Repair of segmental femoral defect by combined transplantation of bilateral vascularized fibulas / 中华显微外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To report the technique and outcome of combined transplantation of bilateral vascularized fibulas to repair the segmental femoral defect Method In the period from October 1984 to May 1992, bilateral vascularized fibula transfer was done to treat femoral defects in 9 cases, in which there were 5 cases of bone tumor, 3 cases of pathological fractures following chronic osteomyelitis and 1 case of posttraumatic bone defect The length of the transferred fibulas ranged from 12 cm to 22 cm and averaged 16.25 cm Result Except 1 case in which thigh amputation was done 6 months after operation because of local recurrence of the chondrosarcoma, all the transferred fibulas united solidly with the host bones 3-6 months after operation The repaired limbs started weight-bearing at the third to seventh postoperative month Conclusion To repair a femoral defect over 10 cm in length, combined transfer of bilateral vascularized fibulas is the treatment of choice with short therapeutic process and good results.