Fibula

Abstract

The fibula is the longest bone which may be transferred by microsurgical techniques. It provides a relatively straight piece of well-vascularized bone which readily fits into long bone defects. The pedicle, being large and reliable, is suitable for microvascular anastomoses. Although a skin flap can be taken with the bone transfer, it must be very narrow to allow direct closure of the defect. Skin grafting a wide defect produces a cosmetically undesirable result. An improved awareness of the anatomy of the cutaneous branches of the peroneal artery may result in more frequent use of this bone as an osteoseptocutaneous transfer.