Outcomes of total hip arthroplasty after failed free vascularized fibular grafting for osteonecrosis of the femoral head.

PURPOSE: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) after vascularized fibular grafting (VFG) is technically demanding with poorer outcomes compared to primary THA in patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of THA after VFG after removal of the graft with that of primary THA. METHODS: ONFH patients treated by VFG at a single institution were studied retrospectively. THAs after VFG performed by single arthroplasty surgeon with a single type of THA prosthesis were enrolled in the study. A control cohort of patients was created by 1:1 matching with the THA after VFG cohort according to age, gender, and American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) score from ONFH patients treated by primary THA. Early and long-term outcomes were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: A total of 24 hips were included in the THA after VFG group and compared with 24 primary THA hips. No significant difference was noted in stem position. The THA after VFG group had increased blood loss and longer duration of operation time. There were two cases of intraoperative femur fractures in the THA after VFG group. The femoral stem of both groups were stable, with no cases of revision, and similar HHS scores at the last follow-up. CONCLUSION: THA after VFG may have similar short to midterm outcomes with primary THA after removal of the residual abutting bone graft and correct positioning of the femoral stem.

Wrist Reconstruction Using Free Vascularized Fibular Head Graft Following Intralesional Excision for Campanacci Grade 3 Giant Cell Tumors Involving the Articular Surface of the Distal Radius.

Reconstruction with a free vascularized fibular head graft after en bloc excision of a Campanacci grade 3 giant cell tumor of bone in the distal radius can effectively control local recurrence. However, it leads to the loss of wrist movement, subsequent radiocarpal subluxation, and an osteoarthritic change. Another treatment option for grade 3 lesions is intralesional excision and cementation, which preserves wrist movement but does not restore the articular surface. We report a case of wrist reconstruction using a free vascularized fibular head graft after the intralesional excision of a Campanacci grade 3 giant cell tumor of bone with invasion of the articular surface of the distal radius. In patients with this type of a lesion, wrist reconstruction using a free vascularized fibular head graft after intralesional excision can help prevent local tumor recurrence, restore the articular surface, and maintain movements of the wrist joint.

Jaw reconstruction with vascularized fibular flap: The 11-year experience among 104 patients.

BACKGROUND: A vascularized fibular osteomyocutaneous flap with severe vascular crisis often results in serious consequences. This study aims to examine the clinical effect of non-vascularized fibular graft on patients with severe vascular crisis after reconstruction of the defect jaw with vascularized fibular osteomyocutaneous flap. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From December 2007 to December 2018, a total of 104 patients with jaw neoplasms that underwent reconstruction with free vascularized fibular flap were retrospectively analyzed; seven of these cases had postoperative vascular crisis during mandibular reconstruction. RESULTS: Of the seven cases with postoperative vascular crisis, the vascularized fibular flaps in three patients survived completely, thanks to early detection; two cases were completely necrotic and removed in the end, and the remaining two cases had severe vascular crisis after the removal of the soft tissue attached to the fibular flap. The non-vascular fibular grafts were retained regardless of the severe absorption after follow-ups for 25 and 69 months, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: If vascular crisis occurs following jaw reconstruction with a vascularized fibular osteomyocutaneous flap, early re-surgical exploration effectively improves the salvage rate. In addition, when a severe vascular crisis occurs, the vascularized fibular flap can be changed to a non-vascular fibular graft to reconstruct the mandibular defect, thus avoiding the serious consequences resulting from the complete failure of fibular graft.

Complication of osteo reconstruction by utilizing free vascularized fibular bone graft.

The success of free vascularized fibular bone graft (FVFBG) has accelerated the osteo reconstruction which results from trauma, resection of a tumor or an infectious bone segment, or correction of congenital deformity. But the complication behind should not be overlooked. The failure could necessitate a second surgery, which prolong the rehabilitation period and produce further health cost. Worst, the patients may suffer a permanent impaired ankle function, or a sustained morpho-functional loss on reconstructive area which are hard to save. To provide an overview of the complication related to reconstruction by FVFBG, a narrative review is conducted to identify the complications including their types and rates, the contributing factors, the approaches to measure and the techniques to avoid. Methodologically, by quick research on Pubmed and abstract reading of reviews, we characterize five reconstructive areas where FVFBG were most frequently applied: extremities, mandible, spine, osteonecrosis of femoral head, and penile. Following, the complications on different reconstructive areas are retrieved, studied and presented in five (or more specifically, six) separate sections. By the way, meaningful difference between FVFBG and other bone flap was presented in a few words if necessary. Donor-site morbidities were studied and summarized as a whole. In these literatures, the evidences documented on limb and mandibular reconstruction have the fullest detail, followed by the spine and lastly the penile. In conclusion, FVFBG, though a mature technique, needs further deep and comprehensive study and maybe device-based assistance to achieve better reconstructive effect and minimize donor-site damage.

Outcomes of Conversion Total Hip Arthroplasty From Free Vascularized Fibular Grafting.

BACKGROUND: Conversion total hip arthroplasties (THAs) from prior free vascularized fibular grafting (FVFG) are infrequently reported in the literature. We characterized the perioperative outcomes of patients undergoing conversion THA and compared them with those of a matched cohort of patients undergoing primary THA for osteonecrosis of the femoral head and neck (ONFHN). METHODS: The institutional database was queried for patients with FVFG requiring conversion to THA. This cohort was then matched 1:1 for age, gender, and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score for patients with ONFHN undergoing primary THA. Medical records were reviewed for intraoperative and postoperative complications, which were then compared between conversion and primary THA patient cohorts. RESULTS: Two hundred eighty-eight THA patients were included for analysis (144 patients with FVFG matched to 144 patients with ONFHN and no prior FVFG). Patients with prior FVFG who underwent THA had significantly greater operative time and blood loss (P < .001). Although not significant, there were more intraoperative fractures in the FVFG cohort (P = .053). Postoperatively, patients with FVFG had significantly greater blood transfusions (P < .001) and hematoma formation (P = .004) than the matched cohort. There was no difference in length of stay, discharge disposition, or venous thromboembolism; however, patients who underwent conversion THA showed increased deep infection (P = .044) and rate of return to the operating room (P = .010). CONCLUSION: Although there are numerous treatment strategies for patients with ONFHN, many patients will ultimately require THA. Patients undergoing conversion after FVFG are more likely to have complications including increased blood loss, hematoma formation, and intraoperative fractures. Consequently, surgeons should concentrate on preoperative optimization and prepare for specific technical challenges.

Limb salvage for malignant bone tumours of distal tibia with dual ipsilateral vascularized autogenous fibular graft in a trapezoid-shaped array with ankle arthrodesis and preserving subtalar joint.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of malignant tumours of the distal tibia is a challenging surgical problem due to the scarce soft tissue coverage and the instability of the ankle joint that often occurs after resection. However, there is no consensus on the ideal treatment for malignant tumours of the distal tibia. METHODS: We report a new reconstruction for five patients with high-grade osteosarcoma of distal tibia, using dual ipsilateral vascularized autogenous fibular graft in a trapezoid-shaped array and external fixator, with ankle arthrodesis and preserving subtalar joints. The patients were examined clinically and radiographically. RESULTS: The average follow-up duration was 88 months. The mean wound healing time was 14 days. Bone healing was achieved for all the five patients at an average time of 7 months. There were no complications of mal-union, skin necrosis, post-operative infection, loss of internal fixation, peroneal nerve injury. One patient had a local recurrence, which required amputation 15 months postoperatively. The remaining four patients were able to walk with an average functional score of 81.25% according to MSTS. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that this technique is safe and effective to perform implantation of dual ipsilateral vascularized autogenous fibular graft in a trapezoid-shaped array and preserving subtalar joints in terms of the distal tibial reconstruction for malignant bone tumour of the distal tibia. This reconstruction represents a biological alternative protocol for limb salvage in cases of malignant bone tumour of the distal tibia, with encouraging results and with the advantages of lower complications and accelerating recovery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Mechanical analysis of the vascularized fibular graft prosthetic composite (VFGPC) for internal hemipelvectomy reconstruction.

INTRODUCTION: The vascularized fibular graft prosthetic composite (VFGPC) is used for reconstruction after internal hemipelvectomy. The purpose of this study was to create a mathematical model that calculates the mechanical effects of the vascularized fibular graft on the VFGPC. METHODS: The effects of the VFG positioning were calculated based on three-dimensional static analyzes to determine the direction, magnitude, and distribution of the forces through the prosthesis and VFG. The shear stress (SS) and cyclic loads to failure (CLF) were calculated. By varying the location of the VFG on the sacrum the zone of acceptable placement was calculated. RESULTS: Utilization of the VFG decreased the forces through the implant by 15-35% and decreased SS 20-54%, depending on stance. The CLF improved by 94%. The zone of acceptable placement for the VFG was found to be between 0° and 15° of the vertical axis in the sagittal plane and 0° and 30° of the posterior axis in coronal plane. CONCLUSION: Determining the position of the VFG pre-operatively allows for the creation of a customized cutting jig can be utilized to create graft allowing for accurate fibular osteotomies, minimization of ischemia time, and decreased intra-operative handling of the graft.

Intercalary reconstructions after bone tumor resections: a review of treatments.

An intercalary reconstruction is defined as replacement of the diaphyseal portion of a long bone after segmental skeletal resection (diaphysectomy). Intercalary reconstructions typically result in superior function compared to other limb-sparing procedures as the patient's native joints above and below the reconstruction are left undisturbed. The most popular reconstructive options after segmental resection of a bone sarcoma include allografts, vascularized fibula graft, combined allograft and vascularized fibula, segmental endoprostheses, extracorporeal devitalized autograft, and segmental transport using the principles of distraction osteogenesis. This article aims to review the indications, techniques, limitations, pros and cons, and complications of the aforementioned methods of intercalary bone tumor resections and reconstructions in the context of the ever-growing, brave new field of limb-salvage surgery.

Free non-vascularized fibular graft for treatment of large bone defect around the elbow in pediatric patients.

BACKGROUND: Large bone defect is a challenging problem in orthopedics practice. Several methods are available for bridging of these bone defects, including cancellous bone graft, free vascularized fibula graft, and bone transport with external ring fixator. The aim of this study was to describe our experience in nine pediatric cases of free non-vascularized autogenous fibular strut bone graft in which large bone defect and bone loss of >7 cm was caused by open fracture and infective nonunion around the elbow joint. OBJECTIVE: To describe our experience in nine pediatric cases of free non-vascularized autogenous fibular strut bone graft in which large bone defect and bone loss of >7 cm was caused by open fracture and infective nonunion around the elbow joint. METHOD: This retrospective review was conducted in patients with large bone defect with bony gap >7 cm. Time to union, range of motion, complications, Mayo Elbow Performance Score, and Foot and Ankle Disability Index (FADI) were recorded. RESULT: The large bone defects included in this study were managed by free non-vascularized fibular strut bone grafts (FNVFG) that were harvested subperiosteally. Nine patients with a mean age of 11 years (range: 6-17) underwent this procedure. Nine grafts (100%) united at both ends within an average of 9 weeks (range: 8-14). Mean length of defect was 9.3 cm (range: 8-13 cm). Mean postoperative Mayo Elbow Performance Score was significantly higher than the mean preoperative score (98.33 vs. 64.44, respectively; p < 0.001). Three fibulae were observed for hypertrophy. Mean Foot and Ankle Disability Index score was 100 both preoperatively and postoperatively in all patients. CONCLUSION: Free non-vascularized fibular graft is a simple procedure and a reliable method for bridging large bone defect or loss caused by open fracture and/or infection around the elbow in pediatric patients.

Reconstruction of the Midfoot Using a Free Vascularized Fibular Graft After En Bloc Excision for Giant Cell Tumor of the Tarsal Bones: A Case Report.

We report the case of a 32-year-old Japanese female with a giant cell tumor of bone involving multiple midfoot bones. Giant cell tumors of bone account for approximately 5% of all primary bone tumors and most often arise at the ends of long bones. The small bones, such as those of the hands and feet, are rare sites for giant cell tumors. Giant cell tumors of the small bones tend to exhibit more aggressive clinical behavior than those of the long bones. The present patient underwent en bloc tumor excision involving multiple tarsals and metatarsals. We reconstructed the longitudinal arch of the foot with a free vascularized fibular graft. At the 2-year follow-up visit, bony union had been achieved, with no tumor recurrence.

Glenohumeral arthrodesis for malignant tumor of the shoulder girdle.

BACKGROUND: Arthrodesis of the shoulder joint using a free vascularized fibular graft has been performed as a reconstruction method after resection of bone sarcoma in the shoulder girdle. Postoperative fractures occasionally occur as a complication of arthrodesis of the shoulder joint using single-bone fusion (the conventional method). We hypothesized that the clinical results of shoulder arthrodesis using a double-barrel vascularized fibula graft for the malignant tumor of the shoulder girdle would achieve superior results compared with the conventional single-bone fusion method. METHODS: The clinical results of 5 patients with a malignant bone and soft tissue tumor of the shoulder girdle were retrospectively reviewed. The factors evaluated were surgical margins, reconstruction procedures, postoperative complications, local recurrences, metastasis in lymph nodes or lung, or both, survival, and functional results assessed by the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score. After surgical resection, arthrodesis of the shoulder joint was performed using a free vascularized fibula graft as a reconstructive procedure for the bone defect. Arthrodesis was by single-bone fusion in 3 of 5 patients, and a double-barrel vascularized fibula graft (dual-bone fusion) was used in 2 patients. RESULTS: The average MSTS scores were 58.3% in the group with single-bone fusion and 85.0% in the group with dual-bone fusion. CONCLUSION: The use of a double-barrel vascularized fibular graft may be useful in the reconstruction of large bone defects after wide excision of malignant tumors of the proximal humerus, with the advantage of avoiding postoperative fractures in shoulder arthrodesis.

Vascularized fibular flap and custom-made synthesis in post-traumatic ulnar diaphyseal pseudarthrosis: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Although isolated fractures of the ulnar shaft are considered common and relatively benign injuries, numerous complications can arise especially in the context of suboptimal care pathways. For pediatric patients, however, there is no single indication of the surgical approach. In the context of the management of these complications, it is known that the vascularized fibular graft has numerous advantages and indications in the treatment of recurrent pseudarthrosis. However, in revision surgery the frequent occurrence of anatomical subversions requires the use of fixation means adapted to the individual patient. We present a clinical case of an adult patient suffering from post-traumatic ulnar pseudarthrosis treated with autologous vascularized fibula grafts and 3D-planned custom-made plate. CASE PRESENTATION: A 38-year-old Ivorian woman came to our attention with a painful nonunion of the ulnar shaft and significant dysmorphism of the left forearm, with shortening and flexion of the limb as an outcome of unspecified road trauma in childhood. No alterations of the nerve compartment were reported. As far as detectable, she had undergone autologous bone grafting and implantation of questionable synthetic means, without acute treatment. Since we evaluated the patient (2012), we have performed two debridement surgeries, associated with autologous avascular bone graft from the iliac crest and plate fixation (2012 and 2014). In both cases, rupture of the fixation media was observed. In 2021, the pseudarthrosis was treated with a vascularized fibular bone graft. The subverted radius and ulna anatomy and poor bone quality required patient-specific reconstruction of the pseudarthrosic ulna from a 3D scan and the production of custom-made plate and screws, supported by the creation of special guides for drilling and by optimizing the positioning of screws with preoperative digital models. In the postoperative period, regular follow-up visits with X-rays evaluations were performed at 1, 3 and 6 months after surgery. No inflammatory reactions or local rejection were found. The fibula graft healed at the proximal ulnar junction six months after the operation while it took eight months to heal at the distal junction. Functionally, we observed a pain reduction and a range-of-motion preservation. CONCLUSIONS: The multiple failures of diaphyseal reconstruction with avascular bone grafts have forced the indication to the vascularized fibular flap. This case is a unique experience but we believe that the association between vascularized bone graft and the potential for customization through 3D planning represents a valid surgical potentiality in complex cases of post-traumatic reconstruction.

Treatment of pediatric tibial shaft nonunion using ipsilateral free non-vascularized fibular graft.

BACKGROUND: Although tibial shaft fractures are the third most common long bone fractures in children after the forearm and femur, nonunion of these fractures are rare in the pediatric population. CASE REPORT: Despite seldom seen, tibial nonunion is very complex and it is also a devastating complication of tibial fracture especially when infected. Numerous methods have been employed to treat pediatric tibial nonunion, but there is no consensus. Here, we present a case of a child with right tibial shaft fracture nonunion. We treated this patient with ipsilateral free non-vascularized fibular graft. RESULTS: Both the nonunion site and fibular donor site united well with good function in the injured extremity and no adverse events. CONCLUSION: We recommend the use of ipsilateral free non-vascularized fibular graft for the treatment of pediatric tibial shaft nonunion.

Multifactorial Analysis of Treatment of Long-Bone Nonunion with Vascularized and Nonvascularized Bone Grafts.

Introduction The purpose of the study was to evaluate the results of treatment of the nonunion of long bones using nonvascularized iliac crest grafts (ICGs) or vascularized bone grafts (VBGs), such as medial femoral condyle corticoperiosteal flaps (MFCFs) and fibula flaps (FFs). Although some studies have examined the results of these techniques, there are no reports that compare these treatments and perform a multifactorial analysis. Methods The study retrospectively examined 28 patients comprising 9 women and 19 men with an average age of 49.8 years (range: 16-72 years) who were treated for nonunion of long bones between April 2007 and November 2018. The patients were divided into two cohorts: group A had 17 patients treated with VBGs (9 patients treated with MFCF and 8 with FF), while group B had 11 patients treated with ICG. The following parameters were analyzed: radiographic patterns of nonunion, trauma energy, fracture exposure, associated fractures, previous surgeries, diabetes, smoking, age, and donor-site morbidity. Results VBGs improved the healing rate (HR) by 9.42 times more than the nonvascularized grafts. Treatment with VBGs showed a 25% decrease in healing time. Diabetes increased the infection rate by 4.25 times. Upper limbs showed 70% lower infection rate. Smoking among VBG patients was associated with a 75% decrease in the HR, and diabetes was associated with an 80% decrease. Conclusion This study reports the highest success rates in VBGs. The MFCFs seem to allow better clinical and radiological outcomes with less donor-site morbidity than FFs.

Factors Influencing Nonunion and Fracture Following Biological Intercalary Reconstruction for Lower-Extremity Bone Tumors: A Systematic Review and Pooled Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To determine nonunion rate, fracture rate, and their risk factors following biological intercalary reconstruction for lower extremity bone tumors. METHODS: A systematic review and pooled analysis were conducted. PubMed, Embase, and Wiley Cochrane Library were searched from inception up to June 01, 2020. Studies concerning biological intercalary reconstruction after resection of lower extremity bone tumors were included. Overall nonunion and fracture rates were calculated. For studies reporting patient outcomes individually with precise graft characteristics and fixation methods, the individual data were extracted. Patients with demographical and clinical characteristics, including age, sex, tumor location, graft characteristics, and fixation method, were pooled for a multivariate analysis. For each factor of interest, odds ratio (OR), 95% confidence interval (95% CI), and p-value from logistic regression were reported. RESULTS: A total of 2776 articles were identified from the initial literature search and 76 studies (2052 patients) were included. Sixty-nine studies were case series and seven were comparative studies. The overall nonunion rate was 19% (382/2052; range: 0%-53%), and the overall fracture rate was 17% (344/2052; range: 0%-75%). Thirty of the 76 studies (362 patients) reported patients' characteristics individually and were thus included in the pooled multivariate analysis. Intramedullary nail fixation was associated with a significantly higher nonunion rate compared to plate fixation (OR = 2.2, 95% CI: 1.23-4.10, p = 0.009). Reconstruction with a vascularized fibula graft had a statistically non-significant lower nonunion rate than reconstruction without the graft (OR = 0.6, 95% CI: 0.34-1.07, p = 0.086). Devitalized autografts had a lower fracture risk than allografts (OR = 0.3, 95% CI: 0.14-0.64, p = 0.002), and males tended to have higher fracture risk than females (OR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.00-4.44, p = 0.049). CONCLUSIONS: Reconstruction with intramedullary nail fixation is related to an elevated risk of nonunion. Allografts and males have a higher fracture risk than devitalized autografts and females, respectively. Further high-quality comparative analyses with large sample sizes and adequate follow-up duration are needed to validate these findings.

Reconstruction of metatarsal bone after giant cell tumor resection with no vascularized fibular graft in a pediatric patient: Case report and review of literature.

The Giant Cell tumor (GCT) is a benign, locally aggressive lesion that cause bone destruction and shows a malignant potential. It is a relatively common skeletal tumor that is therefore typically seen in young adults. Few cases are described in literature of GCT in the immature skeleton, and the metatarsal is an unusual location for a primary bone GCT, especially in pediatric age. Therefore, there are very few data reported regarding the management protocol of GCT in metatarsal bones. We report a case about the use of no vascularized fibular graft for an original Y-shaped reconstruction of the metatarsal bone after Giant Cell Tumor resection in a 9 years-old patient, and performed a literature review about metatarsal bone reconstruction in skeletally immature patient.

En bloc resection of a high cervical chordoma followed by reconstruction with a free vascularized fibular graft: illustrative case.

BACKGROUND: Wide excision of chordoma provides better local control than intralesional resection or definitive radiotherapy. The en bloc excision of high cervical chordomas is a challenging endeavor because of the complex anatomy of this region and limited reconstructive options. OBSERVATIONS: This is the first case report to describe reconstruction with a free vascularized fibular graft following the en bloc excision of a chordoma involving C1-3. LESSONS: This report demonstrates the durability of this construct at 10-year follow-up and is the first case report demonstrating satisfactory long-term oncological outcomes after a true margin-negative resection of a high cervical chordoma.

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

INTRODUCTION: Osteosarcoma 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 REPORT: A 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. CONCLUSIONS: Cryosurgery and vascularized fibular graft is a viable reconstructive option for proximal tibia osteosarcoma in very young children.

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

INTRODUCTION: Periosteal 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. METHOD: A 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. RESULT: Post-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. DISCUSSION: Cappana 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. CONCLUSION: Modified 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.

Reconstruction of traumatic tubular bone defects using vascularized fibular graft.

Large segmental bone defects due to major trauma constitute a major challenge for the orthopaedic surgeon, especially when combined with poor or lost soft tissue envelope. Vascularized fibular transfer is considered as the gold standard for the reconstruction of such defects of the extremities due to its predictable vascular pedicle, long cylindrical shape, and tendency to hypertrophy, and resistance to infection. Vascularized bone grafts remain viable throughout the healing period and are capable of inducing rapid graft union without prolonged creeping substitution, osteogenesis and hypertrophy at the reconstruction site, and fight with infection. The fibular graft can be transferred solely, or as a composite flap including muscle, subcutaneous tissue, skin and even a nerve segment in order to reconstruct both bone and soft tissue components of the injury at single stage operation. Such a reconstruction can even be performed in the presence of local infection, since vascularized bone and adjacent soft tissue components enhances the blood flow at the traumatized zone, allowing for the delivery of antibiotics and immune components to the infection site. In an effort to preserve growth potential in pediatric patients; the fibular head and proximal growth plate can be included to the graft. This practice also enables to reconstruct the articular ends of various bones, including distal radius and proximal ulna. Apart from defect reconstruction, vascularized fibular grafts also proved to be a reliable in treating atrophic nonunions, reconstruction of osteomyelitic bone segments. These grafts are superior to alternative reconstructive techniques, as bone grafts with intrinsic blood supply lead to higher success rates in reconstruction and accelerate the repair process at the injury site in cases where blood supply to the injury zone is defective, poor soft tissue envelope, and local infection at the trauma zone.