The two-stage ipsilateral fibular transfer for tibial defect following tumour excision

Abstract

Method. We performed a two-stage vascularized ipsilateral fibular graft transfer for segmental tibial defect following excision of malignant bone tumours. Results. We report 10 patients who had this procedure with an average follow-up of 116 months. The graft was transposed medialy on its vascular pedicle by two-stage surgery. Full weight bearing was achieved in six patients at 8-43 months postoperatively, but every patient had a significant complication. Discussion. The use of this method in isolation is not recommended for reconstruction of the tibia following tumour excision.