Use of free vascularized fibular graft for congenital ulnar pseudarthrosis: surgical decision making in the growing child

Congenital pseudarthrosis of the ulna may cause growth disturbance and progressive forearm deformity, leading to functional compromise of the upper extremity. Treatment is challenging, and surgical decision making must take into account three goals of treatment: bony healing, distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) stability, and continued skeletal growth. Four cases of congenital ulnar pseudarthrosis treated with free vascularized fibular graft are presented here. In two cases, the vascularized fibular graft included the proximal fibular epiphysis to reconstruct the DRUJ and ulnocarpal joints. Average age of the four patients at time of vascularized fibular grafting was 10 years (range 3-16 years). Patients had undergone up to three previous failed operations. A step-cut osteotomy technique with rigid internal fixation was used in all patients. Donor-site distal tibiofibular arthrodesis was performed in skeletally immature patients when appropriate. At average follow-up of 60 months (range 33-83 months), all patients achieved bony union with full wrist range of motion compared with the contralateral extremity. The DRUJ was stable in all patients. Two skeletally immature patients with concomitant epiphyseal transfer showed continued skeletal growth. Two patients nearing skeletal maturity achieved revascularization of the distal ulna. Free vascularized fibular grafting is a successful option in the treatment of congenital ulnar pseudarthrosis. Reconstruction of the distal radioulnar and ulnocarpal joints using concomitant proximal fibular epiphyseal transfer should be considered in the skeletally immature patient with distal ulnar involvement.     

Lateral Malleolus Reconstruction After Tumor Resection in Children: A Case Report and Literature Review

BackgroundPediatric reconstruction of lateral malleolus was necessary and challengeable. Up to now, vascularized fibular was the optimal graft to reconstruct epiphyseal defection. However, the sophisticated microvascular operation has limited the wide application of this technique.Case PresentationWe present the case of a 9‐year‐old boy with Ewing sarcoma in left distal fibula. In order to restore the growth capacity, we used reverse‐flow vascularized fibular epiphyseal graft with tibialis anterior artery to reconstruct the bone defect after tumor resection with no microvascular anastomosis. More than 4 years after the operation and adjuvant chemotherapy, the patient was free of pain and recurrence, and the function and stability of ankle joint was perfect. Radiology examination revealed satisfied bony union of fibula and normal growth of the fibular head transplant.ConclusionsThe advantage of reverse‐flow vascularized fibular epiphyseal graft is requiring no microvascular anastomosis which could not only shorten operating time, but also reduce factitious damage of vessels. This report presented that this technique might be an available option for reconstruction of lateral malleolus in children.     

Treatment of congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia with vascularized fibular periosteal transplant

The vascularized fibular periosteal flap has been recently described and showed solid angio and osteogenic features. We report the use of a free vascularized fibular periosteal transplant in the treatment of a El-Rosasy-Paley Type III congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia in a 7-year-old boy, with a prior unsuccessful surgery at the age of three. The contralateral fibular periosteum was used to replace two-thirds of the hamartomatous tibial periosteum. We did not proceed to debriding the focus of the pseudarthrosis nor addressed the tibial recurvatum or revised the previous tibial rod. Consolidation was achieved radiologically at 3 months, allowing for the tibial rod to be removed. One year postoperatively, the patient ambulated without the use of a protective orthesis and resumed his sports practice. This novel pathogenesis-based technique showed promising results and a prompt healing of such a difficult orthopedic condition.     

Vascularized epiphyseal transplant

In skeletally immature patients, the transfer of vascularized epiphysis along with a variable amount of adjoining diaphysis may provide the potential for growth of such a graft, preventing future limb length discrepancy. This article describes the authors' experience with the vascularized transfer of the proximal fibular epiphysis in the reconstruction of large bone defects including the epiphysis in a series of 27 patients ranging in age from 2 to 11 years. The follow-up, ranging from 2 to 14 years, has been long enough to allow some evaluation of the validity, indications, and limits of this reconstructive option.     

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.     

Reconstruction of scaphoid non-union and total scaphoid avascular necrosis in a pediatric patient: a case report

Background

The medial femoral condyle vascularized bone graft has grown in popularity for treating recalcitrant fracture non-unions and has become particularly useful in treating scaphoid non-union with avascular necrosis of the proximal pole. The medial femoral condyle is an excellent source of dense, well-vascularized bone and results in minimal donor site morbidity.

Methods

We describe an unusual case of chronic scaphoid non-union and total scaphoid avascular necrosis in a skeletally immature patient. Scaphoid reconstruction was performed with a vascularized medial femoral condyle graft, with successful graft incorporation, and restoration of pain-free wrist motion.

Conclusions

Technical considerations for harvest of the medial femoral condyle bone graft in the skeletally immature patient are discussed.     

Vascularized fibula transfer for lower limb reconstruction

Massive bony defects of the lower extremity are usually the result of high-energy trauma, tumor resection, or severe sepsis. Vascularized fibular grafts are useful in the reconstruction of large skeletal defects, especially in cases of scarred and avascular recipient sites, or in patients with combined bone and soft-tissue defects. Microvascular free fibula transfer is considered the most suitable autograft for reconstruction of the middle tibia because of its long cylindrical straight shape, mechanical strength, predictable vascular pedicle, and hypertrophy potential. The ability to fold the free fibula into two segments or to combine it with massive allografts is a useful technique for reconstruction of massive bone defects of the femur or proximal tibia. It can also be transferred with skin, fascia, or muscle as a composite flap. Proximal epiphyseal fibula transfer has the potential for longitudinal growth and can be used in the hip joint remodeling procedures. Complications can be minimized by careful preoperative planning of the procedure, meticulous intraoperative microsurgical techniques, and strict postoperative rehabilitation protocols. This literature review highlights the different surgical techniques, indications, results, factors influencing the outcome, and major complications of free vascularized fibular graft for management of skeletal or composite defects of the lower limb.     

Cryosurgery and vascularized fibular graft reconstruction in proximal tibia osteosarcoma in young children: A case report

IntroductionOsteosarcoma epidemiology in children younger than 5-year-old is very rare. Currently, limb salvage surgery becomes the preferred treatment in osteosarcoma. Wide excision using cryosurgery has been reported as an effective and safe procedure for malignant bone tumors.Case reportA 5-year-old girl was presented with pain and a lump on her right knee. Physical examination showed a solid circumferential mass in the proximal tibia, with limited range of motion due to mass and pain. Osteoblastic lesion with a discrete margin and narrow transition zone on the proximal tibia from plain radiograph and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination. Histopathological examination suggested osteosarcoma with a giant cell rich osteosarcoma subtype. Three cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy was conducted with cisplatin, ifosfamide, and adriamycin. We performed limb salvage surgery by wide excision with cryosurgery and vascularized fibular graft reconstruction. Wide excision was performed with the respect to preserve the epiphyseal plate. The proximal tibia segment was recycled using liquid nitrogen and re-implanted, fixed with a locking 2.7 mm T-plate and a straight reconstruction 2.7 mm reconstruction plate. Vascularized fibular graft was used to fill the bone defect on the medial side. Post-operative radiograph showed the plate and screws are well-fixated and the post-operative histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of conventional osteosarcoma HUVOS I. There was no post-operative complication observed, and the functional outcome was good.ConclusionsCryosurgery and vascularized fibular graft is a viable reconstructive option for proximal tibia osteosarcoma in very young children.     

Vascularized tibial periosteal graft in complex cases of bone nonunion in children

Bone nonunion in the pediatric population usually occurs in the context of highly unfavorable biological conditions. Recently, the vascularized fibular periosteal flap has been reported as a very effective procedure for treating this condition. Even though a vascularized tibial periosteal graft (VTPG) was described long ago and has been successfully employed in one adult case, there has been no other report published on the use of this technique. We report on the use of VTPG, pedicled in the anterior tibial vessels, for the treatment of two complex pediatric bone nonunion case: a recalcitrant supracondylar femoral pseudarthrosis secondary to an infection in an 11‐year‐old girl, and a tibial nonunion secondary to a failed bone defect reconstruction in a 12‐year‐old girl. Rapid healing was obtained in both cases. In the light of the data presented, we consider VTPG as a valuable surgical option for the treatment of complex bone nonunions in children. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 35:239–243, 2015.     

Periosteal osteosarcoma of the femur treated with modified capanna procedure: A case report

IntroductionPeriosteal osteosarcoma is a rare type of primary bone tumor. A vascularized fibula graft incorporates this revolutionary approach with a traditional massive allograft to reconstruct large femur and tibia defects during oncological resection. A structurally competent reconstruction with improved vascular and osteogenic capacities with the ability to achieve lower rates of fracture, infection, and non-union is obtained by integrating the benefits of this separate components.MethodA 16-year-old female diagnosed with periosteal osteosarcoma of the left shaft femur. We performed neoadjuvant chemotherapy, limb salvage surgery consists of surgical resection and reconstruction, followed by adjuvant chemotherapy post operatively. We used the modified Capanna procedure to salvage the femur.ResultPost-operative evaluation showed stable fixation clinically and radiologically. There were no complications observed during recovery, as both distal motor and sensory are normal eventhough the patient were still limited in the motion of the hip and knee at the time due to post-operative pain.DiscussionCappana procedure has been known as a novel surgical method that could decrease the risk of complications results from classic reconstruction method, such as fracture, non-union, and infection.ConclusionModified Cappana procedure which introduce the use liquid nitorgen-recycled autograft from the resected affected bone as a peripheral shell supporting a centrally placed vascularized fibular graft to fill the massive bone defect left by surgical resection, had successfully performed in our patient whom previously diagnosed with periosteal osteosarcoma of femoral shaft.     

Transfert libre microvascularisé de fibula dans la reconstruction de l’extrémité inférieure du radius

Free vascularized bone transfers are indicated to reconstruct large bone loss, either after traumatism or bone tumor resection. Free vascularized fibular transplant is particularly well designed for reconstruction of large defect of the distal radius. Anatomy is constant and harvesting is versatile and reliable. It may be used as bony transplant alone, osteocutaneous or osteocutaneomuscular. The length of the fibula harvested can be up to 25 cm. In children bone reconstruction, the proximal physis of the fibula can be transferred to allow secondary bone growth but there is a need for double anastomosis of the anteriotibial and the fibular bundles. Donor site sequelae are minimal.     

Case Report: Histologic Study of a Human Epiphyseal Transplant at 3 Years after Implantation

A 5-year-old boy underwent surgical excision of a Ewing’s sarcoma of the proximal femur. Reconstruction was performed using an ipsilateral vascularized epiphyseal transplant and a femoral allograft. Local recurrence of the tumor necessitated hip disarticulation 3 years after the initial procedure. We then performed a histologic analysis of the transplant. The growth plate was still normal in structure but had richly vascularized hyperplastic layers. We observed bridging between the articular cartilage and the growth plate. Each author certifies that he or she has no commercial associations (eg, consultancies, stock ownership, equity interest, patent/licensing arrangements, etc) that might pose a conflict of interest in connection with the submitted article. Each author certifies that his or her institution has approved the reporting of this case report, that all investigations were conducted in conformity with ethical principles of research, and that informed consent for participation in the study was obtained.     

Double‐barrel vascularized dual fibula transfer with epiphyseal growth plate for hip reconstruction: A case report

We present a case report of a 10‐year‐old girl diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma treated with intra‐articular wide resection of the right femur and reconstruction with a series‐connected double‐barrel bilateral vascularized fibula graft (db‐BVFG), including fibular head for articulation with the acetabulum of the pelvic bone and preservation of the epiphyseal growth plates for eventual limb growth. No postoperative complications were observed and bone union was achieved with fibular graft hypertrophy, allowing for full weight bearing. Neither local recurrence nor metastasis was observed at 17‐year follow‐up. Range of motion degrees at last follow up: hip flexion 90 degree, extension 12 degree, abduction 31 degree, rotation 25 degree. Right versus left limb discrepancy was 60 mm. Db‐BVFG may be an option for reconstruction of long femoral defects and hip joint restoration following tumor resection and inclusion of epiphysis within the graft is a viable option in pediatric patients to restore longitudinal growth of the reconstructed long bone.     

Free vascularized tibial periosteal graft with monitoring skin island for limb reconstruction: Anatomical study and case report

Several types of vascularized periosteal flaps have recently been described for the treatment or prevention of complex non‐union in pediatric patients. Among them, a vascularized tibial periosteal graft (VTPG), supplied by the anterior tibial vessels (ATV), has been used successfully as a pedicled flap in a few patients. The purpose of the study is to describe the periosteal branches of the ATV, as well as the cutaneous and muscular branches by means of an anatomical study. In addition, to report on the use of VTPG as a free flap with a monitoring skin island in a clinical case. A mean of 6.5 periosteal branches (range 5–7) were found. In all cases we located a cutaneous perforator branching from one of the periosteal branches located at the midlevel of the leg. We performed a two‐stage reconstruction of a recalcitrant non‐union and residual shortening of the right tibia in a 17‐year‐old boy. After nonunion focus distraction, we used a massive bone allograft fixed with a nail and covered by a VTPG as a biological resource. Allograft consolidation was achieved 5.5 months after surgery. At eighteen months after surgery, no complications were observed and the patient had resumed all his daily activities, despite a residual 2‐cm limb‐length discrepancy. VTPG may be considered as a valuable surgical option for bone reconstruction in complex biological scenarios in the young population. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 37:248–251, 2017.     

Ligamentous avulsion of the ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb of a child

Ulnar collateral ligament ruptures of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb in children are usually associated with epiphyseal fractures of the proximal phalanx and, less frequently, cartilaginous fragments from the metacarpal. Radiographs are often normal. We describe an isolated ligamentous avulsion of the ulnar collateral ligament from the thumb metacarpal, without a bony or cartilaginous fragment, in a skeletally immature 12-year-old boy.     

带血管蒂骨骺瓣移植的基础与临床研究

目的介绍带血管蒂骨骺瓣移植的基础研究及相关临床应用。方法回顾总结笔者近20年来在带血管蒂骨骺瓣移植方面所做的相关应用解剖、动物实验及临床应用研究,探讨其临床应用疗效。结果膝下外侧动脉腓骨头骺瓣和臀上动脉深上支髂骨骺瓣均可作为骨骺游离移植的供区。动物实验表明,带血供的骨骺瓣移植能够成活并保持生长能力。1例膝下外侧动脉腓骨头骺瓣移植重建尺骨远端患者,18年随访示修复的尺骨与对侧几近等长且功能良好。结论带血管蒂骨骺瓣移植是修复儿童长骨骨端缺损的有效方法。     

Corrective valgus osteotomy after free vascularized fibula transfer for the treatment of osteomyelitis at the neck of the femur: case report

Reconstruction using a free vascularized fibula was performed on a long bony defect after osteomyelitis of the proximal femur. For this type of bone defect, a double-barrel fibular graft is recommended. The authors used this procedure for a 58-year-old male who had osteomyelitis of the left proximal femur. As osteotomy through a transplanted fibula can be safely performed, abduction osteotomy should be considered when coxa vara remains after reconstruction with a free vascularized fibula transfer.     

Reconstruction after resection of tumors around the knee: role of the free vascularized fibular graft

We present our experience with reconstruction after resection of tumors around the knee, using free vascularized fibular grafting. The study included 23 patients. The lower femur was involved in 17 cases, the upper tibia in 6. The cases included giant cell tumor of the lower femur (2 patients), giant cell tumor of the upper tibia (1 patient), malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the lower femur (1 patient), parosteal osteosarcoma (1 patient), and periosteal osteosarcoma (1 patient). The remaining patients suffered from conventional osteogenic sarcomas. The size of the defect ranged from 12 to 16 cm in length. Skin flap necrosis after tumor resection was the most common complication encountered. Other complications included peroneal nerve involvement in one case and rupture of the arterial anastomosis in another. All transferred fibulas progressed to union within 7-9 months. Union time of both upper and lower ends of the fibula and time of appearance of periosteal reaction were identical. In evaluating periosteal hypertrophy of the fibula, the hypertrophy (de Boer) index (de Boer HD, Wood MB, J Bone Joint Surg 1989;71B:374-378) proved unreliable. False positive results are obtained, when callus formation around the lower end of the femur is far more abundant than at the upper end of the fibula. For this reason, we introduced the graft index. The latter is the ratio between the diameter of the graft at its thinnest portion at latest follow-up to its diameter on the day of operation, as calculated on plain radiographs. Two of the viable fibulas developed stress fractures after plate removal. Functional and quality-of -life results were satisfactory. It is concluded that the free vascularized fibular graft remains a valuable reconstruction option after the resection of tumors around the knee, provided certain precautions are followed. First, before closure of the wound, the skin flaps should be assessed for their viability. Necrotic parts should be excised. Stable fixation is a necessary prerequisite at the time of operation. Removal of the fixation device should not be guided by union or periosteal hypertrophy, but by true widening of the medullary canal.     

Use of osteocutaneous "double-barrel fibular flaps" in limb reconstruction: four clinical cases.

The use of a vascularized fibular transfer is a technique used for the reconstruction of large defects in long bones. A technical variation that consists of osteotomizing the transplant, giving two distinct segments, is adapted in the reconstruction of long bones with a large diameter, in particular, the femur or the proximal tibia. The results obtained using this technique in four clinical cases are presented here. The length of the bone defects was between 7.5 and 11 cm. There were two cases involving the tibia, one case the distal humerus, and one case the pelvis.