Effectiveness of free vascularized fibular graft for bone defect after resection of lower limb malignant tumor / 中国修复重建外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective: To analyze the effectiveness of free vascularized fibula grafts (FVFG) for extensive bone defects after resection of lower limb malignant bone tumors. Methods: Between November 2015 and July 2018, 15 cases of lower limb malignant bone tumors were treated. There were 12 males and 3 females with an average age of 12.3 years (range, 9-21 years). There were 11 cases of osteosarcoma and 4 cases of Ewing's sarcoma. The tumor located at middle femur in 8 cases, lower femur in 4 cases, and middle tibia in 3 cases. The disease duration was 2-6 months (mean, 3.2 months). The tumor was completely removed, and the length of the bone defect was 8-23 cm (mean, 17.7 cm). The bone defect was repaired by FVFG, and combined inactivated tumor bone was used in 8 cases of femoral bone defect. Results: The average operation time was 280 minutes (range, 180-390 minutes). The average blood loss was 310 mL (range, 200-480 mL). All incisions healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 2-24 months with an average of 14.5 months. Bone healing achieved in all patients at 9-18 months (mean, 12.3 months) after operation except 1 patient which was followed up only 2 months. The fibula grafts had active metabolism and the average bone metabolism score was 184 (range, 111-257) in effected side and 193 (range, 127-259) in contralateral side. There was no difference between bilateral sides. The average Enneking score was 24.6 (range, 20-30) at last follow-up. No ankle instability or paralysis of common peroneal nerve occurred. Conclusion: FVFG appeared very efficient in repair of extensive bone defect after resection of lower limb malignant bone tumor.