Free vascularized fibular bone flap in the rat

Free vascularized fibula bone flap has been widely used in reconstruction of the mandible, long segment defect, congenital pseudarthroses, and osteomyelitis. Such applications stirred an interest in basic studies of bone biology, bone healing process, and incorporation of recipient bone defect. An experimental free vascularized fibula rat model is presented here for such investigations. We performed 16 angiograms and anatomic dissections in eight rats for collecting data on fibular length, blood supply, and the caliber of significant vessels. The fibula was harvested with part of the flexor hallucis longus muscle with an average length of 28 mm. The pedicle can be taken in continuity with the popliteal vessels (average diameter of 0.8 mm and 0.9 mm of artery and vein, respectively, with an average pedicle length of 14 mm). This vascularized fibula bone was harvested and transferred to the groin area of the same rat and anastomosed to the saphenous vessels. Twelve transplantations were performed, with a 7-day flap survival rate of 100%. The free fibula vascularized bone flap in the rat is a reliable model for further investigations.     

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...     

Arthrodesis for ankle osteoarthritis after harvesting of free vascularized fibular bone: a case report

Introduction Although free vascularized fibular bone grafting is a good method for the reconstruction of large bone defects, it might cause morbidity of the donor leg. Progression of ankle osteoarthritis, valgus deformity and instability of the donor leg subsequently leading to arthrodesis has rarely been reported. Materials and methods A 53-year-old man suffered from a left tibial comminuted and Gustilo type IIIb open fracture. A folded free vascularized osteoseptocutaneous flap was harvested from the right fibula and transferred to the left tibial bone defect. After the reconstructive surgery, the patient obtained a solid union of the left tibial shaft uneventfully. Ten years later, he suffered intermittent pain on his right ankle. Plain radiographs revealed progressive tibiotalar osteoarthritis. Right ankle arthrodesis with crossed cannulated screws fixation and osteosynthesis of the fibula to the tibia and talus were performed. However, this procedure failed due to a deep infection and osteomyelitis. A revision of the failed ankle fusion was performed by using a vascularized iliac bone flap to strut the anterolateral aspect of the tibiotalar bone defect. A ventral plate fixation and supplementary onlay bone grafting were applied across the anterior aspect of the tibiotalar joint. At the 2-year follow-up, the patient had no pain and resumed his regular daily activities. Conclusions Harvesting of the fibula may cause longterm ankle osteoarthritis that requires ankle arthrodesis. In revision arthrodesis a ventral plate fixation and vascularized iliac bone flap may be the treatment of choice, neutralizing the large moment due to the long lever arms.     

The versatility of the free fibula flap in the management of traumatic long bone defects

The free fibula flap has been used to treat ten patients with important long bone defects (mean length 14 cm) following severe trauma. Defects in all the long bones of the limbs have been treated by this technique. Five free osseous and five osteocutaneous flaps were performed. Primary skeletal union occurred at 17 bone junctions (85 per cent) within 5 months. No secondary grafting procedures were required. The mean delay in referral was 17 months and eight patients had already undergone three or more unsuccessful surgical procedures to promote union. The versatility of the vascularized free fibula flap is presented as a one-stage reconstruction for large bony and soft tissue defects, stressing the importance of prompt referral and recognition of cases. A combined orthopaedic and plastic surgical approach to these patients is advisable from the onset.     

Major mandibular reconstruction with vascularized bone grafts: Indications and selection of donor tissue

Free vascularized bones have been shown by many specialists to exhibit specific capabilities of reconstructing a major mandibular defect and can solve problems that may be insoluble by other methods. Nevertheless, absolute indications for using vascularized bone for major mandibular reconstructions have not been sufficiently well delineated to convince people of always considering vascularized bone for major mandibular reconstructions as a first option. Based on our experience with 55 major mandibular reconstructions, we might delineate the absolute indications for using free vascularized bone for major mandibular reconstructions explicitly: (1) osteoradionecrosis of mandible or on irradiated tissue bed; (2) hemimandibular reconstruction with a free end facing the glenoid fossa; (3) long segment mandibular defect, especially across the symphysis; (4) inadequate skin or mucosal lining; (5) defects demanding sandwich reconstruction; (6) inability to obtain secure immobilization on the reconstructed unit; (7) failure of reconstruction by other methods; (8) near total mandibular reconstruction. Selection of donor tissue should be according to (1) the amount of tissue deficiencies, (2) composition of the defect, (3) design and placement of the flap, (4) irradiation on the recipient site or not, (5) which vessels to be used, (6) which flap has the appropriate vessel length (7) skin color and texture of the donor tissue, (8) how many osteotomies required to simulate the curvature of the resected mandible (9) speed of bony union, (10) feasibility of future osseointegration. We have used three kinds of vascularized bones (iliac bone, fibula, scapula). lliac bone was most frequently used, and has always been our first choice, since it can carry good quality bone, a large skin flap, and ample soft tissue. The fibula has the merit of being less bulky and good for simultaneous intraoral lining, but the contour is more rigid and the bony height is insufficient. The scapula bone is rarely used at present because of its relative inconvenience. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Segmental femur reconstruction using an intercalary allograft with an intramedullary vascularized fibula bone flap

The use of intercalary allografts has been an important innovation for use in limb-salvage surgery. However, the principal disadvantage of intercalary allografts is a high incidence of nonunion, fracture, and infection. With a recent trend toward higher doses of chemotherapy, an increased incidence of nonunion and healing problems can be anticipated with the use of allografts. In this article, the authors report two cases in which a vascularized fibula bone flap was used with an intercalary allograft, utilising an intramedullary approach, for immediate femur reconstruction following sarcoma resection. The rationale for this approach is to combine the mechanical strength of an allograft with the biologic activity of a vascularized bone flap. The allograft provides bone stock and early stability, while the addition of the vascularized bone flap substantially facilitates the host-allograft union.     

Free vascularized fibula grafts for salvage of failed oncologic long bone reconstruction and pathologic fractures

Vascularized bone grafts, particularly the free fibula transfer, have incited revolutionary changes in the field of skeletal reconstruction. In no place has this been more evident than in oncologic reconstruction. The free vascularized fibula graft has been used to good effect for primary long‐bone reconstruction, long‐bone allograft complication salvage, and pathologic fracture salvage of the long bones. Although many of these procedures often entail significant complications, limb salvage has been made possible in a majority of patients using transfers of free vascularized fibula grafts. The purpose of this review is to critically evaluate the technique of onlay free vascularized fibula grafts for salvage of allograft complications and pathologic fractures of the long bones. This will be accomplished by reviewing the problem of allograft complications and pathologic fractures, the current treatment modalities available, the outcomes of these treatments, and future directions of treatment for this particular problem. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2009.     

皮肤与骨骼复合缺损的修复

目的 探讨显微外科修复肢体骨与皮肤复合缺损的技术和效果。方法 39例肢体骨与皮肤复合缺损患者接受显微外科手术修复:游离移植背阔肌肌皮瓣,而后髂骨植骨4例,移植髂骨皮瓣7例,移植腓骨皮瓣6例,组合移植背阔肌肌皮瓣与游离腓骨20例,组合移植双侧背阔肌肌皮瓣与游离腓骨2例。结果 移植组织完全成活30例,9例移植的(肌)皮瓣远端皮肤发生局部浅表坏死,经换药后愈合。移植骨术后12～18周与宿主骨牢固连接。平均随访3年6个月,修复肢体均恢复有用功能。14例12岁以下儿童,修复后下肢生长正常,未发生肢体不等长现象。结论 严格手术指征,准确操作,酌情选择不同皮瓣与骨复合组织移植的显微外科修复是治疗骨与皮肤缺损的有效手段。     

带血管蒂的腓骨瓣移植和Ilizarov外固定骨牵引术治疗胫骨骨缺损骨不连的比较

目的 分析比较带血管蒂的腓骨瓣移植和Ilizarov外固定骨牵引术治疗胫骨骨缺损骨不连的疗效.方法 回顾性分析2009年5月至2013年5月我们收治的64例胫骨骨缺损骨不连患者的病例资料.2009年5月至2012年4月对30例患者采用Ilizarov外固定骨牵引术治疗(骨牵引术组);2012年5月至2013年5月对34例患者采用带血管蒂的腓骨瓣移植术治疗(腓骨瓣移植术组).对两组患者医疗指标和Johner-Wruhs胫骨干骨折疗效评价标准进行比较.结果 与腓骨瓣移植术组比较,骨牵引术组患者的手术时间、住院时间更短,差异均有统计学意义(均P<0.05);但腓骨瓣移植术组的愈合时间较骨牵引术组明显缩短,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05).两组患者的并发症发生率差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).治疗后的Johner-Wruhs评分,腓骨瓣移植术组优良率为82.4%(28/34),骨牵引术组为60.0%(18/30),差异有统计学意义(P<0.05).结论 对比Ilizarov外固定骨牵引术,带血管蒂的腓骨瓣移植术治疗胫骨骨缺损骨不连患者具有骨折愈合时间短、疗效更佳的特点,但是其手术时间以及住院时间均显著延长.     

采用带血管腓骨移植一期修复慢性骨髓炎大段骨缺损

目的 探索慢性骨髓炎大段骨早期摘除后骨缺损的一期修复效果。方法 胫骨慢性骨髓炎并大段骨清除后,作吻合血管腓骨移植一期予以重建１８例;作炎性骨段切除,采肜带血管蒂腓骨移位一期予以修复２例。结果 胫骨慢性骨髓炎在摘除在大段死骨后应用吻合血管腓骨移植或带血管腓骨移植或带血管蒂腓骨移位重建。术后３￣６个月见重建骨完全骨性愈合,邻近关节诸骨受累的炎症得到完全控制;修复肢体的功能与外形恢复令人满意。结论 对慢     

Monitoring island flap for fibular graft in 30 patients with long bone defects

To study the effect of vascularized fibulargraft on large defects of long bones and the monitoringmethod for the vascular status of the grafted fibula.     

Vascularized bone grafts in children. Specifics and indications

The authors report on the vascularized bone grafts used in children. Some of them are the same as those used in adults, like the fibula free flap. Others are growth plate transfers as the proximal fibular epiphysis, the iliac crest or the lateral scapular crest. Finally, other transfers are periosteal vascularized grafts. The indications and results are discussed concerning the congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia (43 cases treated by the first author), the congenital pseudarthrosis of the forearm, the tumors of the limb and the post-traumatic defects. The specific indications in children are the microsurgical growth plate transfers, especially the epiphyseal growth fibula for the upper limb and the iliac crest for the lower limb.     

Cross-leg pedicled fibular graft--a new reconstructive method with vascularized bone graft]

Theoretical foundations for cross-leg pedicled fibular graft, a new method for reconstruction within lower extremity with vascularized bone graft is presented. The flap can be raised in two fashions depending on blood flow direction in the pedicle. In case of regular flow up to 18 cm of fibula is available; in reversed pedicular flow over 20 cm of fibula can be harvested. An arch of rotation of the flap reaches mid-thigh and peripheral part of the lower extremity. Cross-leg pedicled fibular graft can be used for concomitant soft tissue defect reconstruction as well. Crossing and immobilization of both lower extremities is necessary for 4 weeks. No microsurgical procedure is required. Skin island of the fibular flap or narrow muscular cuff left around fibular vessels is sufficient to protect the pedicle. Main indication for cross-leg pedicled fibular flap include patients with major lower extremity injury with axial vessels damage or with history of previous trauma and thrombosis, and patients after bone tumor resection who had chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. The indications may be markedly broadened especially in centers with no access to microsurgery. The results of this method are very encouraging so far.     

Fibula osteoseptocutaneous flap for mandible reconstruction

The fibula free flap has become an established flap for mandible reconstruction when vascularized bone is desirable. Recreating mandibular contour, providing soft tissue coverage, and restoring masticatory function are equally important in mandible reconstruction, and these can be provided by the fibula osteoseptocutaneous flap. This article is a summary of the anatomy, indications, and operative technique of the fibula osteoseptocutaneous flap accumulated from 49 consecutive mandible reconstructions. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

改进法腓骨移植治疗胫骨及周围皮肤软组织缺损

改进切取带血管腓骨及其复合组织瓣方法治疗合并胫前及周围皮肤软组织条件不良的胫骨骨缺损。方法：采用改进法行带血管腓骨及复合组织皮瓣的切取,术中先锯断两端腓骨再行带肌袖腓骨的切取和腓动静脉血管蒂的显露。为保障移植腓骨的血运,腓动脉两断端均与受区胫前动脉吻合。结果：术中无１例损伤腓动静脉,切取腓骨时间在２０～４０ｍｉｎ,１６例腓骨均一期骨愈合。结论：该改进法切取腓骨具有手术出血量少、解剖清晰、手术时间较常规方法极大缩短的优点。腓骨复合组织瓣移植法行植骨的同时可修复胫前皮肤软组织缺损,并可对移植腓骨的血运情况进行监测。     

Reverse-flow vascularized fibular graft: a new method

The reverse-flow island flap is a relatively recent concept. We have applied this concept to the vascularized bone graft. We report a new method of the reverse-flow vascularized fibular graft for two patients with a pseudarthrosis and massive bone defect of the tibia. The peroneal artery and venae comitantes were severed proximally and elevated with the fibula while maintaining distal vascular continuity. The reverse-flow vascularized fibula was grafted to the posterior aspect of the bone defect of the tibia. Bony union was obtained in both cases. The reverse-flow vascularized fibular graft has many advantages compared with free vascularized fibular graft.     

A comparison between fibula and iliac crest in mandibular reconstruction

Nowadays the vascularized free fibula flap and the free iliac crest flap are the methods most frequently used to reconstruct the mandible. This is also the case in our clinic. A retrospective nonrandomized study was performed to compare both flaps. The vascularized fibula free flap and the iliac crest free flap were compared in terms of logistics, flap failure, revisionary surgery, donor site morbidity, and recipient site morbidity. No significant differences in flap failure and revision surgery were found between the fibula group and the iliac crest group. Recipient site and donor site complications (major and minor) were significantly less in the fibula group compared to the iliac crest group. In mandibular reconstruction, the free vascularized fibula flap appears to be superior to the free vascularized iliac crest flap in terms of both recipient site and donor site morbidity.     

Temporomandibular joint reconstruction using a vascularized bone graft with Alloderm

Vascularized free bone grafts have been used extensively for reconstruction of the mandible. When surgical resection includes the temporomandibular joint, definitive management remains controversial. We describe a novel technique that involves the use of a fibula free flap with Alloderm to reconstruct the lateral hemi-mandible and temporomandibular joint capsule. The study was performed by retrospective review of a case series at an academic center. Patients undergoing composite resection of the lateral hemi-mandible including the condyle with disruption of the temporomandibular joint were evaluated. These patients were all reconstructed with a vascularized fibula free flap with an Alloderm neocondyle reconstruction. There were nine patients with a mean age of 49.9 years. Mean follow-up was 13.1 months. There were no flap failures, infections, or complications. All patients reported improved facial symmetry, excellent jaw opening, and acceptable occlusion. All patients were able to tolerate a soft oral diet following surgery. No patients required gastrostomy tubes postoperatively. The lateral hemi-mandible and temporomandibular joint can be resected and successfully reconstructed using a fibula free flap with Alloderm to create the neocondyle. Improved postoperative cosmesis, decreased trismus, adequate jaw opening, minimal jaw drift, and the ability to chew were achieved in the majority of patients treated in this manner.     

Free combined anterolateral thigh flap and vascularized iliac bone graft with double vascular pedicle

Although free vascularized iliac bone graft has been successfully used for the reconstruction of large bone defect with microvascular surgery, there is a serious problem of how to repair in one-stage, those cases having a large bone defect with a very wide skin defect. A free combined anterolateral flap and vascularized iliac bone graft with double vascular pedicles seems to be a most suitable method for cases having both large bone and skin defects. Two case reports are presented in which this flap was used. Based on the authors' cases, the advantages of this flap are its thinness and the extreme wideness of the skin territory. The anatomy of the pedicle vessels is large and long, and the donor scar can be made in an unexposed area. This flap can be considered for use in one-stage reconstructions of both large bone and skin defects in the oral and leg regions.     

Vascularized fibular graft in infected tibial bone loss

Background:

The treatment options of bone loss with infections include bone transport with external fixators, vascularized bone grafts, non-vascularized autogenous grafts and vascularized allografts. The research hypothesis was that the graft length and intact ipsilateral fibula influenced hypertrophy and stress fracture. We retrospectively studied the graft hypertrophy in 15 patients, in whom vascularized fibular graft was done for post-traumatic tibial defects with infection.

Materials and Methods:

15 male patients with mean age 33.7 years (range 18 - 56 years) of post traumatic tibial bone loss were analysed. The mean bony defect was 14.5 cm (range 6.5 – 20 cm). The mean length of the graft was 16.7 cm (range 11.5 – 21 cm). The osteoseptocutaneous flap (bone flap with attached overlying skin flap) from the contralateral side was used in all patients except one. The graft was fixed to the recipient bone at both ends by one or two AO cortical screws, supplemented by a monolateral external fixator. A standard postoperative protocol was followed in all patients. The hypertrophy percentage of the vascularized fibular graft was calculated by a modification of the formula described by El-Gammal. The followup period averaged 46.5 months (range 24 – 164 months). The Pearson correlation coefficient (r) was worked out, to find the relationship between graft length and hypertrophy. The t-test was performed to find out if there was any significant difference in the graft length of those who had a stress fracture and those who did not and to find out whether there was any significant difference in hypertrophy with and without ipsilateral fibula union. The Chi square test was performed to identify whether there was any association between the stress fracture and the fibula union. Given the small sample size we have not used any statistical analysis to determine the relation between the percentage of the graft hypertrophy and stress fracture.

Results:

Graft union occurred in all patients in a mean time of 3.3 months, at both ends. At a minimum followup of 24 months the mean hypertrophy noted was 63.6% (30 – 136%) in the vascularized fibular graft. Ten stress fractures occurred in seven patients. The mean duration of the occurrence of a stress fracture in the graft was 11.1 months (2.5 – 18 months) postoperatively. The highest incidence of stress fractures was when the graft hypertrophy was less than 20%. The incidence of stress fractures reduced significantly after the graft hypertrophy exceeded 20%.

Conclusion:

In most cases hypertrophy of the vascularized fibular graft occurs in response to mechanical loading by protected weight bearing, and the amount of hypertrophy is variable. The presence or absence of an intact fibula has no bearing on the hypertrophy or incidence of stress fracture. The length of the fibular graft has no bearing on the hypertrophy or stress fracture.