Organ Transplantation Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Organ Transplantation, including details on risks, prognosis, procedure, surgery.

Free vascularized fibular grafting-25 years' experience: tips, techniques, and pearls.

Wood MB

Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA. micheal.wood@mayo.edu

Thirty years after its introduction vascularized fibula transfer remains an important tool for all surgeons dealing with particularly challenging bone reconstruction problems. It should be a consideration when simpler approaches either have failed or are expected to fail. It is particularly indicated for the reconstruction of massive bone defects associated with sepsis and bony non-unions associated with radionecrosis. The successful execution of vascularized fibular grafting, however, requires microvascular expertise and adherence to sound orthopedic principles for bone healing, including stable internal fixation, maximal bone-to-bone coaptation, and appropriate postoperative management regarding joint mobilization and weight bearing.

Published 5 December 2006 in Orthop Clin North Am, 38(1): 1-12, v.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2004-2008 Organ Transplantation Research Today. All Rights Reserved.