Pedicled iliac crest bone flap transfer for the treatment of upper femoral shaft fracture nonunion: An anatomic study and clinical applications.

PURPOSE: We present the results of a study on the anatomy of the ascending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery (AB-LCFA) and the use of the pedicled iliac bone flap transfer perfused by AB-LCFA combined with external fixation for the treatment of the nonunion of upper femoral shaft fractures.

METHODS

The orientation, diameter, length, and distribution of the AB-LCFA from 40 lower limbs of adult cadavers were dissected and measured. From 2000 to 2012, 13 patients with nonunion of upper femoral shaft fractures underwent pedicled iliac bone flap transfer perfused by the AB-LCFA combined with external fixation. The time of bone fracture union was recorded based on X-ray examination. The functional results of the femoral shaft were evaluated by the Klemm classification.

RESULTS

The lateral circumflex femoral artery (LCFA) divided into ascending, transverse, and descending branches in 32 specimens (80%). The diameter of the AB-LCFA at the origin was 3.15 ± 0.9 mm and the length of the AB-LCFA was 8.51 ± 3.06 cm. The postoperative course of the procedure was uneventful in all 13 patients. The average follow-up was 15 months. Bone union was achieved in all patients and the average union time was 5.3 months. 12 patients achieved excellent or good functional results based on the Klemm classification.

CONCLUSION

The AB-LCFA has a consistent orientation and abundant blood flow. The transfer of the iliac crest bone flap perfused by the AB-LCFA while combined with external fixation could be an option for treating the nonunion of upper femoral shaft fractures.