Abstract
In the present report, we describe the clinical results of using a vascularized bone graft ( VBG ) combined with a locking compression plate ( LCP ) for the treatment of large bone defects in the extremities.
Between 2006 and 2014, 19 patients ( 8 males, 11 females ; mean age, 35.1 years ) with upper and lower extremity bone defects were treated with VBG and LCP. The bone defects were located in the upper and lower extremities in 10 and 9 patients, respectively. In total, 1 graft was obtained from the iliac bone and 19 grafts were obtained from the fibula.
Graft union occurred in all patients, expect in 1 because of death ; the mean healing duration was 4.6 months. In 3 children ( mean follow-up, 50.3 months ), the sling procedure was performed for the proximal humerus ; the mean total growth was 16.7 mm. In 6 patients, the sling procedure was performed for proximal humeral defects, and no fibular head collapse or absorption was observed in any of these cases. In the lower limbs, graft hypertrophy was observed at an average of 59.4%.
Thus, the method involving a VBG combined with a LCP is useful for the reconstruction of large bone defects in the extremities.
