Pedicled vascularized fibular graft with Ilizarov external fixator for reconstructing a large bone defect of the tibia after tumor resection

Background

Large bony defects in the middle or distal third of the tibia resulting from surgical resection of malignant bone tumors present a difficult reconstructive challenge. Various methods of reconstruction are available, such as allografts, vascularized fibular graft (either free or pedicled), or endoprothesis replacement for distal defects.

Materials and methods

Twelve patients—eight males and four females with mean age of 18 years at operation (range 14–25 years)—with malignant bone tumors of the tibial shaft were selected as candidates for wide resection of the tumor and reconstruction of the bony defect by ipsilateral vascularized fibular graft based on the peroneal vessels. Preoperative staging studies, including plain radiography, local MRI, isotopic bone scan, and chest CT, were done for every patient before biopsy. Ilizarov external fixation was then applied in all cases. The average length of the bony gap bridged was 14.5 cm (13–16.5 cm) and the mean length of the harvested graft was 16.3 cm (15–18 cm). The average operation time was 7.5 h (5.5–9.5 h).

Results

The mean follow-up period was 38 months (range 32–52 months). Bony union at the proximal and distal ends of the fibula occurred in nine patients (75 %) and at a mean time of 5.5 months (range 4.5–8 months). Graft hypertrophy occurred in all patients. The mean percentage of hypertrophy was 95 % (range 80–160 %). The mean MSTS functional score was 84 % (range 80–92 %). A leg length discrepancy of 2 cm was reported in two patients and was managed using a shoe lift.

Conclusion

Reconstruction of bony defects of the middle or distal tibia after bone tumor resection using pedicled vascularized fibula is a useful limb salvage procedure. The procedure can be performed relatively quickly and inexpensively and has a low rate of late complications. It leads to a good outcome regarding the union, hypertrophy, and function.     

Free vascularized osteocutaneous fibular graft to the tibia in 51 consecutive cases

The authors reviewed retrospectively the clinical results of 51 consecutive cases of vascularized osteocutaneous fibular graft to the tibia for the reconstruction of extensive tibial bone and soft-tissue defects. The mean duration of follow-up was 31 months (range: 13 to 76 months). In the 51 procedures of free vascularized osteocutaneous fibula graft from the contralateral side, bony union was achieved in 48 cases at an average of 3.74 months after the operation, except for two cases of non-union and two cases of delayed union. Forty-eight cutaneous flaps survived, and three cutaneous flaps failed due to deep infection and venous thrombosis. All united fibulae hypertrophied during the follow-up periods. Stress fracture of the grafted fibula was the most common complication (16 cases), and it was treated with above-the-knee cast immobilization or internal fixation with a conventional cancellous bone graft. The free vascularized osteocutaneous fibular graft is recommended as a useful treatment modality for the reconstruction of extensive tibial defects combined with soft tissue injury.     

腓骨横向搬移治疗胫骨大段骨缺损

目的 探讨应用腓骨横向搬移术治疗胫骨大段骨缺损的方法与疗效.方法 2004年4月至2009年10月收治4例胫骨大段骨缺损患者,男3例,女1例;年龄14～62岁,平均27岁.胫骨缺损长度为13～25 cm.采用环形外同定支架固定,腓骨远、近端分别截骨后用2根橄榄针穿过腓骨固定于牵引器上,术后逐渐牵拉腓骨至胫骨骨缺损区,并于断端取髂骨植骨.结果 所有患者术后获12～60个月(平均34.6个月)随访.4例患者应用腓骨横向搬移修复胫骨大段骨缺损均获成功,治疗时间(安装外固定支架至拆除外固定支架时间)为12～26个月,平均19个月.全部患者伤口愈合良好,无感染复发,牵引过程中无神经损伤等并发症发生.2例患者有针道感染,均为表浅软组织感染,无需特殊处理,拔除牵引针后愈合.随着负重行走等功能锻炼,腓骨逐渐增粗,未发生再骨折.患肢功能恢复良好,均能完全负重行走.结论应用Ilizarov外固定支架进行腓骨横向搬移是治疗胫骨大段骨缺损的有效方法.

Abstract：

Objective To explore the therapeutic effects of ipsilateral fibular transport with an Ilizarov frame for treatment of massive tibial bone loss. Methods From April 2004 to October 2009, 4 cases of massive tibial bone loss were treated with an Ilizarov frame and ipsilateral fibular transport. They were 3 men and one woman, aged from 14 to 62 years (average, 27 years). Their tibial losses ranged from 13 to 25 cm. The whole tibia was first fixed with an external Ilizarov ring frame. Osteotomy was then performed at both distal and proximal parts of the fibula, before the isolated fibula was fixed to the Ilizarov frame with 2 olive wires. Next, the isolated fibula was gradually distracted to the site of tibial bone loss at a speed of one mm per day. Bone grafts were transplanted where and when the isolated fibula touched the tibia at last. Results The 4 patients were followed up for an average duration of 34. 6 months (range, 12 to 60 months). The external fixation time ranged from 12 to 26 months, (average, 19 months). Two patients had superficial pin site infection during fibular transport and healed spontaneously after removal of the pins. All the wounds were completely healed and no wound infection recurred. No nerve injury occurred during the fibular distraction.After full-weight bearing exercise, the isolated fibula became thicker gradually and no refracture happened.All patients regained good walking with full weight-bearing. Conclusion Gradual ipsilateral fibular transport with an Ilizarov frame is a reasonable and effective therapeutic method for patients with massive tibial bone loss.     

Huntington's procedure revisited

BackgroundManagement of gap nonunion of tibia is difficult for the surgeons, and time consuming for patients with unpredictable results. There are various methods to treat gap nonunion, but each one has its own limitations. We report the outcomes of ipsilateral fibular transposition (Huntington's procedure) for reconstruction of major tibial defects.MethodsIt is a retrospective study including 4 patients who underwent ipsilateral vascularized transposition of fibula for gap nonunion of tibia. Fibula was transferred to tibia as vascularized pedicle graft in one-staged procedure.ResultsSingle stage fibular transposition was performed in four patients. The transferred fibula united in all patients. Mean follow-up after fibular transposition was 1.2 years. Partial weight bearing started after an average of 5.25 months till hypertrophy of fibula is seen on radiographs than full weight bearing started. The mean time to healing was 7.5 months (range: 5–10 months). Tibialization of fibula occurred in all patients as evident on radiographs.ConclusionsHuntington procedure is a simple and technically easy for large tibial defects. It does not require microsurgical skill and implants. The union of transferred fibula is faster than conventional graft as it is a vascularized graft. It is a rational choice for the treatment of large tibial defects in selected cases.     

Reconstruction of distal radius by fibula following excision of grade III giant cell tumour: Follow-up of 18 cases

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term results of vascularised fibular graft for reconstruction of the wrist after excision of grade III giant cell tumour in the distal radius. From January 1998 to September 2003, 18 patients with wrist defects due to distal radius grade III giant cell tumour resection were treated with vascularised fibular graft and were followed-up. The limb function was restored to an average 80% of normal function and bone union was achieved within six months in 18 patients with vascularised fibular graft. MSTS score averaged 25.6 and ranged between 21 and 29; Mayo wrist score averaged 56 with a range from 40 to 65. It is appropriate to use the head of the fibula as a substitute for the distal radius. The healing of vascularised fibular graft is very quick and without bone resorption. Thus, in the procedure for reconstruction and limb salvage after bone tumour resection of distal radius, the free vascularised fibular graft with fibular head is an ideal substitute.     

Vascularised fibular grafts. An experience of 102 patients

The results and complications of 104 vascularised fibular grafts in 102 patients are presented. Bony union was ultimately achieved in 97 patients, with primary union in 84 (84%). The mean time to union was 15.5 weeks (8 to 40). In 13 patients, primary union was achieved at one end of the fibula and secondary union at the other end. In these patients, the mean time to union was 31.1 weeks (24 to 40). Five patients failed to achieve union, with a resultant pseudarthrosis (3 patients) or amputation (2 patients). There were various complications. Immediate thrombosis occurred in 14 cases. In two of 23 patients with osteomyelitis, infection recurred at two and six months after surgery, respectively. Both patients had active osteomyelitis less than one month before the operation. Bony infection occurred in a patient with a synovial sarcoma of the forearm one year after surgery. In 15 patients, 19 fractures of the fibular graft occurred after bony union, all except one within one year after union. In patients in whom an external fixator had been used, fracture occurred soon after its removal. Union was difficult to achieve in cases of congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia. Appropriate alignment of the fibular graft is an important factor in preventing stress fracture. The vascularised fibula should be protected during the first year after union. Postoperative complications at the donor site included transient palsy of the superficial peroneal nerve in three patients, contracture of flexor hallucis longus in two and valgus deformity of the ankle in three. Vascularised fibular grafts are useful in the reconstruction of massive bony defects. We believe that meticulous preoperative planning, including choosing which vessels to select in the recipient and the type of fixation devices to use, and care in the introduction of the vascularised fibula, can improve the results and prevent complications.     

Ipsilateral vascularised fibula with external locking plate for treatment of massive tibial bone defects

IntroductionManagement of massive tibial bone defects remains challenging for orthopaedic doctors. This study aimed to ascertain the viability and reliability of utilising an ipsilateral vascularised fibula with an external locking plate for the difficult situation.Materials and methodsBetween January 2012 and December 2017, eight patients (7 men) with a mean age of 32.3 (19-54) years who presented with massive tibial bone defects were treated using the described technique. The mean length of the bone defect was 12.4 (8-20) cm. The patients were assessed for clinical and radiographic results, hypertrophy of the fibular graft with DeBoer and Wood's method, and SF-36 functional score.ResultsThe mean follow-up period was 40.3 (26-60) months. The average time for union was 5.6 (3-8) months. At the final follow-up, all patients had fully united grafts and walked without restriction. The mean graft hypertrophy index was 98.2 %. The SF-36 score was > 75 % in five patients, and 50-75 % in three. Three patients had a leg length discrepancy of > 1.5 cm. Two patients with equinus foot were treated using tibiotalocalcaneal fusion. Three patients had pin-tract infections. Four screws were broken in two cases.ConclusionIpsilateral vascularised fibular transfer combined with an external locking plate as a definitive external fixator provides a simple and comfortable treatment, and appropriate mechanical loading and vascularisation of the graft site to achieve hypertrophy of the fibular graft. Hence, our technique can serve as a valuable alternative for the treatment of massive tibial bone defects.     

Reconstruction of distal tibial defects following resection of malignant tumours by pedicled vascularised fibular grafts

The aim of this study was to evaluate the oncologic and functional outcome after wide resection of malignant tumours of the distal tibia and reconstruction of the defect by ipsilateral pedicled vascularised fibular graft and ankle arthrodesis. Thirteen patients (9 males and 4 females) with primary malignant tumours of the distal tibia were treated by wide resection. The mean age of the patients at the time of surgery was 15 years. The fibula was mobilised to fill the defect, pedicled on the peroneal vessels. The average size of the defects reconstructed was 10 cms. Patients were evaluated functionally using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society evaluation system. The mean duration of follow-up was 27 months. Chest metastases developed in 4 patients and local recurrence in one. The mean functional score was 80% at the time of last follow-up. The average time to union of the graft both proximally and distally was 6 months. Complications were minimal and did not affect the functional outcome. Reconstruction of distal tibial defects with an ipsilateral pedicled vascularised fibular graft is a technically easy reconstructive option which offers a predictable long standing functional outcome.     

桡骨远端瘤段切除后单纯自体腓骨移植与吻合血管腓骨移植重建桡腕关节疗效比较

目的分析单纯自体腓骨移植与吻合血管腓骨移植在桡骨远端瘤段切除后修复桡骨远端缺损和重建桡腕关节远期效果.方法 1979年1月～2002年9月对15例桡骨远端肿瘤患者行瘤段切除后,6例行单纯自体腓骨移植,9例行吻合血管腓骨移植重建桡腕关节.随访1年,参照Enneking系统及国际肢体修复讨论会所制定的同种/带血管蒂骨移植的影像学评价方法,进行肢体功能、影像学及供区的功能评价.结果 8例吻合血管腓骨移植恢复肢体功能的80%,6个月内完成骨愈合;6例单纯自体腓骨移植恢复肢体功能的67%,其中4例移植骨在5 cm以内术后6个月骨愈合可,2例骨移植超过12 cm者愈合延迟,分别为13个月和16个月;1例术后2个月行肘下截肢术.结论应用腓骨头替代桡骨远端重建腕关节是合适的;吻合血管腓骨移植重建桡腕关节不受骨缺损长度影响,且植骨愈合率高、时间短,无骨吸收.可作为桡骨远端肿瘤手术治疗的一种有效手段.     

A Novel technique of three-ring Ilizarov fixator frame in gap non-union of tibia

IntroductionGap non-union of tibia occurring mostly after trauma and many times complicated by infection, is a difficult problem to treat. The study aimed to assess the outcome of the three-ring construct of the Ilizarov fixator frame in the management of gap non-union of the tibia.MethodsThis retrospective study included 30 patients of gap non-union of tibia operated from April 2016 to March 2019 with a three-ring Ilizarov fixator frame and follow-up done till March 2021. The mean age was 39.27 (range 10–66) years. The results were assessed by the Association for the Study and Application of the Method of Ilizarov (ASAMI) criteria. MPTA, PPTA, and LDTA after removal of the frame were also measured.ResultsOut of the total 30 cases, all the patients showed complete union. The Ilizarov fixator was kept for an average period of 11.43 months and the mean defect size was 7.17 (range 2–12) cm. All patients were followed up for an average period of 39.36 (range 24–54) months. According to the ASAMI score bone/radiological results, 27 were classified as excellent, 2 as good, and 1 as poor. Functionally 28 were graded as excellent and the remainder as good. The normal ranges of MPTA, LDTA & PPTA were also achieved in a majority (80%) of patients.ConclusionOur results after using only a three-ring Ilizarov fixator frame are almost equivalent to earlier studies and have advantages such as less weight, better patient compliance, superior radiographic visualization, easy mobilization, and reduced costs. Ilizarov ring fixator remains an excellent treatment modality for tibial non-union with a defect, regarding bone union, deformity correction, infection eradication, limb-length achievement, and limb function.     

Vascularized fibula with and without extracorporeal radiotherapy for limb salvage surgery in Indian patients

BackgroundReconstruction of segmental bone defects following resection of bone sarcomas is a challenging procedure. Vascularised fibula grafts alone or in combination with extracorporeal radiotherapy and reimplantation of tumor bone have long been established as a method of reconstruction of such defects, with satisfying results. Prompted by paucity of data on Indian patients, we report our experience with vascularised fibula graft for patients undergoing limb salvage surgery for sarcomas of bone.Material and methodsA total of 25 patients underwent the procedure from December 2008 to December 2014. Femur was the commonest site and osteosarcoma was the commonest diagnosis. Intercalary resection was done in 19 patients and arthrodesis in 6 patients. Vascularised fibula was used in combination with extra corporeally irradiated bone in eight patients, and alone in 17 patients.ResultsAll but one limb could be salvaged, and all but three patients had united at final follow up. Combination of extracorporeal radiotherapy and reimplantation with vascularised fibula fared better than vascularised fibula alone in terms of time to union (9.6 months vs 12.2 months) and rate of graft related complications (14.2% vs 62.5%).ConclusionReconstruction with VFG with or without ECRT has a good and predictable functional outcome. Though manageable with active intervention, complications were more commonly seen with vascularised fibula alone than a combination of the two techniques.     

Vascularized bone grafts for congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia

Eight vascularized fibula grafts and two vascularized rib grafts were used for the treatment of 10 Boyd's Type II congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia. All but one vascularized fibula graft united within 4 months. The two vascularized rib grafts did not unite until receiving a conventional bone graft. Nine spontaneous fractures were seen in four patients; all were subsequently treated successfully with cast or conventional bone graft. Corrective osteotomies were done in two patients. Follow-up averaged 8 years and 5 months (range, 5 years and 1 month to 14 years and 4 months). Average age at end of follow-up was 13 years and 6 months (range, 7 years and 10 months to 20 years and 4 months). After bony union was achieved, shortening of the affected leg averaged 3.8 centimeters, flexion deformity averaged 20 degrees, and valgus deformity averaged 24 degrees. In three patients, whose leg discrepancy averaged 4.9 centimeters, the leg was lengthened at an average patient age of 13 years and 9 months (age range, 11 years and 7 months to 15 years and 2 months). The resulting limb length discrepancy averaged 2.2 centimeters. Vascularized bone grafting is a reliable technique for achieving bony union in congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia. Residual shortening may be corrected later by limb lengthening. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc. MICROSURGERY 17;459–469 1996     

Free vascularized fibular grafts

Postoperative results in 21 patients with bone defects that had been treated with a free vascularized fibular graft (FVFG) were evaluated. Pathogeneses in 21 patients were bone defect or pseudarthrosis after trauma in eight, massive bone defect after resection of bone and soft tissue tumor in six, congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia in six, and congenital arteriovenous fistula in the forearm in one patient. The follow-up ranged from 15 months to 12 years, with an average of four years and six months. At final review, 12 patients went on to primary bony union, and six additional patients obtained union following an additional conventional bone graft. Three FVFGs resulted in a non-vascularized fibular graft. However, two patients obtained union with additional bone graft. Only one patient failed to obtain bony union and eventually required an above-knee amputation. Bony union rates in congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia treated with the FVFG were lower than those in other diseases. Variables related to the surgical procedures and other factors affecting results and complications were also evaluated.     

先天性胫骨假关节的手术治疗

目的探讨先天性胫骨假关节的手术方式及疗效。方法对自1994年1月-2008年1月收治的先天性胫骨假关节7例。彻底切除假关节部位异常骨组织和增生的纤维结缔组织,钻通骨髓腔．创建新鲜的骨折断端。植骨方法分别为带血管蒂的腓骨移植或自体髂骨移植。固定方法采用髓内钉或Ilizarov外固定架固定,结合石膏及支具外固定。结果随访2-11年,5例骨折最终愈合,此5例中一次手术骨愈合3例,再骨折2例3次。失败2例,其中l例报告植骨Ilizamv外固定失败后,拒绝再治疗。另1例双侧胫腓假关节患儿,随访11年,共行5次髓内针内固定,3次Ilizarov外固定,均失败,患儿已14岁,轮椅生活,拒绝截肢。结论目前先天性胫骨假关节的治疗效果仍是不够理想．彻底切除病变组织带血管蒂的腓骨移植结合Ilizarov外固定或可提高治愈率。     

Residual nonunion following vascularised fibular graft treatment for congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia: a report of two cases

Resection and reconstruction using a vascularised fibular graft is a viable alternative treatment for congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia, although distal junctional nonunion and residual deformity are known complications that are difficult to treat. We illustrate 2 cases in which bony union was achieved following a technique using fibular grafting and intramedullary nailing, without additional bone grafting. This technique was feasible because of hypertrophy of the fibular graft.     

Free vascularised fibular graft in the treatment of congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia

Five cases of congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia successfully treated by a free vascularised fibular graft are described. Follow-up ranged from 5 to 34 months with a mean of 17.5 months. The technique, which includes radical excision of abnormal bone and soft tissue around the pseudarthrosis, also permits primary bone lengthening, and correction of deformity. The early results indicate that satisfactory bony union is achieved in a relatively short period of time.     

Infected nonunion of the tibia

The treatment of infected nonunited fractures of the tibia using the techniques of Ilizarov was compared with autogenous cancellous bone graft application under a well vascularized soft tissue envelope. There were 10 patients in the Ilizarov group and 17 in the bone graft group. Soft tissue coverage with a free vascularized or a rotational muscle flap was used more frequently among the patients having bone graft (71%) than the Ilizarov group (30%). All 27 patients had bony defects (average, 3.7 cm; range, 1-18 cm). At an average followup of 6 years, 26 patients had a functional limb, and one patient (Ilizarov group) ultimately required a below knee amputation. Three patients in each group required a second plate and bone graft procedure to gain union. Infection persisted in four patients (all in the Ilizarov group). If a well vascularized soft tissue envelope is present (particularly after flap coverage), bone grafting procedures are safe and efficacious. The Ilizarov technique may be best suited for the treatment of very proximal or distal metaphyseal nonunions and nonunions associated with large leg length discrepancies.     

The use of massive allograft with intramedullary fibular graft for intercalary reconstruction after resection of tibial malignancy

Reconstruction after intercalary excision of tibia malignancy is challenging. The combined use of a vascularized fibular flap and allograft can provide a reliable reconstructive option. Eight patients underwent reconstruction with an allograft and vascularized fibula following tibia malignancy resection. Patients were examined clinically and radiographically. The average age of patients was 16.5 years. The mean follow-up time was 38.4 months. Contralateral free fibula flap was used in three patients and ipsilateral pedicle fibula in five. The average length of defect was 11.8 cm and of fibula flap was 15.9 cm. Primary union was achieved in seven patients. The average time for bone union was 5.8 months at fibula-tibia junction and 14.1 months at allograft-tibia junction. Five patients had 10 complications. The Musculoskeletal Tumor Society average score was 90.8% at final follow-up. Intramedullary fibular flap in combination with massive allografts provide an excellent option for reconstruction of large bony defects after tibial malignancy extirpation. Ipsilateral pedicle fibula transportation had the advantages of short operation time and avoidance of donor site complications compared with the contralateral free fibula transfer.     

Ipsilateral vascularised fibular transport for massive defects of the tibia

The ipsilateral and contralateral fibulae have been used as a vascularised bone graft for loss of tibial bone usually by methods which have involved specialised microvascular techniques to preserve or re-establish the blood supply. We have developed a method of tibialisation of the fibula using the Ilizarov fixator system, ipsilateral vascularised fibular transport (IVFT), and have used it in five patients with massive loss of tibial bone after treatment of an open fracture, infected nonunion or chronic osteomyelitis. All had successful transport, proximal and distal union, and hypertrophy of the graft without fracture. One developed a squamous-cell carcinoma which ultimately required amputation of the limb. The advantage of IVFT is that the fibular segment retains its vascularity without the need for microvascular dissection or anastomoses. Superiosteal formation of new bone occurs if the tibial periosteal bed is retained. Other procedures such as corticotomy and lengthening can be carried out concurrently.     

带血管腓骨复合异体骨修复长骨肿瘤切除后骨缺损

目的 探讨带血管腓骨复合异体骨重建长骨恶性肿瘤切除后骨缺损的临床结果.方法 2006年4月至2009年10月对19例四肢长骨恶性骨肿瘤患者行保肢手术,男11例,女8例;年龄11～37岁,平均(18.5±7.6)岁.肱骨5例、股骨7例、胫骨7例.肿瘤切除后骨缺损长度(13.2±4.3)cm,采用带血管自体腓骨复合大段异体...