Vascular pedicled fibular graft for the treatment of bone defect in long bone of the limb.A report of 33 cases

Objective To review 33 cases of bone defect in long bone of the limbs treated with vascular pedicled free fibular graft and vascular anastomosis from 1981.8 to 1999.10. Methods When free fibula with vessel pedicle was grafted to recipient region,arterial anastomosis was performed by arterial anastomosis or end-to-end anastomosis with T shape insert.Results The follow-up period ranged from 6 months to 5 years,with an average of 2 5 years.The clinical union during of grafted bones ranged from 2 to 5 months,with an average of 3 5 months.The limb function nearly recovered to normal.Conclusion Grafting of fibula with vascular pedicle is an effective method to repair bone defect in long bone of the limb.End-to-end anastomosis with T shape insert during vascular anastomosis ensures blood supply of grafted bone,and there is no side effects on blood supply of origin blood circulation.The operation is simple and the graft material is ready to be procured.