Long- term results of vascularized fibular graft / 中华骨科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To analyze the long- term results of vascularized fibular graft to repair defects of long bone. Methods Nineteen patients undergone vascularized fibular graft were followed- up for 5－ 20 years(mean 10.79 years). Limb function was graded with Enneking s system, and presented as percentage of normal limb function. The changes of the vascularized fibular graft were evaluated radiographically according to the International Symposium on Limb Salvage. Results The long term results of the vascularized fibular graft varied in different types of bone defects. Nine patients with congenital pseudoarthrosis of tibia had the limb function restored in 65％ and one had nonunion of fibular graft, 3 fractures(7 times), and 5 angular deformities. Three patients with congenital radial deficiency had 62％ restoration of the limb function. All of them showed early closure of epiphyses of the grafted fibulae. Five cases with osteomyelitis and bone defects combined soft tissue deficiency had 94％ restoration of the limb function, and only one occurred fracture of fibular graft. One case with soft tissue defect and concomitant ulnar defect, ulnar nerve and median nerve injury, 67％ function of limb was recovered, and union of fibula graft was good. 100％ function of limb was recovered in 1 case with cavernoma of radius and without occurring valgus deformity of donor site. Conclusion The vascularized fibular graft is a good method for repairing long segmental defects of bone. Combined with other tissue flap, the operation can reconstruct bone defect and fulfil the cover of soft tissue. For congenital tibia pseudoarthrosis and radial deficiency, the long- term results are not so satisfactory.