Free Vascularized Osteocutaneous Fibular Graft to the Tibia

Journal of the Korean Society for Surgery of the Hand 2002;11(1):1-10.
Published online May 31, 2002.

Kwang Suk Lee, M.D., Seung Beom Han, M.D., Byung Taek Lee, M.D., Hyeong Sik Kim, M.D.

경골에 시행한 유리 생비골 및 피부편 이식

이광석·한승범·이병택·김형식

Abstract

Purpose : To analyze the clinical results of free vascularized osteocutaneous fibula graft to tibial defect combined with soft tissue defect and infection.
Materials and Methods : In the retrospective study of 51 consecutive cases of vascularized osteocutaneous fibular graft, the length of the grafted fibula, size of the skin flap, anastomosed vessels, ischemic time of the flap, time for union, hypertrophy of fibula and the complications were evaluated.
Results : Initial bony union of the grafted fibula was obtained at 3.74 months after operation, except 4 cases of nonunion and delayed union. The weight bearing without external supports was possible at 18 months after operation in average. The fracture of grafted fibula was most common complication(16 cases).
Conclusion : The vascularized osteocutaneous fibula graft provided satisfactory bony union and functional results in the cases not responsible for conventional treatment methods.

Key Words: Tibia, Bony defect, Free vascularized osteocutaneous fibula graft.