the cause and severity of the disease were evaluated using Harris hip scoring system. Thirty-two hips(69.6%) were excellent, 9 hips(19.6%) were good, 2 hips(4.3%) were fair, and 3 hips(6.5%) were poor. Therefore clinically satisfactory results, including excellent and good, were obtained in 41 hips(89.2%). Radiographic assessments according to healing of avascular necrosis lesion and collapsing the femoral head postoperatively were performed. Thirty hips(65.2%) were excellent, 9 hips(19.6%) were good, 4 hips(8.7%) were fair, and 3 hips(6.5%) were poor. Therefore radiographic satisfactory results were obtained in 39 hips(84.8%). Clinical and radiographic assessments according to Ohzonos classification were also evaluated. Clinically satisfactory result were obtained in 6 hips(100%) of Type 1A and 3B in 33 hips(82.5%) of Type 1C. The etiological factors didn t affect the results. There were two cases of peroneal nerve palsy in which one was irreversible and one case of clawing of great toe as complications. In conclusion, free vascularized fibular graft appears to be a very effective method for Ficats stage 2A, 2B, and early stage 3 of symptomatic avascular necrosis of femoral head, in Ohzonos Type 1C which have a high incidence of collapse.

Changes of Tc - 99m - HDP Bone Scan Findings in Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral head ( ANFH ) Treated with Vascularized Fibular Graft / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Vascularized fibular graft is one of the treatment option for avascular necrosis of femoral head (ANFH) and has been known as providing a strut mechanical support and new vascular bed. It is very important to evaluate a healing process in femoral head after vascularization procedure. But a plain radiographic finding has a problem to assess pathological changes of ANFH treated with vascularized fibular graft. Authors analyzed chronogical changes of Tc-99m-HDP bone scan in 31 cases of ANFH treated with vascularized fibular graft from April, 1991 to May, 1994 and following results were obtained. l. Until 2 months after surgery, no change in size of cold defect area and no significant change in extent of RI uptake in reactive zone were noted. 2. During 2 months and 6 months after surgery, slight decrease in size of cold defect area and minimal changes in extent of RI uptake in reactive zone were observed. 3. During 6 months and 12 months after surgery, size of cold defect area decreased to 1/2 and changes in extent and degree of RI uptake in reactive zone were observed. 4. During 1 year and 2 years after surgery, size of cold defect area were minimal and sometimes faded away. RI uptake with decreased density in reactive zone broadened and moved to subchondral area. 5. After 2 years after surgery, cold area faded away and small increased RI uptake were observed in same site. In conclusion, Tc-99m-HDP bone scan which is economic and easily applicable in a patient is very useful for follow up study in ANFH treated with vascularized fibular graft.

Free Vascularized Fibular Graft for the Treatment of the Large Bone Defect / 대한정형외과학회잡지

There are several considerations in performing free vascularized fibular graft for the treatment of the large bone defect, e.g., bone fixation, additional bone graft, and management of complication. Authors have analyzed 25 cases treated with free vascularized fibular graft at Holy Family Hospital between Jun. 1985 and Dec. 1994. The mean follow up was 27.4 months The results were as follows: 1. The causes of the defect were traumatic defect with infection of 16 cases, bone tumor of 4 cases, congenital pseudoarthrosis of tibia of 3 cases and osteomyelitis of 2 cases. 2. Hypertrophy of the graft was more common in the lower extremity and in the patient under the age of 15. 3. Nonunion of graft occurred in 4 cases(16%). These cases were fixed with screws and/or pin ini tially and subsequently treated with rigid internal fixation. 4. Stress fracture of graft occurred in 3 cases(12%). Two cases of them were treated with internal fixation. 5. Additional bone graft were performed in 6 cases(24%), among 17 cases who had bone defect of lower extremity in adult. In conclusion, authors emphasize that rigid internal fixation and additional bone graft in performing free vascularized fibular graft are recommended for obtaining early solid bony union and achieving early rehabilitation.

Anatomy of Peroneal Buoy Flap / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Authors analysed 36 cases(33 patients) of Peroneal Buoy Flap to investigate branching pattern, course, length of vascular pedicle, and perforating level of the perforating cutaneous branches from Oct. 1985 to July 1988. The results were as follows. 1. The perforating cutaneous branchea were classified into four types, the Straight Branch (18 cases), the Proximal Oblique Branch (8 cases), the Branch from Muscular Artery (8 cases), the Distal Oblique Branch(2 cases) respectively. The most common patten was Straight Branch. 2. There were 3 pathways of these branches, the most common one passed between the Soleus and Peroneus muscles(23 cases, 64%), and second one passed through the snterior part of Soleus muscle(8 cases, 22%), the third one passed through the posterior part of Peroneus muscle(5 cases, 14%). 3. The length of vascular pedicle in Buoy Flap was variable from 3cm to 15cm, but 27 cases(75%) were distributed between 4cm and 6cm. 4. The perforating level of branches were 6.3cm in average from Fibular Neck, 88% of them were distributed within 10cm. 5. Peroneal Buoy Flap in possible to reconstruct both seperated bone and skin defect in some distance by One-Stage Operation.

Reconstruction of Large Bone Defect after Wids Segmental Resection of Long Bone Tumors Using the Free Vascularized Fibular Graft / 대한정형외과학회잡지

In certain low-grade malignant tumors and tumors that have a frequent recurring tendency in long bone, the wide segmental resection can cure and prevent to recur. But a main problem is prserving of bony continuity in bony defect site due to wide segmental resection. The traditional bone graft have the high incidence in non-union, malunion, delayed union, bony reabsorption, stress fracture despite long immobilization and stiffness of adjacent joint. We have attempted to overcome these problems by using a microvascular technique to transfer the fibula with its peroneal vascular pedicle as a living bone graft. From February 1980 to August 1986, we tried the reconstruction of wide bone defect after segmental resection at long bone tumors in 10 cases, using Vascularized Fibular Graft. The types of tumors were malignant fibrous histiocytoma in 2 cases, fibrous dysplasia in 2 cases, simple bone cyst in 1 case, giant cell tumor in 2 cases, cavernous hemangioma in 2 cases and multiple exostosis in 1 case. An average follow-up was 48 months, average bone defect after wide segmental resection of lesion was 12.3cm.These all cases revealed the good bony union in average 4.5 months, the free ambulation without external immobilization was got in average 6 months. And we got the wide range of motion of adjacent joint without recurrence and serious complications.

Vascularized Fibula Graft for Restoration of the Large Bone Defect / 대한정형외과학회잡지

We analyzed 34 cases of large bone defect caused by trauma, infection and tumor resection from July, 1979 to June, 1985. The bony defect were restored by vascularized fibular graft or vascularized fibular transposition. 22 cases were the traumatic segmental loss and 7 cases were infected ones and 5 cases were the loss following tumor resection. Vascularized fibular graft was performed in 19 cases and vascularized fibular transposition was performed in 15 cases. The 33 cases(97%) of 34 cases had obtained sound bony union and average union time had been 18.6 weeks. Even local infection in the bone, vascularized fibular graft or transposition can be performed. Grafted or transposed fibula had been hypertrophied about 1.2 times in anteroposterior and lateral film which had been measured in the center of the fibula. The most common complication was the clawing of first or second toe. If the ipsilateral fibula is intact, the vascularized fibular transposition is better and if not, vascularized fibular graft is preferred. Operation using the vascularized fibula is a excellent method for the restoration of large bone defect in long bone.

Free Vascularized Fibular Graft Using Microsurgical Technique / 대한정형외과학회잡지

It is notoriously difficult to obtain a sound bony union of large segmental bone defects secondary to trauma or following tumor resection, infected nonunion, congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia, and avascular necrosis of the femoral head with conventional methods. Recent advances in microsurgery have made it possible to provide a continuing circulation of blood in bone grafts so as to ensure viability. With the nutrient blood supply preserved, healing of the graft to the recipient bone is facilitated without the usual replacement of the graft by creeping substitution. Thus, the grafted bone is achieved more rapid stabilization of bone fragments separated by a large defect without sacrificing viability. Thirty nine cases of the free vascularized fibular graft had been performed in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Kyung Hee University Hospital during the period of 3 years from October 1978 to December 1981. Of these, ll cases were congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia, 4 cases were tuberculous spondylitis, 4 cases were infected nonunion, 7 cases were large segmental bone defects secondary to trauma, 9 cases were avascular necrosis of the femoral head and the other was one case. The results were obtained as follows: 1. The advantages of free vascularized living fibular graft are one stage procedure, resistance of torsion and angular stress, union with rapid hypertrophy of the graft, a shorter immobilization period and more rapid incorporation of the graft into the recipient area. 2. Free vascularized fibular graft can be widely used in the field of Orthopedic surgery. 3. The fibula is the bone best suited for reconstruction of a defect in a long bone. 4. In children, distal tibiofibular synostosis must be performed. 5. For prevention of clawing toe, the muscles around the bone is meticulously dissected, 6. Evaluation by selective arteriography and isotopic scanning both before and after operation may be used to assess the viability of the fibula graft.

Congenital Pseudarthrosisof the Tibia: Treated with Free Vascularized Fibular Graft / 대한정형외과학회잡지

It is notoriously difficult to obtain a sound bony union of congenital paeudarthrosis of tbe tibia with conventional methods. This paper is the results of using the free vascularized fibular graft for congenital pseudarthorsis of the tibia in 7 patients since 1978 in this hospital, which is the first attempt in Korea. During the follow-up periods from 9 months to 32 months, 5/7 patients(71%) had good or excellent bony union, 2 patients had bone resorption at tbe distal site of grafted bone and required a second supplementary cancellous bone graft with electrode insertion. So it is thought that the free vascularized fibular graft is one of good methods of treatment for congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia.