Vascularized fibular graft for bone defects after wide resection of musculoskeletal tumors

Background  

In reconstruction by vascularized fibular graft (VFG) after wide resection of musculoskeletal tumors, there are problems such as the method of fixing the fibular graft, the period of achieving bone union, and the avoidance of postoperative fractures. We have performed VFG on 19 cases over a 30-year period. We have investigated these problems and now report the results.     

Vascularized bone transfer for limb salvage and reconstruction after resection of aggressive bone lesions

At our institution from 1980 to 1985, 30 patients underwent resection of malignant or locally aggressive bone tumors, with limb salvage and reconstruction by free vascularized bone grafts. Of the 26 patients followed up for at least four months (average, 21 months), four had complications. In these four, there were three nonunions, two infections, and one stress fracture. The average duration of immobilization was 7.6 months in the lower extremity, five months in the pelvis, and 3.8 months in the upper extremity. The average time to union was 6.3 months in the lower extremity, five months in the pelvis, and five months in the upper extremity. Although the technique of oncologic reconstruction must be individualized, our experience indicates that vascularized bone grafts offer significant advantages over conventional methods in selected patients.     

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.     

Non-vascularized fibular graft reconstruction after resection of giant aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC)

The aim of this study was to present the results of non-vascularized fibular graft for reconstruction of bone defects after en block resection of giant aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) of the extremities. Between 1998 and 2006, three patients, aged 6, 8 and 23 years, with giant aneurysmal bone cysts were treated. The cysts were located in the humerus, proximal femur and metatarsal. All patients were given en bloc resection of the cyst followed by non-vascularized fibular bone graft, with the graft length ranging from 6 to 18 cm. All patients needed supplementary fixation with a single Kirschner wire or plate and screws. At the final follow-up, bony union was achieved in each case, and there was no recurrence, limitation of range of motion or disability. In addition, complete regeneration of the fibula at the donor site was seen in the two children. We propose a criterion for giant ABC, when the transverse diameter of the cyst is up to three times or more of the transverse diameter of the nearby bone, it is then called a giant ABC. Non-vascularized fibular graft is an optimal and valuable method for the reconstruction of bone defects after resection of giant ABC in the extremities.     

吻合血管的腓骨近端移植修复桡骨远端骨肿瘤切除术后骨缺损

目的 评价吻合血管的腓骨近端移植修复桡骨远端骨肿瘤切除术后骨缺损的方法及治疗效果.方法 对12例桡骨远端骨肿瘤患者行桡骨远端切除,应用吻合血管的腓骨近端移植修复骨缺损并重建桡腕关节.术后对肢体功能及影像学进行评价.结果 12例患者均获随访,时间1～9年.腕关节平均活动度:掌屈30.3°±6.5°,背伸 52.1°±8.7°,尺偏 19.2°±3.6°,桡偏 12.3°±2.1°,旋前 32.1°±4.2°,旋后 21.2°±3.9°.按Enneking标准评价肢体功能:优4例,良6例,一般2例.移植腓骨均在3～6个月达到骨性愈合.5例出现不同程度的下尺桡关节分离,3例出现桡腕关节半脱位.肿瘤无复发.结论 吻合血管的腓骨近端移植是治疗桡骨远端骨肿瘤切除术后骨缺损的有效方法.     

Vascularized bone graft in carpal bone reconstruction

We report our experience of vascularized bone graft harvested from the volar aspect of the distal radius for carpal bone reconstruction. Thirty cadaveric dissections showed in all cases the volar carpal artery which born from the radial artery. Between 1994 to 2001, we treated 87 scaphoid non-unions with an average follow-up of 41 months (range 6 to 65 months). Union was obtained in 80 patients (92%) with an average delay of 8.6 weeks (range 6 to 24). Between 1994 to 2000 we treated 22 patients with a Kienbock's disease. A radius shortening was always added to the revascularization of lunate by this vascularized bone graft. Preoperative and postoperative MRI was systematically done. The average follow-up was 55 months (range 24 to 92 months). MRI showed healing with good revascularization in 16 cases (74%). Lesions of lunate were stabilized in five cases and we had one failure with secondary palliative procedure. This simple but meticulous technique needs only one approach and allows a sufficient revascularisation.     

计算机辅助恶性骨肿瘤个性化切除与精确重建

目的探讨计算机辅助恶性骨肿瘤个性化切除与精确重建的新方法,评价计算机辅助技术在恶性骨肿瘤手术治疗中的价值。方法 2007年1月～2010年7月共收治13例恶性骨肿瘤患者。其中男7例,女6例,年龄19～46岁。Enneking分期ⅡA期8例,ⅡB期5例。所有患者均采用薄层CT扫描获取病变部位的二维数据,重建三维解剖模型,运用计算机辅助设计（computer aided design,CAD）技术精确设计肿瘤切除范围、个性化辅助手术模板以及个性化骨修复体,模拟骨缺损修复重建过程。术中按照CAD方案精确切除肿瘤组织,采用外形匹配的异体骨或异体骨＋个性化人工关节置换重建骨肿瘤切除后遗留骨缺损。随访期间采用骨与软组织肿瘤学会（Musculoskeletal Tumor Society,MSTS）保肢评分系统对随访患者进行功能评价。结果 13例患者均获得随访,随访时间10～52个月,平均24.8个月。术后早期X线片显示骨缺损区域结构重建效果好,骨缺损区域解剖结构获得恢复。所有患者均存活,末次随访MSTS评分为17～27分,平均23.5分,其中优7例,良4例,可2例。2例发生异体骨感染,1例异体骨不愈合,1例钢板断裂,2例异体骨吸收。1例髋臼肿瘤术后18个月局部复发,行肿瘤再切除治疗。结论将计算机辅助技术用于骨恶性肿瘤的手术治疗,可以正确设计肿瘤切除边界、准确切除肿瘤并对病变区域的骨关节结构进行精确重建,从而将骨肿瘤手术治疗提升到个性化外科手术的高度。     

Vascularized fibular grafts for the reconstruction of segmental tibial bone defects

Free vascularized fibular grafts were employed in seven patients with large tibial defects following trauma or resection of tumour. All patients were followed for more than 5 years. Tibial union and excellent functional results were achieved in all seven patients. Free vascularized fibular transfer seems to be an effective method of treatment for massive segmental bone defects.     

Limb reconstruction with vascularized fibular grafts after bone tumor resection

Limb-salvage operations are being used with increasing frequency for patients with malignant bone tumors. For children, when a biologic reconstruction is desired, the choice is often between conventional and vascularized fibular grafts. An experimental study was performed in dogs to compare the two types of fibular grafts for bridging segmental defects in the radius and ulna. Twenty-six adult dogs were divided into two groups and studied at intervals of two, three, four, six, and 12 months after transplantation. The conventional grafts healed by creeping substitution i.e., they were first partially resorbed before new bone was laid down. In contrast, the vascularized fibulae maintained their normal structure and hypertrophied by subperiosteal new bone formation. The conventional fibulae eventually hypertrophied but much later than the vascularized grafts. The vascularized grafts were stronger at four and six months. Between six and 12 months, both grafts remodeled to resemble the size and shape of the forearm bones they were replacing. These experimental results have influenced the treatment of patients. Vascularized fibular grafts are ideal for diaphyseal defects greater than 10 cm long, especially in very young children, a poorly vascularized bed, or when bone healing is delayed by chemotherapeutic agents. To maximize hypertrophy, an external fixator is used to immobilize the graft rather than a plate, which acts as a stress shield.     

Full-thickness skin graft after nail complex resection for malignant tumors

Melanoma in situ and early squamous cell carcinoma can be treated successfully with excision with narrow margins. However, as the extent of disease is known only after pathologic examination of the entire lesion, the appropriate initial surgical margin is a dilemma. Lesions that involve the nail complex present an additional challenge for surgeons-whether to excise the nail complex partially or completely. The ideal form of reconstruction is also in question. We elect to completely excise the nail complex with immediate reconstruction using a full-thickness skin graft, allowing complete tumor clearance and preserving the distal phalanx. We retrospectively reviewed records of patients who had undergone complete nail complex excision and immediate skin grafting. We assessed the need for additional procedures for positive resection margins, full-thickness skin graft take on the bare bone of the distal phalanx, and final aesthetic appearance. Our study included 9 patients who had surgery on a total of 10 digits. One patient underwent repeat resection with distal phalanx disarticulation after pathologic assessment revealed a positive margin for an invasive tumor No patients had a local recurrence. Two patients required a second procedure-one for excision of a nail remnant and another for excision of an epidermal inclusion cyst. All patients were satisfied with the results, with none wanting further nail reconstruction, and all returned to presurgery use of the hand. This technique is effective for managing melanoma in situ and early squamous cell carcinoma that affect the nail complex.     

Microsurgical free fibular bone transfer: A technique for reconstruction of large skeletal defects following resection of high-grade malignant tumors

In selected patients with localized malignant bone tumors, radical en bloc resection with adjuvant chemotherapy is now performed. Vascularized bone autografts can be used for secondary reconstruction of the bone defect. These grafts have the advantages of the nonvascularized ones, as well as the advantages of preserved viability. The fibula is usually the most suitable donor bone. Our surgical technique and the advantages and limitations of vascularized bone grafts are discussed.

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Resumen En pacientes seleccionados de tumores óseos malignos localizados se puede realizar la resección en bloque con quimioterapia adyuvante, y es posible utilizar autoinjertos vascularizados de hueso para la reconstrucción secundaria del defecto óseo. La técnica del autoinjerto óseo vascularizado ha sido desarrollada en un esfuerzo por evitar los problemas de la revascularización de los injertos óseos convencionales. Los injertos óseos vascularizados poseen las ventajas de los no vascularizados, y todas las ventajas de la conservación de su viabilidad. Los injertos vascularizados, siendo independientes de la vecina vascularidad del lecho recipiente, parecen tolerar bien la irradiación y son resistentes a la infección. El peroné es generalmente el hueso más adecuado para servir como donante. Debido al estado vascular de la extremidad, no siempre es posible utilizar un injerto óseo vascularizado para la reconstrucción. El papel primordial del cirujano debe ser el de resecar el tumor maligno con márgenes adecuados de tejido normal, tanto de tejidos blandos como de hueso. Este objetivo no debe verse comprometido por tratar de preservar vasos que puedan permitir la reconstrucción con un injerto óseo vascularizado. En este artículo se discuten los aspectos de nuestra técnica quirúrgica y las ventajas y limitaciones de los injertos óseos vascularizados.

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Résumé Certaines tumeurs malignes osseuses sélectionnées avec attention relèvent de nos jours d'une résection radicale en bloc complétée par la chimiothérapie. Des autogreffes osseuses bien vascularisées peuvent être employées pour procéder à la reconstruction d'un segment de squelette réséqué. Ces greffes présentent outre les mêmes avantages que les greffes non vascularisées le fait que leur viabilité est conservée. Le péroné constitue le greffon osseux de choix. La technique chirurgicale suivie par les auteurs ainsi que les avantages et la limitation des indications des greffes osseuses vascularisées sont étudiées et discutées dans l'article.

     

Vascularised free fibular flap in bone resection and reconstruction.

This paper compares allograft alone and in combination with vascularised free fibular flaps (FFF) to reconstruct long bone defects after tumour excision. We present 33 cases, 21 of these patients had reconstruction with an allograft alone as the initial procedure. Nine patients underwent reconstruction with FFF plus allograft plus iliac crest bone graft (ICG), two patients underwent reconstruction with a FFF and ICG and one patient underwent reconstruction with an allograft, a pedicled fibular flap and a FFF. The allograft was obtained from the Queensland Bone Bank and had been irradiated to 25 000Gy. In our experience (N=21) the complication rates with allograft alone were: delayed union 3, nonunion 7, fractured allograft 6, infection requiring resection of the allograft 3, other infections 2. The revision rate was 48% (10 cases of which five required a free fibular flap) and an average of 1.8 revision procedures were required. In the lower limb cases, the mean time to full weightbearing was 20 months and 40% were full weightbearing at 18 months. We felt that the high complication rate compared with other series may have been related to the irradiation of the graft. FFFs were used in 18 cases, 12 cases were primary reconstructions and six were revision reconstructions. The mean fibular length was 19.4 cm (range 10-29 cm). There were no flap losses and the FFF united at both ends of 11 of 12 primary reconstruction cases. One case had nonunion at one end, giving a union rate of 96% (23 of 24 junctions). When a FFF was used in combination with an allograft as a primary reconstruction, the allograft nonunion rate was 50% (five of 10 cases). The mean time to full weightbearing in the lower limb cases was 7.5 months and 100% were full weightbearing at 18 months. The FFF hastens time to full weightbearing but does not appear to affect the complication rates of allograft. The number of revision procedures required is reduced in the presence of a FFF and is the latter is a useful technique for the salvage of refractory cases.     

Knee joint reconstruction after hemiarticular resection using pedicled patella and vascularized fibular graft

Between 1999 and 2005, seven patients had resection of tumors around the knee joint that involved half of the articular surface of the femoral or tibial side. Average age of the patients was 28 years (range, 14–40). Tumor pathology was giant cell tumor in four patients, osteoblastoma in two, and benign fibrous histocytoma in one patient. Two patients had recurrent tumors. The tumor was located in the distal femur in five patients and in the proximal tibia in the remaining two. The ipsilateral patella pedicled on the infrapatellar fat pad was used to substitute the resected articular surface and a vascularized fibula osteoseptocutaneous flap was used to reconstruct the metaphyseal defect. Average follow‐up period was 6.5 years (range, 3.5–10 years). All flaps survived. Average time to bone union was 3.5 months (range, 3–4 months), and average time to full weight‐bearing was 5 months (range, 4–6 months). No radiological signs of avascular necrosis of the patella were observed in any patient. Two patients required secondary procedures for correction of instability. One patient had local recurrence. At final follow‐up, the median range of knee motion was from 10° to 100°. The average Knee Society Score (KSS) was 76 points (range; 50–85 points), and the average KSS functional score was 76.6 points (range, 70–90 points). In conclusion, the procedure is a reliable option for after resection of tumors that involve half the articular surface of the femur or the tibia. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery 30:603–607, 2010.     

Ankle arthrodesis with bone graft after distal tibia resection for bone tumors

BACKGROUND: Treatment of distal tibial tumors is challenging due to the scarce soft tissue coverage of this area. Ankle arthrodesis has proven to be an effective treatment in primary and post-traumatic joint arthritis, but few papers have addressed the feasibility and techniques of ankle arthrodesis in tumor surgery after long bone resections. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Resection of the distal tibia and reconstruction by ankle fusion using non-vascularized structural bone grafts was performed in 8 patients affected by malignant (5 patients) or aggressive benign (3 patients) tumors. Resection length of the tibia ranged from 5 to 21 cm. Bone defects were reconstructed with cortical structural autografts (from contralateral tibia) or allografts or both, plus autologous bone chips. Fixation was accomplished by antegrade nailing (6 cases) or plating (2~cases). RESULTS: All the arthrodesis successfully healed. At followup ranging from 23 to 113 months (average 53.5), all patients were alive. One local recurrence was observed with concomitant deep infection (a below-knee amputation was performed). Mean functional MSTS score of the seven available patients was 80.4% (range, 53 to 93). CONCLUSION: Resection of the distal tibia and arthrodesis of the ankle with non-vascularized structural bone grafts, combined with autologous bone chips, can be an effective procedure in bone tumor surgery with durable and satisfactory functional results. In shorter resections, autologous cortical structural grafts can be used; in longer resections, allograft structural bone grafts are needed.     

Vascularized free fibular bone graft in the management of congenital tibial pseudarthrosis

Congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia (CPT) remains one of the most challenging problems confronting the orthopaedic surgeon. The operative results are frequently less than successful; many cases require several surgical procedures, and a significant number of them ending in amputation. The purpose of this study was to access the surgical results, complications, secondary procedures, and long‐term results of free vascularized fibular graft (FVFG) in the treatment of congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia. Between 1992 and 2007, nine patients with CPT were treated consecutively at our clinic with free fibula transfer. There were six females and three males. The mean age at the time of operation was 6.5 years (range, 1–12 years). Stability, after reconstruction with FVFG, was maintained with internal fixation in five patients, unilateral frame external fixation in three patients, and intramedullary pin in one patient. Average postoperative follow‐up time was 9 years (range, 2–15 years). In seven patients, both ends of the graft healed primarily within 3.7 months (range, 1.5–6 months). In one patient, the distal end of the graft did not unit. This patient required three subsequent operations to achieve union. Stress fracture occurred in the middle of the grafted fibula in one patient, who underwent four additional operations before union, was achieved. Despite the relatively high‐complication rate, FVFG remains a valid method for the treatment of CPT. However, even achieving union of pseudarthrosis is not enough for the resolution of the disease. This is only half of the problem; the other half is to maintain union. Long‐term follow‐up beyond skeletal maturity, if possible, is necessary to evaluate surgical results. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2009.     

Combined use of free vascularised bone graft and extracorporeally-irradiated autograft for the reconstruction of massive bone defects after resection of malignant tumour.

We review eight patients who underwent curative resection for malignant musculoskeletal tumour followed by reconstruction with vascularised bone graft in combination with extracorporeally-irradiated autograft. This method consists of (1) wide en-bloc resection of the tumour; (2) curettage of tumour from the resected bone; (3) extracorporeal irradiation with 60 to 70 Gy as a bolus single dose; (4) vascularised bone grafting from the fibula (six cases) or scapula (two cases); (5) re-implantation of the irradiated bone into the recipient and fixation with plates and screws. Five cases were located in the tibial shaft and one each in the ulnar shaft, distal femur and acetabulum. Radiological and functional outcomes were excellent in four patients who were reconstructed with vascularised fibula and irradiated intercalary tibial bone graft. Two patients with irradiated osteochondral graft showed osteoarthritic change in the long term. No local recurrences arising from the irradiated bones were detected. Combination of a vascularised and an extracorporeally-irradiated bone graft is a useful reconstructive tool for massive bone defects arising from resection of malignant musculoskeletal tumour. This approach has the advantage of combining the biological properties provided by the vascularised bone graft with the mechanical endurance of the irradiated bone autograft. The method is best indicated for intercalary defects of the tibia.     

Microsurgical fibular graft for full-length radius reconstruction after giant-cell tumor resection: a case report

In this article, we present the treatment of a recurrent giant-cell tumor of the radius with en bloc resection and full-length radius reconstruction with a 24-cm long microsurgical fibular graft. At time of 8-year follow-up, there was no evidence of tumor recurrence. A satisfactory range of motion of the elbow, wrist, and forearm was maintained. There was no instability in the joints, and grip strength measured 63% of the opposite side. With appropriate dynamic tendon transfer, this procedure can provide an alternative method for reconstruction of the full-length radius after tumor resection, with functional and durable results.