Summary
Free vascularized fibula grafts have been used to reconstruct long tibial bone defects since Taylor's report in 1975. A pedicled vascularized fibula graft is also useful for small bone defects or pseudoarthrosis because of its excellent vascularity. The pedicled vascularized fibula transfer does not need the microvascular anastomosis and can be performed in much less time. It can be distally or proximally pedicled, depending on the site of the bone defect. A proximally or distally pedicled vascularized fibula with or without a monitoring flap was transferred in five cases of small bone defects and pseudoarthrosis of the tibia. In all 5 cases, the postoperative course was uneventful and good bony union was obtained.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Allieu Y (1981) Congenital pseudoarthrosis of the forearm — Two cases treated by free vascularized fibular graft. J Hand Surg 6:475
Crenshaw AH (1963) Campbell's operative orthopaedics. 4th edn, vol 1. Mosby, St Louis
Taylor GI, Miller GDH, Ham FJ (1975) The free vascularized bone graft — a clinical extension of microvascular techniques. Plast Reconstr Surg 55:533
Torii S, Namiki Y, Mori R (1987) Reverse flow island flap: clinical report and venous drainage. Plast Reconstr Surg 79
Satoh K, Okabe K, Matsui A (1989) Anatomical consideration for the venous drainage of the reverse flow island flaps in the extremity (in the upper versus in the lower extremity). Eur J Plast Surg 12:171
Yoshimura M, Shimamura K, Iwai Y, et al. (1983) Free vascularized fibular transplant. J Bone Joint Surg [Am] 65:1295
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Satoh, K., Wong, F., Shibui, S. et al. Effectiveness of the pedicled vascularized fibula graft to reconstruct tibial defects. Eur J Plast Surg 14, 274–279 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00216899
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00216899