Reconstruction of Large Bone and Soft Tissue Defect Combined with Infection in the Lower Extremity with Free Flap Followed by Ipsilateral Vascularized Fibular Transposition

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to report on the results and discuss the role of free flap followed by ipsilateral vascularized fibular transposition (IVFT) for reconstruction of large bone and soft tissue defect combined with infection by open tibia fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During the research period, lasting from December 2002 to June 2008 (Kyung Hee University Medical Center), data were collected from three patients who underwent IVFT after free flap. We analyzed the successiveness and persistency of the infection using free flapping, bone union, and hypertrophy between transposed fibula and tibia. RESULTS: Regarding free flap, successive results were observed in all examples. In the final follow-up results, transposed fibulas all survived, having hypertrophy similar to that of adjacent tibia. CONCLUSION: Reconstruction of tibia defect with free flap followed by IVTF is a useful and safe method for avoidance of the potential risk of infection for patients with a large tibial bone defect and soft tissue defect associated with infection.