Free Vascularized Fibular Graft Combined with a Locking Compression Plate for Reconstruction of Skeletal Defects in the Upper Extremities

Abstract

 Reconstruction of large skeletal defects is a challenging. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of a free vascularized fibular graft (FVFG) combined with a locking compression plate in the treatment of large skeletal defects in the upper extremities.
 Seven patients (age range 5-58 years; mean age, 28 years) with upper extremity skeletal defects were treated with FVFG and a locking compression plate. Of these, 6 patients required reconstruction because of tumor resection and 1 because of traumatic bone defect. The mean follow-up time was 25 months.
 Grafting union occurred in all patients, except in 1 patient because of death, with a mean healing time of 4.6 months. No additional operation for nonunion and/or delayed union was performed.
 FVFG combined with a locking compression plate is a useful tool for reconstruction of large skeletal defects in the upper extremities.