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Treatment for large skeletal defects by free vascularized fibular graft combined with locking plate

  • Orthopaedic Surgery
  • Published:
Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Background

Reconstruction of large skeletal defects secondary to osteomyelitis or open fracture is a challenging problem. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of using free vascularized fibular graft (FVFG) combined with locking plate in the treatment of large skeletal defects from open fracture and infection.

Methods

Ten patients with a mean age of 34 years (ranged 13–57 years) and a mean length of 8.7 cm (range 6–17 cm) skeletal defect were treated with FVFG and locking plate. The mean follow-up time was 26 months.

Results

Grafting union occurred in all patients, with a mean healing time of 4.5 months. No recurrence of osteomyelitis and stress fractures was observed. The mean time to full weight-bearing was 10 months, and all patients were pain-free and able to walk without supportive devices.

Conclusions

FVFG combined with locking plate is a viable option for the management of large skeletal defects from open fracture and infection.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine, Shanghai Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 600 Yishan Road, 200233, Shanghai, China

    Yuan Sun, Changqing Zhang, Dongxu Jin, Jiagen Sheng, Xiangguo Cheng & Bingfang Zeng

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  1. Yuan Sun
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  2. Changqing Zhang
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  3. Dongxu Jin
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  4. Jiagen Sheng
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  5. Xiangguo Cheng
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  6. Bingfang Zeng
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Correspondence to Changqing Zhang.

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Sun, Y., Zhang, C., Jin, D. et al. Treatment for large skeletal defects by free vascularized fibular graft combined with locking plate. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg 130, 473–479 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-009-0898-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-009-0898-5

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