Treatment for large skeletal defects by free vascularized fibular graft combined with locking plate.

Reconstruction of large skeletal defects secondary to osteomyelitis or open fracture is a challenging problem. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of using free vascularized fibular graft (FVFG) combined with locking plate in the treatment of large skeletal defects from open fracture and infection. Ten patients with a mean age of 34 years (ranged 13–57 years) and a mean length of 8.7 cm (range 6–17 cm) skeletal defect were treated with FVFG and locking plate. The mean follow-up time was 26 months. Grafting union occurred in all patients, with a mean healing time of 4.5 months. No recurrence of osteomyelitis and stress fractures was observed. The mean time to full weight-bearing was 10 months, and all patients were pain-free and able to walk without supportive devices. FVFG combined with locking plate is a viable option for the management of large skeletal defects from open fracture and infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]