Fibular Resection Research Articles

Proximal fibula resection in the treatment of bone tumours

We present a large study of patients with proximal fibula resection. Moreover we describe a new classification system for tumour resection of the proximal fibula independent of the tumour differentiation. In 57 patients the functional and clinical outcomes were evaluated. The follow-up ranged between sixmonths and 22.2years (median 7.2years). The indication for surgery was benign tumours in ten cases and malignant tumours in 47 cases. In 13 of 45 patients, where a resection of the lateral ligament complex was done, knee instability occurred. In 32 patients a resection of the peroneal nerve with resulting peroneal palsy was necessary. Patients with peroneal resection had significantly worse functional outcome than patients without peroneal resection. An ankle foot orthosis was tolerated well by these patients. Three of four patients with pathological tibia fracture had local radiation therapy. There was no higher risk of tibia fracture in patients with partial tibial resection. Resection of tumours in the proximal fibula can cause knee instability, peroneal palsy and in cases of local radiation therapy, a higher risk of delayed wound healing and fracture. Despite the risks of proximal fibula resection, good functional results can be achieved.

Radiographic and functional outcomes of the ankle joint after free vascularized fibular graft resection procedure: assessment after 15 months

Background Free vascularized fibular grafting is one of the common procedures performed for various reconstructive procedures. The length of fibula that should be resected so that the morbidity is minimized is an important issue. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the functional outcome and the radiographic changes of the donor site ankle after free vascularized fibular grafting. Methods Morbidity and the radiographic changes of the ankle joint after free vascularized fibular grafting were assessed in patients who fulfilled the study criteria. Functional assessment of the donor site ankle was done using Mazur's ankle score. The association of the score and the length of the fibula resected and radiographic changes were evaluated. Results Twenty consecutive patients who fulfilled the criteria were included in the study. The score was found to be excellent in 15 (75%) patients and good in 5 (25%) patients. None of them had a fair or poor score. Mazur's ankle score and residual distal length of the fibula shows a statistically significant positive linear correlation. Conclusions Our study suggests that preservation of distal fibular length of 4.5 to 5.0 cm could still result in favorable functional outcome at the donor site after free vascularized fibular graft resection.

Regeneration of the Fibula Using a Periosteum-preserving Technique in Children

Bone grafting is a commonly used surgical procedure, particularly in reconstructive orthopedic surgery. Bone grafts may be used to fill skeletal defects created by trauma, infection, tumors, or congenital malformation. Fibular graft is an ideal option and is widely used to treat massive segmental defects; however, it leads to various complications, especially in children. This article describes our experience with donor site bone grafts using a periosteum-preserving technique with respect to minimizing donor site complications and performing effective reconstruction of bone defects in children. Seventeen patients who were followed after fibula resection and bone grafting in the donor site using a periosteum-preserving technique were evaluated radiologically and clinically. The patients were divided into 2 groups: 1 group was filled with cancellous allograft (n=9), and the other group was filled with calcium sulfate (n=8) in the donor site. Mean patient age was 8.4 years (range, 2-13 years), and mean follow-up was 31 months (range, 7-65 months). Complete regeneration of the donor sites occurred in all patients; mean time to regeneration at donor sites was 12 weeks (range, 4-21 weeks). There were no significant donor site complications intraoperatively or immediately postoperatively. The average regeneration index was 0.5 (range, 0.2-1.1), and it was found to increase with age (r=0.75, P<.001), indicating that younger patients had faster regeneration. The periosteum-preserving technique was found to lead to the reconstruction of bone defects effectively in children with minimal donor site complications.

Accuracy of Corrective Osteotomies in Fibular Malunion: A Cadaver Model

While incorrect length of a fibular fracture reduction can be measured by plain radiographs, accurate imaging of rotational deformities requires computed tomography (CT). Operative correction of fibular malrotation has not been accurately measured. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of operative correction of fibular malrotation. Six pairs of formalin-fixed, lower leg cadaver specimens had shortening with additional internal or external rotation induced by segmental fibular resection and plate fixation. The deformity was measured by CT. Two experienced surgeons performed standardized corrective operations on six specimens each. The postoperative results were measured by CT. The mean overall accuracy for correction of malrotation was 1.58 degrees (SD = 0.8 degrees). There were no significant differences between the two surgeons performing the corrections. The accuracy of operative correction of malrotation in this cadaver model is in accordance with the requirements reported in clinical studies. Considering the error margin for CT analysis, correction within 5 to 10 degrees seems practical.

Tricortical Bone Grafts for Treatment of Malaligned Tibias and Fibulas

Malunions and malaligned nonunions of the tibia and fibula after fracture alter limb function and can be corrected only with surgical intervention. We sought to determine whether using tricortical portions of the iliac crest in conjunction with osteotomy and internal fixation could successfully treat malunions and malaligned nonunions of the tibia and fibula. Seventeen patients with either a malunion or a malaligned nonunion of the tibia or fibula were treated with an osteotomy, deformity correction, and placement of an autogenous iliac crest tricortical bone graft with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). The minimum followup was 3 months (average, 32 months; range, 3-118 months). Sixteen patients (94%) had clinical and radiographic evidence of healing at an average of 99 days (range, 43-229 days). Major complications occurred in four patients; one had a persistent nonunion, two had wound infections, and one underwent resection of the distal fibula for subsequent development of fibulotalar arthrosis after ankle arthrodesis. Minor complications occurred in two patients, one tendinitis and one persistent malunion. There were no complications at the iliac crest bone graft site. Autogenous iliac crest tricortical bone grafts, when used in conjunction with correction of alignment and stable internal fixation, are a reasonable option for treatment of nonunions and malaligned nonunions of the tibia and fibula. Level IV, therapeutic study. See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Primary osteotomy of the fibula in the treatment of post-traumatic tibial pseudoarthrosis

In a retrospective study 32 case histories of patients with primary osteotomies of the fibula were evaluated to find out the reliability of this method in the treatment of tibial pseudarthroses. The influence of the osteotomy level and extent was taken into account as well. In 23 cases the pseudarthroses resulted from tibial and fibular fractures. Causative for the pseudarthroses were the blocking effects of healed fibula, tibial infection and loose osteosynthetic materials. 22 tibial pseudoarthroses healed by fibular osteotomy and postoperative immobilisation only, healing time was 25 months on average, in case of proximal fibular osteotomies even longer. The extent of fibular resection was between 5 and 30 mm. In contrast to "modern" methods of treatment, primary osteotomies in the treatment of tibial pseudarthroses take a rather long time to heal.

The Clinical Results of En Bloc Proximal Fibula Resection for the Treatment of Fibular Head Tumor

Purpose: We retrospectively reviewed cases of en bloc resection of the proximal fibula for the treatment of tumor arising from the fibular head. Materals and Methods: Between April 1996 and August 2006, 10 patients who underwent en bloc proximal fibular resection and were followed for at least 12 months were included in this study. The mean age was 27.1 years (range, 5-60 years) and the mean follow-up duration was 64.7 months (range, 12.7-140.6 months). The type of en bloc resection was classified according to the Malawer’s resection criteria and the postoperative clinical results were evaluated according to the range of motion, knee joint stability and Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) functional scoring system. Results: All patients were able to move the knee joint from 0° extension to 145o flexion except one patient with flexion contracture of 5o. Grade 1 lateral instability of the knee joint was present in two patients. The average MSTS function score was 92.6% (range, 73-100%). There was one patient with lung metastasis who was underwent lobectomy, but there were no patients with local recurrence. Conclusion: En bloc resection of the proximal fibula for the treatment of tumors arising from the fibular head is a useful therapeutic method that preserves the knee stability and promotes good functional outcome

Knee Stability after Resection of the Proximal Fibula

Knee Stability after Resection of the Proximal Fibula

Osteosarcoma of the Proximal Fibula. An analysis of 13 cases in the northern Japan

Osteosarcoma is the most common form of malignant bone tumor that occurs during childhood and adolescence. The proximal fibula is a relatively rare site for osteosarcoma. We reviewed 305 cases of osteosarcoma registered at the Tohoku Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (TMTS) between 1975 and 1999. Thirteen patients (4.3%) had their osteosarcomas localized in the proximal fibula. Conventional fibroblastic osteosarcoma accounted for 46% of the cases in this series. Limb-sparing surgery was performed in all 13 patients during initial surgery, and the peroneal nerve was preserved in 4 cases. These 4 cases developed local recurrences, but additional wide excision or radiation had a beneficial effect on the recurrences. In our series, the patients showed a 5-year survival rate 76 per cent. The postoperative function of the knee remained good despite various reattachment procedures of lateral co-lateral ligament. As well as resection of the proximal fibula, our results indicate that osteosarcoma of the proximal fibula has a good prognosis for cases who undergo adequate initial surgery.

Knee Stability after Resection of the Proximal Fibula

Managing tumors of the proximal fibula may require en bloc resection of the fibular head with the attachment site for the lateral collateral ligament. These resections of the proximal fibula cause unavoidable knee instability. We describe a reconstructive technique intended to minimize that instability. We retrospectively reviewed 24 patients who had proximal fibular resections from 1987 to 2004 and analyzes their knee stability and functional outcome. Resections were less (Type I) or more (Type II) radical depending upon the tumor type. Reconstruction included stapling the lateral collateral ligament to the lateral tibial metaphysis, cast immobilization, and protected weightbearing for 3 weeks. MSTS function scores were available for 19 of the 24 patients. At their most recent followup, 20 patients had a stable knee, three had 1 to 5 mm lateral joint space opening, and one had 6 to 10 mm lateral joint space opening. Patients with Type I resection had a better stability and function than those with a Type II resection. Stapling the lateral collateral ligament was a reliable technique for reconstructing the lateral collateral ligament after resecting the proximal fibula.

Partial resection of fibula in treatment of ununited tibial shaft fractures

Background : In management of fracture of both tibia and fibula, intact fibula may delay union of tibial fractures. Method : Twenty five cases of ununited fractures of tibia were managed between 1997 and 2004, by partial fibulectomy done after 20 weeks after fracture and a POP cast given for 4 weeks which was changed to a PTB cast and weight bearing encouraged at the earliest. Result : All fractures united at an average time of 14 weeks (range 6 to 20 weeks) after partial fibulectomy with acceptable alignment in coronal and sagittal planes. There was no neurovascular complication, limitation of joint motion or problem at the osteotomy site. Conclusion : Partial fibulectomy is a viable option in the management of tibial delayed and non-union.

Dynamic function of the fibula. Gait analysis evaluation of three different parts of the shank after fibulectomy: proximal, middle and distal

The purpose of this case study was to investigate the dynamic features of fibular movement to gait pattern by analyzing the gait of individuals with three different parts of the fibula resected. Gait analyses revealed that proximal fibula resection impaired knee stability, whereas distal fibula resection disturbed ankle kinematics significantly. Except a mild secondary quadriceps weakness, middle fibula resection did not cause a significant biomechanical disturbance on gait.

Lateral Malleolar Reconstruction After Distal Fibular Resection

T umors of the distal part of the fibula necessitating resection pose a problem because of the need to reconstruct a stable ankle joint and to obtain coverage of this area. Standard textbook solutions include simple resection of the distal aspect of the fibula including the lateral malleolus, as described by Carnesale1 and later by Norman-Taylor et al.2, and resection of the distal part of the fibula with reconstruction of the lateral malleolus with use of the fibular head, as described by Carrell3, Herring et al.4, and de Gauzy et al.5. An allograft reconstruction has also been described6, as has reconstruction with an iliac crest bone graft7. Other possible techniques, albeit less desirable, are ankle arthrodesis and amputation. Although the textbook techniques are considered to be classics, not many reports have detailed their use and results2-5,8-12. These methods, at least theoretically, have a number of drawbacks. In distal fibular resection without reconstruction, the stabilizing effect of the lateral malleolus is lost. Soft-tissue reinforcement, even when it is possible, cannot fully compensate for the loss of stability13. Thus, the ankle may collapse into valgus and may be unstable in varus. Conversely, when the mortise is reconstructed with use of a proximal fibular (head) graft, the lateral collateral ligament of the knee is affected and the peroneal nerve is endangered14,15. Additionally, the fibular head is not totally congruent with the lateral articular surface of the talus and provides no stabilizing ligament attachments. Ankle arthrodesis might solve the problems of instability, but it limits the ability to walk. Amputation is reserved as a last resort for patients in whom limb-sparing is not feasible. We describe a …

Regenerating the Fibula with Beta-Tricalcium Phosphate Minimizes Morbidity after Fibula Resection

The aim of this study was to assess the radiologic and clinical outcome when beta-tricalcium phosphate is used as a bone graft substitute to backfill the fibular defect that is created by harvesting the fibula. Fourteen patients who had fibula resections to be used as bone grafts for bone tumor resections were assessed radiographically. Callus formation bridging the beta-tricalcium phosphate was seen in 12 of 14 patients at an average of 1.4 months after surgery. In these 12 patients the beta-tricalcium phosphate mostly was absorbed and replaced by newly formed bone at an average of 9.3 months after surgery. In all children, beta-tricalcium phosphate was replaced by newly formed bone at an average of 3.2 months after surgery. Only one adult patient had complete regeneration of the fibula. Few patients had continuity between the regenerated fibula and the native fibula. In one patient in whom free vascularized fibula was harvested, regeneration of the fibula was not observed. Clinical functional outcome was not correlated with successful fibula regeneration and union with the native fibula, as determined using radiographs. The results of the study suggest that, in children, regeneration of the fibula by implanting beta-tricalcium phosphate into a bone defect can reduce morbidity of the fibula harvest sites.

Valgus Deformity After Fibular Resection in Children

The authors present a retrospective study of 23 patients in their growing period who underwent resection of more than 2 cm of the fibula. Long-term effects in the ankle and tibia were analyzed. The patients were radiologically studied using the contralateral side as control. Representative radiologic findings were distal migration of the fibula head in 75% (but without clinical relevance), thickening of the external tibial cortex in 20%, talar tilt in 45%, proximal migration of the lateral malleolus in 55%, and diaphyseal valgus of the tibia in 20% of the cases. Incomplete regeneration of fibula was observed in 58% of the cases. Two patients suffered a spiral diaphyseal fracture and another a slow physeal fracture of the distal tibia. In this study, many radiologic changes were observed after fibula resection. The authors suggest using reconstruction methods after fibula resection when it is possible.

CONGENITAL PSEUDARTHROSIS OF THE TIBIA

Results of the Charnley-Williams method of intramedullary fixation for treatment of congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia have varied, in part because of variations in surgical technique. The outcomes of three variations of this procedure were compared to determine which technique was the most likely to result in union. The results in twenty-three consecutive patients with congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia were reviewed at four to fourteen years following initial surgical treatment with an intramedullary rod. Three types of procedures were performed: type A, which consisted of resection of the tibial pseudarthrosis with shortening, insertion of an intramedullary rod into the tibia, and tibial bone-grafting combined with fibular resection or osteotomy and insertion of an intramedullary rod into the fibula; type B, which was identical to type A except that it did not include fibular fixation; and type C, which consisted of insertion of a tibial rod and bone-grafting but no fibular surgery. The outcome was classified as grade 1 when there was unequivocal union with full weight-bearing function and maintenance of alignment requiring no additional surgical treatment; grade 2 when there was equivocal union with useful function, with the limb protected by a brace, and/or valgus or sagittal bowing for which additional surgery was required or anticipated; and grade 3 when there was persistent nonunion or refracture, requiring full-time external support for pain and/or instability. Eleven patients (48%) ultimately had a grade-1 outcome; nine, a grade-2 outcome; and three, a grade-3 outcome. The final outcome was not associated with either the initial radiographic appearance of the lesion or the age of the patient at the time of the initial surgery. The results following type-A and B operations were better than those after type-C procedures. Surgery on an intact fibula resulted in a lower prevalence of grade-3 outcomes than was found when an intact fibula was not operated on (p = 0.05). Transfixation of the ankle joint by the intramedullary rod did not decrease the prevalence of grade-3 outcomes. There is little justification for a type-C operation, as it either resulted in a persistent nonunion or failed to improve an equivocal outcome in every case. Leaving an intact fibula undisturbed to maintain stability or length also was not successful in this series. In addition, the presence of fibular insufficiency (fracture or a pre-pseudarthrotic lesion) was highly prognostic for subsequent valgus deformity (occurring in ten of twelve cases), whether or not the fibula eventually healed.

Free tissue coverage of chronic traumatic wounds of the lower leg.

Thirty-eight consecutive patients who underwent 42 free flaps for chronic wounds of the lower leg were identified over an 11-year period. All wounds were open for a minimum of 1 month (mean, 40 months; median, 8 months; range, 1 month to 30 years). The average age was 37 years (range, 7 to 68 years), there were 31 male patients and seven female patients, and the average follow-up time was 30 months (range, 12 to 72 months). The original injury was an open fracture in 28 patients, wound dehiscence after open reduction and internal fixation of a closed fracture in nine patients, and a shrapnel wound in one patient. A total of 23 patients had osteomyelitis, which was classified as local (involving less than 50 percent of the bone diameter) in 15 patients and as diffuse (involving greater than 50 percent of the bone diameter or infected nonunion) in eight patients. The wounds were treated with sequential debridement, antibiotics, and flap coverage. Ancillary procedures included antibiotic beads in 18 patients, saucerization in 16, Ilizarov bone transport in three, calcanectomy in two, and fibular resection and ankle fusion in one. Thirty-four of 42 flaps survived, four having undergone a repeat free flap. There were three failures out of 25 flaps (12 percent) among those with a normal angiogram and five failures out of 15 flaps (33 percent) among those with an abnormal angiogram (p > 0.05). The failure rate of those with osteomyelitis was six of 26 (23 percent) versus two of 26 (13 percent) for those without osteomyelitis (p > 0.05). Successful reconstruction (bone healed, patient ambulatory and infection-free) was achieved in 33 of 38 patients (87 percent). The failure of reconstruction for those patients with osteomyelitis was four of 23 (22 percent) versus one of 15 (7 percent) for others (p > 0.05). The failure rate of flaps in patients with diffuse osteomyelitis was three of eight (38 percent) versus two of 30 for others (7 percent, p = 0.053). The presence of diffuse osteomyelitis was associated with a lower rate of successful limb reconstruction. An abnormal angiogram and the presence of osteomyelitis both were associated with a lower rate of successful limb reconstruction, but this was not significant, probably because of the small size of the cohort.

Tibia fracture after fibula resection for distal peroneal bypass

The lateral approach to the distal peroneal artery has been used by vascular surgeons for 25 years. No complications specifically related to this approach have previously been reported. We reviewed 18 cases of peroneal bypass for limb salvage using the lateral approach with fibula resection and found that two of these cases had ipsilateral tibia fractures within 1 year of the bypass. Eight out of 18 cases were women, and two of these eight had tibia fracture. Both women suffered from osteoporosis. We conclude that tibia fracture is a possible complication of this approach, especially in elderly women with osteoporosis. (J Vasc Surg 2001;34:979-82.):

Effect of distal fibular resection on ankle laxity.

Ten cadaver specimens were used to study the effect of distal fibular resection and ligamentous repair on ankle laxity. The distal fibula was resected sequentially at three levels. Talar tilt and anterior drawer were measured on stress radiographs after resection and then after ligament repair. Sequential resection of the distal fibula caused a progressive increase in talar tilt and anterior drawer at each cut level (p < 0.5), regardless of whether the ligaments were repaired or not. Ligament repair significantly decreased talar tilt at cuts above the ATFL insertion and decreased anterior drawer at cuts at the tibiotalar level, but these values did not approach control values.

Posterior approach for simultaneous access to the popliteal and anterior tibial arteries: applications to distal arterial bypass.

Arterial surgery to salvage the lower limb tends to make use of the great saphenous vein, harvested with the subject in the supine position. If this is not possible the small saphenous vein is used, harvested with the subject in the prone position, however this requires a perioperative modification of the procedure. A bypass between the popliteal and anterior tibial arteries can be performed using either a lateral or a medial and lateral approach with the patient supine. In the event of trophic disorders of the lateral compartment of the leg, these approaches are not applicable. In such cases we propose a single posterior approach. The single posterior approach was used on 10 lower limbs from 5 cadavers in the prone position. Approach to the lower part of the popliteal artery was undertaken posteriorly between the two heads of gastrocnemius. The small saphenous vein was entirely dissected 10 cm above the lateral malleolus, the Achilles tendon and short fibular vessels were retracted medially to expose the interossous fascia, which was divided over 10 cm. Medial rotation of the limb by 30 degrees exposed the anterior tibial artery. For 3 of the lower limbs an 8 cm fibular resection was necessary, whereas on the remaining 7 medial rotation enabled excellent exposure of the anterior tibial artery. The single posterior approach to the anterior tibial artery can be applied in cases requiring distal bypass, using the small saphenous vein, between the inferior part of the popliteal artery and the anterior tibial artery.