Flow-through versus ligated-end circulation. Their effects on the bone viability in free bone transplants. An experimental study in canine model

ABSTRACT

The free vascularized fibular graft is the most commonly used vascularized bone transfer. In this technique as well as in other free bone transfers, ligation of the distal end of the donor vessels is performed during the harvesting of the bone graft. Changes in the hemodynamics of the bone transplant do occur due to this maneuver. This is a follow-up study to the previous one titled "the effects of vessel patency with normal flow on the hemodynamics of free bone transfers" and was performed, using a vascularized fibula model in canine, to evaluate the changes that occur in the vascularized bone transplant following the ligature of the distal end of its vascular pedicle, and to establish the effects on the intrinsic environment and the viability in the free bone transfers