Clinical applications of free fibula flap in repair of large composite tissue defect in upper limb / 中华显微外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To evaluate the clinical effect of fibula flap in the repair of large segment of composite tissue defect in upper limb.Methods:From April, 2015 to June, 2019, 7 patients with large composite tissue defects in upper limbs were treated. All of them with various skin, vessel, nerve, tendon and other tissue defects. Repairing was well planned before surgery according to the type, location and size of defect. While in repairing of the bone and skin defect, fibula flap was taken from the shank and to repair the defects of nerve, tendon and vessels in upper limb. Regular followed-ups were made after surgery.Results:The 7 fibula flaps all survived. Postoperative follow-up ranged between 8 to 36 (averaged of 15) months. All the reconstructed limbs were in satisfactory appearance and function recovery. All the patients were able to manage their daily activities and live independently. The shape and function of donor sites were good. According to the Enneking system, the outcomes were graded as excellent in 4 cases and good in 3, with the average score was 25.9 points.Conclusion:Free grafting of vascularised fibula flap is especially feasible to be used in the repair of large bone tissue defect of upper limb. It repairs the defects of skin, vessel, nerve and tendon with the flap from a single donor site.