[The effect of fibula flap graft on the restoration of the extremities with traumatic compound tissue defects].

Objective: To evaluate the clinical effects of fibula flap grafts on the repair of the extremities with traumatic compound tissue defects.
Methods: In 12 cases, the fibula flap grafts were employed to restore the extremities with traumatic compound tissue defects. Of the 12 patients, 9 were males, 3 were females; their ages ranged from 12 to 45. There were 2 cases of tibia defect combined with fibula fracture, 2 cases of tibia defect, 2 cases of radius defect, 3 cases of ulna defect, 1 case of calcaneus defect, and 2 cases of first-metatarsus defect. The bone defect length ranged from 4.2 to 10.6 cm, 7.8 cm in average. The skin defect area ranged from 10.0 cm x 4.5 cm to 27.0 cm x 15.0 cm. The free transplantation of fibular flaps were used in 9 cases, the lapse operation were used in 2 cases, retrograde shift were used in 1 case.
Results: Post-operational vein crisis and common peroneal nerve traction injury were observed in category mentioned above respectively. All the 12 fibula flaps survived after proper treatments such as removal of great saphenous vein. Follow-ups were done for 6 to 24 months. Both the transferred fibula and the recipient broken end reflected bones were healed. Four patients underwent the second-phase reconstruction operation of tendon moving power. One wrist and 1 ankle underwent arthrodesis in 3 to 6 months. All the effects were satisfactory.
Conclusion: The fibula flap grafts provide a relatively better alternative to repair the extremities with long bone compound tissue defects. In addition, the sensory function reconstruction of fibula flaps should be given full attention.