It is difficult to obtain a satisfactory bony union of large bone defect secondary to trauma, tumor resection, congenital pseudarthrosis of tibia and bony metaplasia following infection with conventional methods. Conventional nonvascularized
autologous
bone graft do not provide adequate large amounts of donor bone and usually undergo necrosis or nonunion due to lack of vascular nutrition
Currently, advanced in microsurgery have made it possible to provide a continuing circulation of blood in bone grafts so as to ensure viability. With the nutrient blood supply preserved, healing of the graft to the recipient bone is facilitate
without
the usual replacement of the graft by creeping substitution. Thus, the grafted bone is achieved more rapid stabilization without sacrificing viability. We reviewed 11 cases of vascularized fibular grafts which were performed from December 1982 to
January 1993 and the following results were obtained:
1. Large bone defects with chronic osteomyelitis secondary to trauma were could be successfully treated by the vascularized fibular transfer.
2. I our experience, the vascularized fibular transfer was thought to be one of good methods of treatment for congenital pseudathrosis of tibia.
3. Complete tumor resection was followed by a free vascularized fibular transfer, resulting in good functional improvement, without local recurrence.
Long bone defect secondary to bony dysplasia was could be reconstructed by the vascularized fibular transfer.
4. The transferred vascularized fibula had been hypertrophied with bony union during follow-up period and there was no resorption of the grafted fibula.
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