%0 Journal Article %A MATTHEW R. CLAXTON %A MATTHEW B. SHIRLEY %A KARIM BAKRI %A PETER S. ROSE %A STEVEN L. MORAN %A MATTHEW T. HOUDEK %T Utility of the Free Vascularized Fibula Flap to Reconstruct Oncologic Defects in the Upper Extremity %D 2020 %R 10.21873/anticanres.14246 %J Anticancer Research %P 2751-2755 %V 40 %N 5 %X Background/Aim: Non-vascularized methods to reconstruct bone defects following tumor resection are associated with complications. As a result, the free vascularized fibular flap (FVF) has become a mainstay for reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to analyze FVF reconstruction in the upper extremity. Patients and Methods: We reviewed 28 (14 female and 14 male, mean age of 29±20 years) patients reconstructed with an FVF in the upper extremity following tumor resection. Reconstruction most commonly involved the humerus (n=17, 61%) and a malignant (n=23, 82%) tumor. Results: The limb salvage rate was 93% (n=26), with primary union occurring in 71% (n=20) of patients. Following bone grafting the overall union was 96% (n=27) at a mean 13±11 months. At most recent follow-up the mean MSTS93 rating was 82±22%. Conclusion: FVF effectively provided a functional reconstruction following tumor resection. Although, one in four patients will need additional bone grafting, the overall union rate is high. %U https://ar.iiarjournals.org/content/anticanres/40/5/2751.full.pdf