Intercalary reconstruction of femur after tumour resection: is a vascularized fibular autograft plus allograft a long-lasting solution?

Aims: After intercalary resection of a bone tumour from the femur, reconstruction with a vascularized fibular graft (VFG) and massive allograft is considered a reliable method of treatment. However, little is known about the long-term outcome of this procedure. The aims of this study were to determine whether the morbidity of this procedure was comparable to that of other reconstructive techniques, if it was possible to achieve a satisfactory functional result, and whether biological reconstruction with a VFG and massive allograft could achieve a durable, long-lasting reconstruction. Patients and Methods: A total of 23 patients with a mean age of 16 years (five to 40) who had undergone resection of an intercalary bone tumour of the femur and reconstruction with a VFG and allograft were reviewed clinically and radiologically. The mean follow-up was 141 months (24 to 313). The mean length of the fibular graft was 18 cm (12 to 29). Full weight-bearing without a brace was allowed after a mean of 13 months (seven to 26). Results: At final follow-up, the mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Score of 22 evaluable patients was 94% (73 to 100). Eight major complications, five fractures (21.7%), and three nonunions (13%) were seen in seven patients (30.4%). Revision-free survival was 72.3% at five, ten, and 15 years, with fracture and nonunion needing surgery as failure endpoints. Overall survival, with removal of allograft or amputation as failure endpoints, was 94.4% at five, ten, and 15 years. Discussion: There were no complications needing surgical revision after five years had elapsed from surgery, suggesting that the mechanical strength of the implant improves with time, thereby decreasing the risk of complications. In young patients with an intercalary bone tumour of the femur, combining a VFG and massive allograft may result in a reconstruction that lasts a lifetime. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:378-86.

Local perforator flaps in soft tissue reconstruction of the upper limb.

The quality of reconstruction of soft tissue defects in the upper extremity, resulting either from traumatic injury or tumor excision, has relevant implications both from functional and aesthetic standpoints. Various local and free flaps with more or less consistent donor-site morbidity have been described in the past. The recent introduction of the perforator-based flap concept, has led to an evolution in upper extremity reconstruction, optimizing results at the recipient site whilst minimizing damage to the donor site and, performing this in the simplest way possible. In this study between 2001 and 2008, 31 patients having post-traumatic or post-tumor excision soft tissue defects of the upper limb, were treated using local perforator flaps raised according to two different modalities: "pedicled fasciocutaneous" and "transposition fasciocutaneous/cutaneous". Complete and stable coverage of the soft tissue losses was obtained in all cases with an inconspicuous, only aesthetic, donor-site defect. Superficial or partial necrosis of the tip of the flap, due to venous congestion, was observed in 2 cases of "pedicled fasciocutaneous flap". An additional surgical procedure was required in only one of these cases. In our series all 9 patients who had a transposition flap, underwent routinely a preoperative echo color Doppler investigation to identify the main perforators. In only one case did the Doppler investigation fail to accurately locate the perforator. Local perforator flaps allow the coverage of medium size defects in the upper extremity, can be raised with a relatively simple surgical technique, have a high success rate and good aesthetic results without functional impairment. In the light of this they can be considered among the surgical choices to resurface complex soft tissue defects of the upper extremity. Preoperative identification of the perforators in case of "transposition flaps" greatly facilitates the operation. In our experience echo color Doppler investigations provided reliable results.

Vascularized growth plate transfer for distal radius reconstruction.

Distal radius reconstruction in children should meet two requests: restoration of some joint function and preservation of the physiologic growth of the segment. None of the conventional options is likely to successfully achieve both goals. Conversely, a vascularized transfer of the proximal fibula including the growth plate provides enough bone stock for diaphyseal reconstruction, an articular surface for joint function, and the potential for longitudinal growth. From 1992 to 2006, eight children ranging in age between 2 and 10 years underwent a vascularized transfer of the proximal fibula for distal radius reconstruction after bone sarcoma resection. The follow-up ranges were between 1 year and 15 years. All the grafts were harvested based on the anterior tibial artery. Seven cases with a follow-up longer than 2 years have been evaluated both clinically and radiographically. All the grafts survived and had a satisfactory growth after the transplant. The functional outcome has been satisfactory, and the range of motion of the reconstructed wrist has been nearly normal in all cases but one. Proximal fibular epiphyseal transfer was an effective procedure for distal radius reconstruction in children who underwent tumor resection. Refinements in the operative technique have increased the reliability of this reconstructive option, which might be safely used also in congenital and posttraumatic disorders.

Skeletal reconstruction with a free vascularized fibula graft associated to bone allograft after resection of malignant bone tumor of limbs.

Over the last twenty years, progress in diagnosis and in adjuvant therapy in the field of malignant bone tumor treatment has allowed for development of limb-saving surgical techniques after oncological excision. In this context, the use of vascularized fibula for transplantation represents an important instrument in the reconstruction of bone, either with or without allografts.Moreover, in pediatric cases, the vascularized transplant of the proximal fibula with its open physis allows for an adequate reconstruction of the bone loss and the possibility of conserving the growth potential of the segment. The purpose of this article is to illustrate the various reconstructive possibilities that the use of the combined graft technique (VFT plus allograft) offers in the treatment of large-scale bone loss. In our department from 1988 to 2000, 142 vascularized fibula transplants were performed in oncological cases. Surgical reconstruction was carried out on the tibia in 70 cases, on the femur in 40, on the humerus in 26 and on the radius in 6. Combined graft intercalary reconstructions were 92. In 22 pediatric cases the fibula was transplanted, including the proximal growing epiphysis in the graft; in two of these cases massive allograft was associated to the VFG. Because of its biological properties, the grafted vascularized fibula allowed for fast bone fusion at the level of the osteotomy. It has also demonstrated a tendency of progressive hypertrophy and osteointegration with the allograft, when used. In 22 pediatric cases, the fibula graft with the proximal epiphysis maintained its ability to grow. Unsuccessful outcomes caused by vascular, mechanical, or septic failure were equal to 8.2 %. The fibula graft in the reconstruction of bone loss secondary to oncological excision is a trustworthy and versatile technique.