Reconstruction of bone defects of forearm using free vascularized fibular grafts / 中华整形外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective@#To investigate the clinical effect of reconstruction of bone defects of forearm using free vascularized fibular grafts(VFG).@*Methods@#22 patients with bone defects of forearm were treated with free VFG. 6 cases with upper limb bone and soft tissue defects were repaired with free vascularized osteoseptocutaneous fibula as a composite flap. The length of ulna defect ranged from 4 cm to 12 cm and radius defect from 5 cm to 14 cm. The length of harvested fibula ranged from 13 cm to 24 cm. The area of the skin flaps ranged from 12 cm×6 cm to 20 cm×11 cm.@*Results@#All graft bone achieved bone union, with the healing time from 3 to 6 months (mean, 4.5 months). The operation incision healed primarily and all flaps survived with soft texture. All patients were followed up for 12-26 months (mean, 20.5 months). The function of forearm was recovered without refracture. The movement of ankle and the sensation in the leg were normal. According to the Anderson standard at last follow-up visit, the results were excellent in 9 cases, good in 11 cases and fair in 2 cases, with an excellent and good rate of 90.9%.@*Conclusions@#Vascularized fibular grafts VFG is an effective method to repair bone defects of forearm.