Transplantation of the proximal fibula based on the anterior tibial artery. Anatomical study and clinical application

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of microvascular transplantation, based on the anterior tibial artery, of the epiphysis and the proximal half of the diaphysis of the fibula. India ink injections into the anterior tibial artery were performed in 13 unembalmed adult cadavers, following which transverse frozen sections were taken. Dye was observed in the fibula, both within the intramedullary cavity and at the level of the periosteum, in all specimens. The average distal limit reached by the dye, measured from the tip of the epiphysis, was 10.4cm in the intramedullary cavity and 11.8cm in the periosteum. Based on these anatomical findings one case of humeral reconstruction has been performed with a fibular transplant, including both the epiphysis and a segment of diaphysis, vascularized solely by the anterior tibial artery.