Reconstruction with non-vascularised fibular grafts after resection of bone tumours

J Bone Joint Surg Br. 2007 Feb;89(2):215-21. doi: 10.1302/0301-620X.89B2.17686.

Abstract

We evaluated 31 patients who were treated with a non-vascularised fibular graft after resection of primary musculoskeletal tumours, with a median follow-up of 5.6 years (3 to 26.7 years). Primary union was achieved in 89% (41 of 46) of the grafts in a median period of 24 weeks. All 25 grafts in 18 patients without additional chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy achieved primary union, compared with 16 of the 21 grafts (76%; 13 patients) with additional therapy (p=0.017). Radiographs showed an increase in diameter in 70% (59) of the grafts. There were seven fatigue fractures in six patients, but only two needed treatment. Non-vascularised fibular transfer is a simpler, less expensive and a shorter procedure than the use of vascularised grafts and allows remodelling of the fibula at the donor site. It is a biological reconstruction with good long-term results, and a relatively low donor site complication rate of 16%.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Bone Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Bone Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Bone Neoplasms / therapy
  • Bone Remodeling
  • Bone Transplantation / adverse effects
  • Bone Transplantation / methods
  • Chemotherapy, Adjuvant / adverse effects
  • Child
  • Chondrosarcoma / diagnostic imaging
  • Chondrosarcoma / surgery
  • Chondrosarcoma / therapy
  • Female
  • Fibula / blood supply
  • Fibula / transplantation*
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Fractures, Stress / etiology
  • Humans
  • Hyperostosis / etiology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Osteosarcoma / surgery
  • Osteosarcoma / therapy
  • Radiography
  • Radiotherapy, Adjuvant / adverse effects
  • Recovery of Function
  • Regional Blood Flow
  • Sarcoma, Ewing / surgery
  • Sarcoma, Ewing / therapy
  • Treatment Outcome