Application of free autogenous fibular graft in the treatment of aggressive bone tumours of the distal end of the radius.

Long-term results of the application of free autogenous fibular graft in the treatment of aggressive bone tumours of the distal end of the radius are presented. Six patients underwent radical resection of the tumour including the articular surface of the distal radius during the period 1969 to 1978, the average follow-up time being 5 years. In one case the tumour was low grade chondrosarcoma, in three cases a giant cell tumour grade two to three and in the remaining two a hemangioma. Five to twelve cm of the distal radius was resected and the defect was replaced using the ipsilateral proximal part of the fibula as free graft. Osteosynthesis was performed end to end with a plate fixation, or side to side with screw fixation. At follow-up, the range of motion in the radiocarpal joint was normal or close to normal in each case and all patients had returned to work within 6 months of the operation. None of the patients presented a recidive of the tumour.