Joint Preserving Limb Salvage Secondary to Septic Nonunion Following Placement of a Fibular Intramedullary Nail: A Case Report.

Several challenges exist for the foot and ankle surgeon when addressing the complications associated with ankle fracture repair. The risk of joint destruction, debilitation, and even limb loss may be amplified by the noncompliant patient. There is an abundance of literature documenting the management of fracture nonunions in the setting of infection with a variety of techniques proven successful in managing large osseous defects and eradicating infection. We present a particularly challenging case in which we modified an existing method of treatment to preserve the ankle joint of a failed reduction complicated by septic nonunion following placement of a fibular intramedullary nail.

Digital analysis of the human maxilla to enable semistandardized template tool reconstructions with free fibula transplants.

OBJECTIVES: This study analyzed the human maxilla to support the development of mean-value-based cutting guide systems for maxillary reconstruction, bridging the gap between freehand techniques and virtual surgical planning (VSP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective cohort study used routine CT scans. DICOM data enabled 3D modelling and the maxilla was divided into four regions: paranasal (R1), facial maxillary sinus wall (R2), zygomatic bone (R3) and alveolar process (R4). Surface comparisons were made with a reference skull. Statistical analyses assessed anatomical variations, focusing on mean distance (Dmean), area of valid distance (AVD), integrated distance (ID) and integrated absolute distance (IAD). The study addressed hemimaxillectomy defects for two-segmental reconstructions using seven defined bilateral points to determine segmental distances and angles. RESULTS: Data from 50 patients showed R2 as the most homogeneous and R4 as the most heterogeneous region. Significant age and gender differences were found in R3 and R4, with younger patients and females having more outliers. Cluster analysis indicated that males had R1 and R3 positioned anterior to the reference skull. The mean angle for segmental reconstruction was 131.24° ± 1.29°, with anterior segment length of 30.71 ± 0.57 mm and posterior length of 28.15 ± 0.86 mm. CONCLUSIONS: Anatomical analysis supported the development of semistandardized segmental resection approaches. Although gender and anatomical differences were noted, they did not significantly impact the feasibility of mean-value-based cutting-guide systems. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study provides essential anatomical data for creating cost-effective and efficient reconstruction options for maxillary defects, potentially improving surgical outcomes and expanding reconstructive possibilities beyond current techniques.

The fibular intramedullary nail versus plate fixation for ankle fractures in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE: The effectiveness and safety of fibular intramedullary nail fixation (FINF) compared to plate fixation (PF) in treating ankle fractures among adults remains unclear. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of FINF versus PF, aiming to provide orthopedic surgeons with valuable insights when choosing between the two internal fixation methods for patient treatment. METHODS: PubMed, EMBASE, and SCOPUS were systematically searched for articles comparing FINF and PF in ankle fractures among adults. Functional outcomes, complications, and bony union were compared between the implants. RESULTS: A total of seven studies were included in the study, involving 586 patients. The results revealed no statistically significant differences in functional outcomes between two groups at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. The outcomes favoring FINF comprised a lower infection rate (RR = 0.23, 95%CI, 0.11 to 0.47, P < 0.0001). Conversely, the PF group exhibited a superior performance in terms of hardware failure rate (RR = 2.05, 95%CI, 1.16 to 3.60, P = 0.01). A statistically significant difference was observed in the results of hardware failure rate in the subgroup of studies conducted in Europe (RR = 2.74, 95%CI, 1.45 to 5.18, P = 0.002). Comparable findings were also noted in a subgroup of older adults (RR = 4.25, 95%CI, 1.57 to 11.50, P = 0.004). CONCLUSION: This systematic review suggests that FINF exhibits comparable effectiveness in the management of ankle fractures among adults, as compared to PF. Consequently, it is imperative to further delineate the surgical indications for both FINF and PF with precision to mitigate the risk of complications. Nevertheless, larger sample sizes and multi-center RCTs are imperative to corroborate this conclusion in the future.

Fibular notch morphometry and its clinical importance on dry bones.

The aim of the present study was to determine the morphometric characteristics of the fibular notch (FN). This study was carried out with 76 dry adult tibial bone specimens (right 38, left 38) with unknown age and sex collected from the Department of Anatomy, Cukurova University, Adana. The mean width of the FN was 23.04 ± 2.02 mm; the mean depth of the FN 3.63 ± 0.83 mm; the mean height of the FN was 41.76 ± 4.01 mm. The mean anterior facet length and posterior facet length was found to be 10.44 ± 1.94 mm and 13.93 ±1.63 mm, respectively. The mean value of the angle between the anterior and posterior facets was found to be 140.56° ± 11.72. The mean value of the angle between the anterior surface of the tibia and the intertubercular line was 75.5° ± 5.47. No statistically significant differences were detected between the right and left sides for all measurements. It is considered that knowing the morphometric and anatomical characteristics of the fibular notch in detail will help radiologists evaluate the talocrural region. It is also considered that these data will guide surgeons and help determine the appropriate size for ankle reconstruction operations.

Dimensional changes in free gingival grafts at implant sites in the reconstructed mandible: a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the dimensional changes in free gingival grafts (FGG) at implant sites in mandibular reconstruction patients. METHODS: Patients who received FGG 4 months after implant placement in the reconstructed mandible with no keratinized mucosa (KM) present were invited for re-examination after 36.7 ± 16.8 months (3.06 ± 1.4 years). Immediately after graft extraction (T0), graft width (GW), graft length (GL), graft thickness (GT), graft dimension (GD), and vertical bone height were documented. Re-examination (T1) included clinical examinations (GW, GL, GD, peri-implant probing depths, and modified Sulcus Bleeding Index), radiographic examination (marginal bone level), and medical chart review. RESULTS: Twenty patients and 62 implants (47 in fibula flaps and 15 in iliac flaps) were included. A significant decrease in GW (51.8%), GL (19.2%), and GD (60.2%), were found between T0 and T1 (p < .001). The univariate analysis showed that GW change was not significantly associated with reconstruction technique, baseline GL, baseline GT, baseline GD, implant location, or type of prosthesis. Implant survival rate of 100% was observed at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of the study, free gingival grafts at implant sites in the reconstructed mandible undergo dimensional change that result in a reduction of approximately 60% of the original graft dimension. Graft width decreased over 50%. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: FGG is the standard of care intervention for increasing the amount of KM around implants. This study was the first to evaluate the dimensional change in FGG at implant sites in mandibular reconstruction patients after a medium-term follow-up. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical trial registration is not applicable as this study comprehends a retrospective analysis.

[Clinical application of free peroneal artery leaflet perforator flap in postoperative complex defect of oral cancer].

Objective:To investigate the clinical effect of a segmented perforator flap of free peroneal artery to repair a complex defect after oral cancer. Methods:Forty-eight patients with oral cancer admitted to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College from January 2018 to January 2022, including 8 of buccal cancer, 7 of floor cancer, 14 of tongue cancer, 5 of retromolar cancet, 9 of maxillary gingival cancer and 5 of mandibular gingival cancer. After lesion resection, 24 patients in the experimental group used the partial perforator flap to repair the defect, and 24 patients in the control group used the single flap to repair the defect. Compared with the general data of the two groups, the difference was not statistically significant（P>0.05）, which was comparable. The flap cutting range of the experimental group was 38.5-74.5 cm², and tension-reduced suture for the donor area. In the control group, the myocutaneous flap incision range was 61.0-76.5 cm², and skin graft suture for the donor area. Flap survival and patient survival were recorded and compared. The patients were followed up at 6 and 12 months after surgery, and their swallowing function and speech function, including the drinking water test, functional oral food intake scale and the Chinese language clarity test word table, were evaluated respectively, and their subjective satisfaction with the repair appearance was recorded. Patients in both groups were followed up for 12 to 60 months. Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate the cumulative survival rate of patients, and survival curves were plotted. log-rank test was used to compare the survival curves between groups. Results:The survival rate of the two groups was 100%. The 5-year survival rate was 62.5% in the experimental group and 54.2% in the control group. There was no significant difference between the two groups （P>0.05）. According to the results of the functional recovery evaluation, the groups in swallowing and speech function and subjective satisfaction（P>0.05）, and at 12 months after surgery（P<0.05）. Conclusion:The segmented perforator flap of free peroneal artery is flexible and can repair different anatomical structures of postoperative composite defect of oral cancer, which can effectively improve postoperative functional recovery and patient satisfaction. Therefore, the peroneal artery segmented perforator flap is the ideal flap for reconstructing postoperative composite defect of oral cancer.

Double-Flap Elevation From the Ipsilateral Lower Extremity: The Anterior Approach to Fibula Osteo-Cutaneous Flap Elevation.

ABSTRACT: The free fibular flap has been elevated by a "lateral approach" from the posterior edge of the peroneal muscle for more than 40 years. However, in this approach, the surgical view is limited because flap elevation in mandibular reconstruction is performed simultaneously with tumor resection in the supine position, even when using positioning pillows. We herein propose an "anterior approach" as a new surgical method. We retrospectively investigated free fibular flap surgeries performed using the anterior approach, which consists of three anterior approaches, over a seven-year period. First, to avoid the course of the superficial peroneal nerve, the crural fascia was incised 1-2 cm posterior to the anterior edge of the peroneal muscle. The anterior edge of the peroneus muscle is detached from the anterior intermuscular septum. After performing osteotomies distal and proximal to the fibula, the interosseous membrane was incised from the anterior view. Pulling out the fibula to the anterior space between the anterior intermuscular septum and the peroneal muscle made the surgical field shallow. No postoperative superficial or deep peroneal nerve palsies were found in the 55 patients. Only one tourniquet was used in 31 of the 55 cases (56.4%), with an average of 95 min. Twenty-four patients (43.6%) required a second tourniquet 38 min after an interval. Only one tourniquet was used in 25 of the 30 (83.3%) cases in the last 3 years. Moreover, double flaps were used in 21 cases (38.2%), all of which involved ipsilateral ALT flaps. In 18 cases, double-flap elevation and prefabrication were successfully finished before the completion of tumor resection by otorhinolaryngologists.

Bone Bridge Transtibial Amputation by an Innovative Technique.

We present a case report of synostosis after transtibial amputation because of distraction regenerate formation after decortication of the lateral surfaces of the tibia and fibula, sequential compression, and distraction using the Ilizarov apparatus. Its advantage is that there is no need to shorten bone. The establishment of distal tibia-fibula synostosis (Ertl) in patients with transtibial amputation has been advocated to improve function and prosthetic wear. There are a variety of techniques to create a bone block. This case reports the successful use of an innovative technique to establish bone block. A patient with transtibial amputation underwent revision of residual limb by decorticating the lateral aspect of the distal tibia and the medial aspect of the distal fibula and acutely compressing the distal ends of the 2 bones with the Ilizarov apparatus. The distal fibula is then slowly and progressively distracted laterally, and the bone is formed in the space between the distal fibula and tibia, creating synostosis with an increased distal bone cross-sectional surface area for improved function and prosthetic wear. The follow-up period was 24 months. Within 3 months, synostosis was formed, which increased the area of the supporting surface and allowed temporary and then permanent prosthetics. After 24 months, synostosis did not differ from the structure of tibial stump bones.

Simultaneous flexion and extension checkrein deformity following tibial and fibular fractures: a rare case treated with concomitant surgical intervention.

Checkrein deformity of the hallux is commonly characterized by rigid flexion of the interphalangeal joint in ankle dorsiflexion but with flexibility in ankle plantarflexion which can be named as flexion checkrein deformity and as rare condition, extension checkrein deformity, characterized by rigid extension of the first metatarsophalangeal joint in ankle plantarflexion and flexibility in ankle dorsiflexion, has been reported. However, there has not reported coexistence of flexion and extension checkrein deformity. The patient, a 27-year-old male, was referred to our department 3 years after tibial and fibular fractures which was treated by open reduction and internal fixation at a previous hospital. His chief complaint was pain and impaired plantarflexion of the affected great toe. The diagnosis was double checkrein deformity characterized by simultaneous rigidity in both flexion and extension of the hallux due to the adhesion of the flexor hallucis longus (FHL) muscle and the extensor hallucis longus (EHL) tendon after a fracture. Surgical intervention was performed, which involved the transection of the FHL tendon using hindfoot endoscopy and transfer of the EHL to the extensor digitorum longus, resulting in a successful outcome with no postoperative complications. The patient demonstrated a favorable prognosis 2 years after the procedure. This report represents the first documented case of double checkrein deformity and underscores the importance of considering this condition and the potential advantages of surgical intervention.

Cross-sectional size, shape, and estimated strength of the tibia, fibula and second metatarsal in female collegiate-level cross-country runners and soccer players.

Bone stress injuries (BSIs) frequently occur in the leg and foot long bones of female distance runners. A potential means of preventing BSIs is to participate in multidirectional sports when younger to build a more robust skeleton. The current cross-sectional study compared differences in tibia, fibula, and second metatarsal diaphysis size, shape, and strength between female collegiate-level athletes specialized in cross-country running (RUN, n = 16) and soccer (SOC, n = 16). Assessments were performed using high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography and outcomes corrected for measures at the radius diaphysis to control for selection bias and systemic differences between groups. The tibia in SOC had a 7.5 % larger total area than RUN, with a 29.4 % greater minimum second moment of area (IMIN) and 8.2 % greater estimated failure load (all p ≤ 0.02). Tibial values in SOC exceeded reference data indicating positive adaptation. In contrast, values in RUN were similar to reference data suggesting running induced limited tibial adaptation. RUN did have a larger ratio between their maximum second moment of area (IMAX) and IMIN than both SOC and reference values. This suggests the unidirectional loading associated with running altered tibial shape with material distributed more in the anteroposterior (IMAX) direction as opposed to the mediolateral (IMIN) direction. Comparatively, SOC had a similar IMAX/IMIN ratio to reference data suggesting the larger tibia in SOC resulted from multiplane adaptation. In addition to enhanced size and strength of their tibia, SOC had enhanced structure and strength of their fibula and second metatarsal. At both sites, polar moment of inertia was approximately 25 % larger in SOC compared to RUN (all p = 0.03). These data support calls for young female athletes to delay specialization in running and participate in multidirectional sports, like soccer, to build a more robust skeleton that is potentially more protected against BSIs.

Risk factors for malalignment after intramedullary nail treatment of distal tibia fractures with associated fibula fractures.

PURPOSE: Malalignment of distal tibia fractures can lead to malunion/nonunion or alter the limb mechanical axis which may cause arthritis. Proposed methods to decrease malalignment include fibular fixation or multiplanar interlocking screws, however these remain controversial. This study aimed to identify factors associated with malalignment in distal tibial fractures with associated fibular shaft fractures. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of distal tibia fractures with associated fibular shaft fractures treated with intramedullary nailing at two level one trauma centers between 2015 and 2019. Cases involving malalignment (> 5° of deviation from anatomic axis on either coronal/sagittal axis) on final follow-up (minimum three months postoperatively) were compared to those without malalignment with regard to demographics, fracture characteristics, intraoperative characteristics, and complications. RESULTS: The rate of malalignment was 13%. On multivariate analysis, multiplanar distal interlocking screw fixation (odds ratio [OR], 0.18; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.03-0.92) was associated with a decreased rate of final malalignment, while nail diameter > 10 mm was associated with a higher rate (OR, 4.05; 95% CI 1.25-13.11). Fibular fixation was not associated with malalignment. CONCLUSION: Multiplanar distal interlocking screws may protect against malalignment. Fibula fixation does not appear associated with a decreased rate of malalignment in distal tibia fractures treated with intramedullary nails. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

[Treatment of pediatric bone tumors around the knee]. / Behandlung kniegelenksnaher Knochentumoren im Wachstumsalter.

Primary bone tumors are rare but more frequently seen during childhood and with predilection for the distal femur and proximal tibia. Therapy of benign tumors-if indicated-includes surgical resection in most cases, whereas malignant bone tumors such as osteo- and Ewing's sarcomas are treated with chemotherapy, wide resection and/or radiation therapy (Ewing's sarcoma). The reconstruction of emerging bone defects is significantly influenced by surgeon-related preferences and tumor-associated factors, respectively. Double-barrel vascularized fibula grafts or extracorporeally irradiated autografts in combination with a free fibula transplant are preferred biological reconstruction techniques around the knee joint. In cases in which the knee joint cannot be preserved, reconstruction is performed using tumor endoprostheses, but potentially emerging leg length discrepancies after resection of a potent physis must be taken into account. In considerably young patients, rotationplasty might represent a viable option with promising functional results.

Evaluation of the effect of vascularized fibula graft harvesting on coronal plane alignment and functional outcomes of the lower limb.

Recent studies on fibular osteotomy for varus gonarthrosis and possible subsequent biomechanical changes have attracted increasing attention to the topic. Existing studies have focused mainly on proximal fibular osteotomy with short follow-up periods. The aim of this study was to investigate changes in the alignment of the coronal plane of the ankle and knee joints in patients who underwent vascularized fibula graft harvest (VFGH). The evaluation was based on functional outcomes and radiological measurements.In the comparison between the VFGH side and the contralateral side, no significant differences in the knee inclination (KI) or talar inclination (TI) angle, knee medial clear space (K-MCS) or ankle medial clear space (A-MCS) distance were noted. However, a significant difference in the hip knee (HKA) angle was observed between the operated and nonoperated sides (0.3° ± 1.8° and 1.5° ± 1.9°, respectively [p = 0.019]). Statistically significant differences in both the knee society score (KSS) and the AOFAS scores were found between the ipsilateral donor limb and the contralateral healthy limb. Although the contralateral healthy side had better clinical scores than the VFGH side, the outcomes of the VFGH side were still satisfactory or excellent.

Full weight bearing after internal fixation of isolated distal fibular fractures with anatomically contoured locking plates: Our institutional experience.

Isolated fractures of the distal fibula mainly affect young, active people. In most cases, fixation is by open reduction with or without casting for six weeks without weight bearing. The current trend is to reduce this period of non-weight-bearing in order to promote earlier functional rehabilitation. The improved mechanical stability resulting from the use of plates with locking screws has changed the postoperative management of many fractures, but there is little evidence for the ankle. Between October 2013 and August 2015, 36 patients were enrolled in a prospective study to evaluate the performance of internal fixation of isolated distal fibular fractures using a lateral anatomically contoured titanium locking plate (InitialA® plate from Newclip Technics, Haute Goulaine, France) with immediate mobilisation and full weight bearing. No patient required further surgery due to mechanical failure or non-union. The bone healing rate was 100 % at 3 months. Two patients had septic complications requiring plate removal and antibiotic treatment and were eventually cured. The use of anatomically contoured locking plates provides strong and stable fixation, allowing immediate full weight-bearing. Such a technique has the advantage of a short recovery time and an early return to work without additional complications.

Primary Reconstruction Using Fibular Strut Allograft for Distal Humerus Intra-articular Comminuted Open Fracture (AO/OTA13C2, G-A type IIIA): A Case Report.

Distal humerus intra-articular comminuted open fracture is a challenging injury, with nonunion, infection and stiffness considered as major concerns. We report a 58-year-old woman who was admitted to the emergency department from a car accident, sustaining an open wound with severe comminution of distal humerus and complete articular fracture, classified as AO/OTA 13C2 and Gustillo Anderson type IIIA. Debridement and external fixation was done first, followed by open reduction and internal fixation with fibular strut allograft. The patient showed excellent results in radiological and functional outcomes. Level of Evidence: Level V (Therapeutic).

Free Fibular Osteocutaneous Flap Combined With Simultaneous Tendon Reconstruction for Midfoot Restoration After Myoepithelial Carcinoma Resection.

ABSTRACT: Myoepithelial carcinomas of soft tissue are rare, and most are malignant. The optimal treatment is surgical excision. The arches of the foot are a composite structure responsible for weight bearing and pressure distribution, so it is a vast challenge in reconstruction. We report a case of reconstruction of the midfoot with a free fibular bone flap and tendon graft. We review the literature to compare various options in foot reconstructions and sort out the outcomes of different bone flaps. The free fibula osteocutaneous flap is the superior choice for midfoot reconstruction owing to its sufficient length, strength, flexible skin paddles, easy-to-withstand osteotomy, and simultaneous tendon graft harvesting.

The precision of technical aspects in the minimally invasive Broström-Gould procedure: a cadaveric anatomical study.

BACKGROUND: A comprehensive understanding of the anatomy of the anterolateral ankle joint and its interrelationships is essential for advancing the development of minimally invasive Broström-Gould procedure, thereby enhancing surgical efficacy and minimizing postoperative complications. METHODS: Ten fresh human ankle specimens were dissected to observe the shape and trajectory of the lateral bundle of the inferior extensor retinaculum (IER) and its relationship with the deep fascia. To observe the relationship between the ankle capsule and the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL). The center of the insertion point of ATFL at the lateral malleolus was used as the reference point. The vertical distance from the reference point to the fibula tip, the horizontal distance from the reference point to the lateral branch of the superficial peroneal nerve, the shortest distance from the reference point to IER, the narrowest width of the IER, the angle between the line connecting the shortest distance from the reference point to the IER and the longitudinal axis of the fibula were measured. The tension and elasticity of ATFL was understood. To describe the minimally invasive Broström-Gould procedure according to the anatomical characteristics of the anterolateral ankle joint. RESULTS: Among the 10 cases, 8 cases (80%) had double bundles of ATFL, 2 cases (20%) had single bundle of ATFL, and no outer superior oblique bundle was observed in IER. The vertical distance from the reference point to the fibula tip was 1.2 ± 0.3 (range 1.1-1.3) mm. The shortest distance from the reference point to the level of the superficial peroneal branch was 28.2 ± 4.3 (range 24.5-32.4) mm. The shortest distance from the reference point to IER was 12.5 ± 0.6 (range 12.1-12.9) mm, and the width of IER at this point was 7.2 ± 0.3 (range 7.0-7.6) mm. The angle between the line connecting the shortest distance from the reference point to the IER and the longitudinal axis of the fibula was about 60° ± 2.8° (range 58.1°-62.1°) mm. The space between the anterolateral deep fascia of the ankle joint and the ankle capsule is very small, and only a few fat granules are separated between them. The ATFL is largely fused to the ankle capsule. The ATFL exhibited high tension and poor elasticity after traction with the probe hook. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that in the minimally invasive Broström-Gould technique for lateral ankle stabilization, the Broström procedure actually sutured the insertion of the ATFL together with the ankle capsule to the anterior edge of the lateral malleolus. In the Gould procedure, the deep fascia was mostly reinforced with the ankle capsule. The minimum suture span was obtained when the Gould suture needle direction was at an Angle of 60° to the longitudinal axis of the fibula.