ABSTRACT
Postoperative results in 21 patients with bone defects that had been treated with
a free vascularized fibular graft (FVFG) were evaluated. Pathogeneses in 21 patients
were bone defect or pseudarthrosis after trauma in eight, massive bone defect after
resection of bone and soft tissue tumor in six, congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia
in six, and congenital arteriovenous fistula in the forearm in one patient. The follow-up
ranged from 15 months to 12 years, with an average of four years and six months.
At final review, 12 patients went on to primary bony union, and six additional patients
obtained union following an additional conventional bone graft. Three FVFGs resulted
in a non-vascularized fibular graft. However, two patients obtained union with additional
bone graft. Only one patient failed to obtain bony union and eventually required an
above-knee amputation. Bony union rates in congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia
treated with the FVFG were lower than those in other diseases. Variables related to
the surgical procedures and other factors affecting results and complications were
also evaluated.
