Free vascularised fibular grafting in the treatment of large skeletal defects due to osteomyelitis

Int Orthop. 2010 Mar;34(3):425-30. doi: 10.1007/s00264-009-0761-x. Epub 2009 Mar 24.

Abstract

Treatment of skeletal defects secondary to osteomyelitis is a challenging problem. The purpose of this study was to present our experience of the use of free vascularised fibular grafts to treat such defects. Ten patients with a mean age of 31 years (range 16-50 years) and a skeletal defect with a mean length of 9.5 cm (range 6-17 cm) were managed with a protocol which included radical debridement of the lesion and a vascularised fibular graft. The mean follow-up time was 26 months. Union of the graft occurred in all patients, at a mean of 4.5 months. No recurrence of osteomyelitis was observed. The mean time to full weight bearing was ten months, and all patients were pain-free and able to walk without supportive devices. A free vascularised fibular graft is a viable option for the management of large skeletal defects resulting from osteomyelitis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Bone Transplantation / methods*
  • Female
  • Femur / diagnostic imaging
  • Femur / pathology
  • Femur / surgery*
  • Fibula / transplantation*
  • Humans
  • Limb Salvage
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Osseointegration
  • Osteomyelitis / pathology
  • Osteomyelitis / surgery*
  • Radiography
  • Recovery of Function
  • Tibia / diagnostic imaging
  • Tibia / pathology
  • Tibia / surgery*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult