Clinical and radiological results of vascularized fibular epiphyseal transfer after bone tumor resection in children.

INTRODUCTION

Vascularized fibular proximal epiphyseal transfer associated to a diaphyseal segment is used to treat childhood epiphyseal defect. The aim of the present study was to analyze surgical technique and long-term clinical and radiological results.

MATERIAL AND METHOD: Between 1997 and 2008, 7 patients with a mean age of 5.7 years (range, 2-8 years) were operated on for bone malignancy with vascularized fibular epiphyseal transfer: 5 Ewing sarcomas and 2 osteosarcomas, located in the proximal femur (n=3), proximal humerus (n=3) or distal radius (n=1). Mean transplant size was 13.8cm. Vascularization involved a single artery in 5 cases (3 peroneal, 2 anterior tibial) and both in 2 cases. Internal fixation used intramedullary nailing in 6 cases and screwed plate in 1. All patients underwent pre- and post-operative chemotherapy following French Pediatric Oncology Society (SFOP) protocols.

RESULTS

Mean follow-up was 11 years (range, 3 years 11 months to >17 years). All patients were alive and in tumor remission. Reconstructed joint function was satisfactory in 85% of cases. Graft thickening indicated integration in all cases. The transferred cartilage had recovered growth in 4 cases. Complications comprised postoperative infection (n =1), consolidation defects (n = 2), fractures (n = 8), malalignment requiring surgical revision (n = 1), and spontaneously resolving common peroneal nerve palsies (n = 2).

DISCUSSION: In young children, vascularized fibular epiphyseal transfer fills bone defect, reconstructs a functional joint and allows continued growth in the resected segment. Growth prostheses, in the authors' experience, always give poor results in this age-group, and fusion fails to address the growth problem. Patients should be informed about the risk of fracture, persisting over the long term.

CONCLUSION

Vascularized fibular epiphyseal transfer is a difficult technique, subject to complications, but enables reconstruction of a bone segment involving the epiphysis in young children, conserving function and growth.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III, retrospective clinical study.