Successful reconstruction of segmental femoral bone defect by folded free vascularized fibular bone graft: a retrospective report.

OBJECTIVE

Vascularized fibular bone grafts are an efficient method for repairing various segmental bone defects. The objective of this report is to introduce our experience with folded free vascularized fibular bone grafts for segmental femoral bone defects.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

Clinical data collected by surgeons and the Hospital Information System (HIS) were screened. Cases with segmental femoral bone defects repaired by folded free vascularized fibular bone grafts were collected. Clinical data, including demographic characteristics, defect size, coinfection, perioperative treatment and imaging data during follow-up, were collected for analysis.

RESULTS

Twelve patients (10 males and 2 females), aged from 6 to 58, were included in this report. The defect range was 3-10 cm, with an average of 6.2 cm. Three cases were complicated with infection, and the others were not. Folded free vascularized fibular bone grafts were harvested for the reconstruction of segmental femoral bone defects. The grafts were fixed with plates in 9 cases and external fixators in 3 cases. All grafts healed uneventfully with an average healing time of 5.2 months (range 4∼8 months). Internal fixation failure occurred in one case. The follow-up time ranged from 15 to 130 months (average 58.3 months).

CONCLUSION

Folded free fibula grafts are one of the optional methods for segmental bone defects of the femur. Through this method, patients can undergo a one-time operation to reconstruct the bone defect of the affected limb.