Vascularized fibular graft for infected loss of the ulna: Case report

Abstract

A free vascularized fibular graft was used to achieve union at a chronically infected 8 cm defect in the proximal ulna. The vascularized graft permitted simple fracture healing at the ulnafibular junctions. The insulating muscle sheath around the fibular segment was preserved and there was no need for large amounts of cancellous graft. Synostosis was, therefore, avoided, and a full range of motion of the elbow and forearm were maintained. Antibiotics continued to reach the bone, and the infection was eradicated.