Role of non-vascularized autogenous fibular graft in bridging large bone effects

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of autogenous non-vascularized fibular bone graft augmented by corticocancellous bone graft from the iliac crest to bridge large bony defects. A total of 21patients were included in the study with bone gaps ranging from 5 to 25 cms resulting from various pathologies or surgical procedures. Twelve patients had lesions involving lower limbs and nine had lesions of upper limbs. A variety of implants were used for stable fixation of the fibular graft. Primary union was achieved in 18 patients. In patients with lower limb lesions 75% had good and 8% fair results whereas in those with upper limb lesions 55% had good and 45% fair results. The major complications included infection [2] absorption of graft [2], and those non-union at host graft junction [2]. One patient required above knee amputation at donor site and one had transient common peroneal nerve palsy which recovered completely. It was concluded that non-vascularized autogenous fibula is still a good procedure to bridge large bone defects