A free vascularized tibia-fibular composite graft for the traumatic femoral bony defect of a 6-year-old boy with 10-year follow up: A case report

Shih Hao Chen, To Wong*, Ming Chung Yeh, Chun Huang Pai, Jih Yang Ko

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal Article peer-review

Abstract

Introduction. Free vascularized fibular grafts have been widely used for the reconstruction of long bone defects. However, the use of a vascularized tibial graft is precluded by its weight-bearing function and unacceptable donor site morbidity. Case presentation. We present a rare case of using a vascularized tibia-fibular composite graft taken from a 6-year-old Chinese boy's ipsilateral lower leg to reconstruct a large bony defect of his traumatic femur. Hypertrophy of the tibial graft, good remodeling of the femoral shaft, and atrophy of the unloaded fibular graft were noted at the 10-year follow up. He was able to participate in outdoor activities such as basketball while wearing his prosthesis. Conclusions: The 10-year follow up demonstrates the feasibility of this salvage procedure for a floating knee injury with neurovascular compromise.

Original languageEnglish
Article number136
JournalJournal of Medical Case Reports
Volume7
DOIs
StatePublished - 2013
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Pediatrics
  • Traumatic bony defect
  • Vascularized tibia-fibular graft

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'A free vascularized tibia-fibular composite graft for the traumatic femoral bony defect of a 6-year-old boy with 10-year follow up: A case report'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this