Multi-method transplantation of fibula and flap to the repair of limb bone and soft tissue defects

Objective To investigate the effect of vascularized fibula with fibular flap to repair limb bones and soft tissue defects.Methods Transpositional fibulas were used to repair tibiae defects in 4 cases.Free fibular transplantation was used in 6 cases,including folded fibular transplantation in 3 cases distal femur repair in 2 cases,calcaneus repair in I case.Hole fibular transplantation was used in 11 cases to repair tibia radius and metatarsal bones.Semi-fibular transplantation was used to repair metacarpal bone defects in 2 cases.All transplanted bones were together with the flap to repair bones and soft tissue defects.Results Twenty cases were all survived,with bone healing time of 6 to 10 weeks,and weight bearing time of 3 to 6 months,fifteen cases were followed up for 6 months to 4 years,and the results showed that their transplanted bones became thicker,their lower limbs recovered to normal walking,hand grip function recovered,the transplanted flaps were elastic.Conclusion Vascularized fibula and fibular flaps transplantation was an effective way to repair limb bones and soft tissue defects. Key words: Fibula flap;  Transplantation;  Extremity;  Microsurgery