Tackling bone loss of the lower extremity: vascularized bone grafting

Abstract

Post-traumatic lower extremity bone loss in the setting of high-energy trauma can occur acutely as a result of an open fracture and surgical debridement, or secondarily as a result of nonunion or infection. Several techniques have been described in the literature for the management of these bony defects, including non-vascularized bone grafts, vascularized bone grafts and distraction osteogenesis. Herein, the authors review the role of vascularized bone grafts in the management of post-traumatic bone loss in the lower extremity.