Bone Flaps for Structural Reconstruction of the Lower Extremity.

Fixation of vascularized bone grafts (VBGs) relies upon established osteosynthesis principles. VBGs offer the opportunity to transfer living bone with remodeling and hypertrophy potential for reconstruction of bone defects throughout the lower extremity. In defects of the pelvic ring, femoral head and neck, ankle, and foot, as well as for juxta-articular and intercalary long-bone defects, pedicled and free fibula and medial femoral condyle flaps are used to this end. These options provide an autologous structural donor that allows patients to achieve osseous union and functional success.