Free chimeric vascularized fibular graft and sural flap for reconstruction of composite extremity defects / 中华创伤骨科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To report clinical application of free chimeric vascularized fibular graft combined with sural flap for reconstruction of composite extremity defects after open fracture.Methods From June 2010 to July 2014,free chimeric vascularized fibular grafts and sural flaps were used to treat 4 patients with composite extremity defects at Department of Orthopaedics,The Sixth People's Hospital.They were 3 men and one woman,aged from 39 to 61 years(average,48.5 years).There were 2 cases of soft tissue defects on the forearm complicated with radial defect,one case of soft tissue defects on the forearm complicated with ulnar shaft defect,and one case of soft tissue defects on the leg complicated with tibial defect.The length of bone defect ranged from 8 cm to 18 cm (average,13.0 cm);the size of soft tissue defects ranged from 22 cm × 6cmto23cm × 15 cm (average,22.3cm × 9.7cm).Results The area of flap ranged from 25 cm × 9 cm to 26 cm × 18 cm (average,25 cm × 13 cm);the length of fibular graft ranged from 8 cm to 18 cm (average,13 cm).The 4 patients were followed up for 8 to 42 months (average,20.5 months).All the chimeric flaps survived.All the fractures united after an average of 8.5 months.The last follow-ups revealed no refracture.All the patients were satisfied with the outcomes.Conclusion Free chimeric vascularized fibular graft combined with sural flap is a reliable choice for reconstruction of composite extremity defects after open fracture.