Treatment of extrinsic flexion deformity of the toes associated with previous removal of a vascularized fibular graft.

BACKGROUND

Complications from vascularized fibular bone-grafting are infrequent. We saw six patients who had a painful flexion deformity of the great and lesser toes after a free vascularized fibular graft had been obtained from the ipsilateral leg. In this report, we discuss our management of these patients.

METHODS

Painful flexion deformity of the toes that had developed in six adults after removal of a free vascularized fibular graft was treated by cutting of the flexor hallucis longus alone in three patients, by lengthening of the flexor hallucis longus alone in one, and by cutting of both the flexor hallucis longus and the flexor digitorum longus in two.

RESULTS

After an average duration of follow-up of six years and eleven months, the flexion deformity of the great and lesser toes had decreased or disappeared, leading to improved or full extension of the digits. Preoperative and postoperative measurements of muscle strength for plantar flexion of the interphalangeal joints did not change appreciably.

CONCLUSIONS

Cutting or lengthening of the flexor hallucis longus behind the ankle provides an adequate release of digital flexion deformities that occur after removal of a vascularized fibular bone graft.