Fibular Strut Research Articles

Osteoperiosteal fibular strut grafting - A technique to improve union rates.

Gap non-union of long bones are challenging problems in orthopaedic patients. Non-vascularized fibular grafting is a simple, cost effective, single stage procedure and is an accepted method of reconstruction for gap non unions in children. However, there is a risk of non-union when a long avascular strut of fibula is used. The periosteum, by itself has high biological activity and is helpful in osteointegration. Harvesting the fibula with the periosteum gives the advantage of mechanical and biological support in a gap non-union. During 2020 to 2022, 13 patients presented to us with gap nonunion of long bones due to various aetiology. The mean age of the patients was sixyears with a mean bone gap of 4.2cm. A modified technique of harvesting the fibula with the periosteum is described. The graft was stabilized with the recipient bone by intra medullary or extra medullary implants. Union occurred in average 12.7weeks in all except one patient with congenital pseudoarthrosis of tibia. The fibula on the harvest site regenerated completely in all other patients. One patient had a superficial infection. Children were followed were an average of 17.5months and there was no incidence of graft resorption or fracture. Osteoperiosteal fibula graft is a simple, effective and cost-effective procedure for the treatment of gap non-unions in children. It offers the advantage of both biological and mechanical support, with high union rates and low complication rates.

Functional Outcomes of Gap Non-Union Humerus Fractures Treated with Fibular Strut Graft, Iliac Crest Graft, and Locking Compression Plate.

The humeral shaft gap non-union treatment surgically after unsuccessful fixation is difficult. In this study, the functional outcome of unsuccessful fixation of humeral shaft gap non-unions using a locking compression plate (LCP), fibular strut graft, and iliac bone graft was evaluated. After taking ethical approval, we studied 10 patients with humeral shaft gap non-unions with unsuccessful surgical fixation treated with open reduction and internal fixation using LCP with fibular strut graft and iliac cancellous bone graft. The study duration was from January 2022-January 2024. The mean time from non-union was 7 months. Disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) scores improved significantly from a pre-operative average of 59.2 ± 7.3 to a mean final score of 24.6 ± 4.8 reflecting a mean improvement of 34.6 with no complications. This study shows that LCP with fibular strut graft and iliac bone grafts is a good alternative for diaphyseal humerus gap non-union along with statistically significant improvement in functional outcome, with union seen in all cases. This construct augments biomechanical stability and good biological healing in these gap non-unions.

Management of Aseptic Both Bone Forearm Diaphyseal Gap Nonunion

Abstract Aseptic nonunions of both bone forearm fractures present significant challenges in treatment, often requiring specialized surgical intervention. This case report provides an overview of the prevalence, etiology, and surgical considerations in managing such nonunions. This case report presents a 51 year old male with both bone forearm diaphyseal nonunion following a road traffic accident, managed with iliac crest and nonvascularized fibular bone grafting. Surgical intervention involved debridement, gap bridging with fibular strut graft, and stabilization with plate. Aseptic both bone forearm nonunions disrupt mechanics, leading to functional impairment. Surgical management aims at maintaining radial length, joint function, and avoiding positive ulnar variance. Treatment involves debridement, alignment correction, bone grafting, and may include vascularized fibular grafting or the Ilizarov method, while nonvascularized fibula strut grafts provide a favorable alternative with low complication rates. The case report demonstrates successful management of aseptic both bone forearm diaphyseal nonunion using nonvascularized fibular strut graft, resulting in excellent functional outcomes without complications. The efficacy and feasibility of this treatment approach in achieving union and restoring forearm function is highlighted.

Management of Comminuted Distal Femur Fracture with Fibular Strut Graft: A Case Report

Management of Comminuted Distal Femur Fracture with Fibular Strut Graft: A Case Report

Novel Dual Bicolumnar Fibula Graft Reconstruction of Distal Humerus in Pediatric Patients After Massive Bone Resection: A Report of Two Cases.

We describe 2 case studies, involving a 10-year-old girl with an aneurysmal bone cyst and a 12-year-old adolescent boy with Ewing sarcoma. The patient with Ewing sarcoma was previously managed with wide surgical excision and fibular graft reconstruction and subsequently experienced significant graft resorption, hardware failure, and fracture 24 months after operation. A revision limb salvage attempt was undertaken. In both cases, fibular strut grafts were harvested and fixed with intramedullary k-wires to recreate the medial and lateral columns of the distal humeral triangle. The technique achieved complete osseous integration, structural support, and functional restoration of the elbow in both cases, with good functional outcomes.

Use of Fibular Strut Graft for Reconstruction of Bone Defects

Introduction • Bone recalcitrant nonunion and bone defects usually follow trauma, resection of a malignant tumor of the musculoskeletal system and osteomyelitis. • Instead of amputation, which was used in the past, limb salvage surgeries, including non-vascularized or vascularized autografts and allografts, bone transport and replacement with prostheses are performed. • Among the above methods, nonvascularized autogenous bone graft use is an important treatment strategy that has been performed for over a hundred years. • The fibula is a tubular bone that has a suitable length, geometrical shape and mechanical strength and is considered to be the best donor bone for large bone defects. • Free vascularized fibular grafts achieve higher union rate than non-vascularized fibular grafts in the reconstruction of long bone defects. • In this study, 6 patients with bone defects treated by non-vascularized fibular grafts .We intended to assess the clinical outcomes of graft union, functional outcome.

Management of Gunshot Injury to Radius with Fibular Strut Graft: A Case Report

Management of Gunshot Injury to Radius with Fibular Strut Graft: A Case Report

Autologous non-vascularized fibula with compression plating in the management of aseptic complex non-union of long bones.

The surgical treatment of non-union of long bones are challenging especially when bones are osteoporotic or there is a large bone gap due to repeated surgeries and implant failures. Plate with intramedullary fibula provides a stable construct as fibula acts as a second implant with better anchorage and high pull-out strength. The aim of our study is to present our experience of treating complex non-union of long bones using compression plating (LCPs/DCPs) in combination with autologous non-vascularized fibular graft (ANVFG). 10 cases of complex non-union of long bones (tibia, femur, humerus) treated with debridement, decortication followed by intramedullary fibular strut grafting and rigid osteosynthesis by LCPs/DCPs were included in this study. DASH score and LEFS score was used for upper limb and lower limb functional assessment. All patients had clinico-radiological union with a mean time of 11.4 months. Pre-operative mean DASH and LEFS score was 45.9±2.1 and 20.6±2.03 At the last follow-up, mean DASH and LEFS score was 19.8±1.1 and 60.6±2.6. Compression plating with ANVFG is a viable option for treating complex non-union of long bones. Intramedullary fibula acting as a second implant provides mechanical stability and support biological healing with its osteogenic property at the non-union site.

Outcome of Osteosynthesis of Late-Presenting Proximal Humerus Non-union: A Case Series.

It can be challenging to treat proximal humeral non-union (PHN). The challenge gets compounded when they are presented either late or after previous surgery. The challenges are far greater due to small proximal fragments, scalloping of the head, medial bone defect, osteoporosis, soft tissue contractures, and problems related to the previous implants. In this retro-prospective study (2007-2020), we report on six cases of PHN which were presented to us more than 5 years after the original injury and managed using an intra-medullary autologous fibular strut graft (FSG) along with fixation with a proximal humeral locking plate and cancellous bone grafting. We quantified shoulder function based on constant score and disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) score. The mean age of patients is found to be 54.3 years (range, 22-74 years) with females dominating our study. The mean pre-operative constant score is 26.33 which improved to 71.83 in the post-operative period. The mean DASH score is 77.98 preoperatively, which improved to 19.5 postoperatively. The paired sample t-test compared the difference in mean of the pre-operative and post-operative scores, which shows significant improvement in outcome. Even in very late PHN in poor-quality bone, the additional use of intramedullary strut grafts provides structural support to the fixation and further enhances the ability to withstand the load-start early motion and have a satisfactory functional outcome. Keywords: Non-union, proximal humerus non-union, proximal humerus fracture, proximal humerus internal locking system, locking plate, autogenous fibular strut graft.

Open reduction and internal fixation of the proximal humerus with femoral head allograft augmentation “the French fry technique”

Fractures of the proximal humerus account for 4%-8% of injuries to the appendicular skeleton. Most are stable, minimally displaced osteoporotic fractures in the elderly, and are the result of low-energy falls. A large majority of these patients regain adequate shoulder function without operative intervention. Surgery is considered in approximately 20% of patients because they require improved shoulder function for their activities of daily living or because of the significant deformity of their fracture and the need to restore functional alignment, length, and rotation in active, higher demand individuals. However, fixation of these fractures can pose a challenge due to poor bone quality and displacing forces of the rotator cuff. This is especially true in 3-part and 4-part fractures. These factors lead to the high failure rates seen with early attempts at osteosynthesis. In the last 2 decades, locking plate technology has been an innovation in treating these complex fractures. Despite the improvements in torsional strength and rigidity, outcome studies on locking plate technology demonstrate equivocal results with complication rates as high as 20%-30% and a revision rate of 10%. Specifically, these complications include avascular necrosis, varus collapse, intra-articular screw penetration, and postoperative stiffness. Varus collapse occurs when the weak osteoporotic bone fails around the implant. In turn, fibular strut endosteal augmentation was introduced to provide additional support and decrease implant failure rates in displaced fractures with varus coronal malalignment and significant metaphyseal bone loss. Although clinically successful and biomechanically superior to plate-only constructs, a few concerns remain. In turn, we introduce a novel technique of creating individual cancellous femoral head allograft struts or "French fries" that provides structural support for the humeral head but does not have the potential problems of a cortical fibular strut.

Combining non-vascularized fibula and cancellous graft in the masquelet technique: A promising approach to distal femur compound fracture management with large defects

IntroductionCompound fractures of the distal femur with large defects pose a significant challenge in management, with several options available, including external fixators, bone grafting, the Masquelet-induced membrane technique, and free vascularized fibular grafts. The Masquelet-induced membrane technique involves placing a cement spacer in the defect to create a biologically active membrane. In the second stage, the gold standard for filling the defect is an autologous cancellous bone graft of 1–2 mm in size. This study aims to examine the effects of using a non-vascularized fibula as a support combined with a cancellous graft in the Masquelet technique for treating compound fractures of the distal femur. MethodsThe study was conducted between December 2017 and December 2020 and included 11 patients who underwent the Masquelet technique. The procedure involved a lateral locked plate and an antibiotic-impregnated bone cement spacer, followed by a 20–30 mm longer ipsilateral fibula used as a strut graft. The remaining area was filled with cancellous bone from the iliac crest. The size of the defect, Time to the bony union, the average range of motion of the knee, and any complications are analysed. The final evaluation was done at 18 months using the Lower Extremity functional scale to assess functional outcomes. ResultsThe study included 11 patients (8 male and 3 female) with a mean age of 45.8 years. The average time to bony union was 6.6 months, and the average range of motion of the knee was 2.2° to 93.3 ° (0–110 °). No complications such as infection, non-union, or implant failure were observed. ConclusionThe Masquelet Technique combined with a fibular strut graft is a feasible solution for complex distal femur fractures with bone loss. The non-vascularized fibula graft provides both structural support and reduces the amount of cancellous bone graft needed, which results in earlier weight bearing and improved functional outcomes.

Comparison of different fibula procedures in tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis with a retrograde intramedullary nail: a mid-term retrospective study.

Tibiotalocalcaneal (TTC) arthrodesis with a retrograde intramedullary nail for severe tibiotalar and talocalcaneal arthritis has a high fusion rate; however, no studies have focused on how to handle the fibula intraoperatively to achieve better results. This study aimed to compare the efficacies of various fibular procedures. We retrospectively reviewed the cases of severe tibiotalar and talocalcaneal arthritis in adults treated with TTC arthrodesis using a retrograde intramedullary nail between January 2012 and July 2017. The patients were divided into three groups according to different fibular procedures: Fibular osteotomy (FO), fibular strut (FS), and fibular preservation (FP). Functional outcomes and pain were assessed using the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle and hindfoot score and visual analog scales (VAS), respectively. The operation time, fusion time, radiographic evaluation, and complications were also recorded. Fifty-eight patients with an average age of 53.2 (range, 32-69) years were enrolled in the final analysis. The numbers of patients enrolled in the three groups were 21, 19, and 18 in the FO, FS, and FP groups, respectively. The mean postoperative follow-up time was 66.0 (range, 60-78) months. All groups showed a high fusion rate (90.5% for FO, 94.7% for FS, and 94.4% for FP) and significant improvement in AOFAS ankle and hindfoot scores and VAS scores at the latest follow-up. There were no significant differences in these parameters among the three groups. The mean operation time of FS (131.3 ± 17.1min) was longer than that of FO (119.3 ± 11.7min) and FS (112.2 ± 12.6min), but the fusion time was shorter (15.1 ± 2.8 weeks for FS, 17.2 ± 1.9 weeks for FO, and 16.8 ± 1.9 weeks for FP). Statistically significant differences were observed in these parameters. TTC arthrodesis using a retrograde intramedullary nail is an effective procedure with a high rate of fusion to treat severe tibiotalar and talocalcaneal arthritis in adults; however, FSs can shorten fusion time when compared with FO and FP. Level 3.

Intramedullary Fibular Strut Allograft and a Small Fragment Nonlocking T-plate for Periprosthetic Lateral Femoral Condyle Fracture: A Case Report

Intramedullary Fibular Strut Allograft and a Small Fragment Nonlocking T-plate for Periprosthetic Lateral Femoral Condyle Fracture: A Case Report

"A New Clinical and Radiological Classification of Grading GCT and Its Impact on the Management".

The management of the GCT continues to be controversial. The most accepted treatment reported is extended curettage with various adjuvants. However, the rate of recurrence has been very high (10-66%). For better understanding of the lesion and its management, it has become necessary to revise the existing grading system. The recommendation of the proposed grading is based on 480 cases of GCT along with the analysis of other major reports published. Out of these, 279 were grade-II and 109 grade-III which were subjected to en bloc excision and reconstruction with non-vascularized fibular graft. Depending on the site, the grafts were stabilized with a suitable plate or extra long Kirschner wires. The observations made in 480 cases over a period of 5 decades revealed that for Campanacci grade-II and grade-III lesions, en bloc excision and suitable reconstruction resulted in minimum recurrence rate of 1.2%. The fibular reconstruction after excision has proved advantageous to our patients as it provides a stable joint in the form of an arthrodesis of the neighboring joint. GCT of bone has been a challenging lesion. Extended curettage has been recommended as the choice of treatment but the reported rate of recurrence has been high. En bloc excision and suitable reconstruction with fibular strut graft have resulted in 1.2% recurrence. It is, therefore, suggested the existing grading system should be revised mainly for grade-II and grade-III lesions which can bring down the high rate of recurrence in this unpredictable tumor. Level-IV.

A modified induced membrane 2-stage technique using a thoracodorsal artery perforator free flap followed by vascularized or non-vascularized free fibular transfer for the treatment of complex bone infection with concomitant severe soft tissue lesion–A case series of 9 cases

Treatment of post-traumatic complex bone infection is very challenging. The two principal bone reconstruction approaches are the single-stage vascularized bone graft technique and the two-stage induced membrane technique (IMT). Here we introduce a modified 2-stage induced membrane technique (MIMT) for complex long bone infection with a major bone defect and a concomitant severe soft tissue lesion. The 2-stage procedure consists of bone debridement, placement of a PMMA spacer and soft tissue reconstruction with a thoracodorsal artery perforator free flap (“Tdap”) at stage 1. At stage 2, the thoracodorsal artery perforator flap is elevated and a fibular strut graft (either vascularized of non-vascularized) is placed for bone reconstruction.We retrospectively analyzed the extents of lower extremity, long bone, post-traumatic bone infection treated via MIMT from 2008 to 2020. There were nine such cases (eight males) of mean age 59.8 (range 31 to 79) years. The osteomyelitis durations ranged from 3 to 360 months (mean 53 months). The cortical bone defect sizes was ranged from 9 to 14 cm (mean10.7 cm). All skin resurfacing employed Tdap. Vascularized fibular grafts were placed in six patients and non-vascularized grafts were placed in three. The fibular graft size ranged from 12.5 to 19 cm (mean 16.2 cm). Non-vascularized iliac bone grafts served as the fibula docking sites.Unfortunately, all patients suffered complications before bone union was achieved. One case of plate stress fracture and one case of screw fracture required plate and screw change. In three cases of cellulitis, one resolved by use of intravenous antibiotics, others required plate and screw removal. Wound disruption required re-suture and distal skin flap partial necrosis was covered by perforator-based island flap. One case of fibular stress fracture needed cast for 4 weeks. A peroneal nerve palsy patient recovered spontaneously. Bone union was achieved after 6 months in five patients and after 8 months in three (mean 6.9 months). All patients were able to walk unaided. The follow-up period ranged from 2 to 14 years (mean 6.2 years).MIMT saves the limbs in cases with difficult post-traumatic bone infection. It is valid treatment option for complex bone infections with severe soft tissue lesions. However, even with this technique potential complication must be considered.

Intralesional extended curettage with fibular strut for the treatment of large peritrochanteric cyst: a case report and review of literature

Simple bone cysts are benign bone lesions commonly found in children and adolescents. They are usually asymptomatic and are incidentally detected on imaging studies. However, in rare cases, simple bone cysts can grow to a large size and cause symptoms such as pain and functional limitations. We present a case report of a large peritrochanteric simple bone cyst in an adolescent male who presented with hip pain and difficulty in walking. The diagnosis was confirmed by radiographic findings and histopathological examination of the cyst. The patient was managed with curettage and auto allo bone grafting with fibular strut and supplementary plate fixation. Patient had a favourable outcome with complete resolution of symptoms at 18-month follow-up. Our case report highlights the need of fixation for large simple bone cyst in proximal femur region along with curettage and bone grafting.

Use of fibular graft in Masquelet technique in osteomyelitis of long bones-a novel modification in the technique

Background: Improper treatment of acute osteomyelitis mostly leads to chronic osteomyelitis. In the year 2000, Alain C. Masquelet described the Induced membrane technique for the first time. In this study, we aimed to determine the clinical efficiency of the Masquelet technique for bone loss due to osteomyelitis in the long bones. Methods: This study was conducted at our tertiary care centre Shri Vasantrao Naik medical college and hospital, Yavatmal between August 2016 and September 2020. Masquelet technique with some modification was performed in all cases. Results: In first stage, the defects were filled with antibiotic-loaded polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) cement after radical debridement. In second stage after 6 to 8 weeks we used a combination of fibular strut graft with iliac cancellous graft. X-rays were taken before second stage and after 3 months, 6 months and 1 year to see for the union. The study included 10 patients, with 6 males and 4 females with mean age of 34 years (20 to 54). The mean duration of bone infection was 4 months (range: 3-5 months). All patients had an average follow-up period of 16 months (range, 12-24 months). Radiographic evidence of bone union was seen in 6 months (3 to 9 months) infection was not seen in any case. Conclusions: This modified Masquelet is an effective method for the treatment of chronic osteomyelitis of the long bones.

Fibular Strut Graft with Cannulated Hip Screw of Neglected Femoral Neck Fracture in a Young Adult: A Case Report

BACKGROUND: Neglected femoral neck fractures in young adults (age <60) pose a major challenge in terms of appropriate treatments for each specific condition. AIM: The objective of this case report is to explain the presentation of neglected femoral neck fractures and its clinical consequences and to discuss the management of the disease. CASE PRESENTATION: This case presents a 14-year-old male with neglected displaced fracture of femoral neck, which was successfully managed by closed reduction and internal fixation with two cannulated screws and non- vascularized fibular strut graft. CONCLUSION: Femoral neck fractures in young adults are considered as a rare fracture case, eventually it was associated with serious complications. The management of this type of fractures in children is challenging, particularly that of a neglected fracture. Fibular strut graft with two cannulated hip screws for neglected femoral neck fractures in children considered to be cost-effective and technically less demanding as well as associated with good outcomes.

Tibiotalocalcaneal Arthrodesis with Intramedullary Fibular Strut Graft and Adjuvant Hardware Fixation.

Tibiotalocalcaneal Arthrodesis with Intramedullary Fibular Strut Graft and Adjuvant Hardware Fixation.

Monostotic Fibrous Dysplasia of the Hip Treated with Autologus Non-Vascularized Fibular GraftMonostotic Fibrous Dysplasia of the Hip Treated with Autologus Non-Vascularized Fibular Graft

Fibrous dysplasia represents a dysplastic disorder of bone characterized by solitary or multifocal polyostotic intramedullary lesions composed of proliferations of fibroblast-like spindle cells with a characteristic whorled pattern in which trabeculae of immature woven bone. A 20 years old female with pain and limping on his left hip has been suffered for about 1 month. The pain was localized on the left hip with dull characteristics, and worsen when she moves and walks. The pain intensity also decreased with rest. Then she came to hospital and performed X-ray with shepherd crook deformity on her left hip and performed ipsilateral non-vascularized fibular strut graft on her left hip. Right after post-operative wound has been healed the chief complain was marked decrease. For about 2 years after the surgery follow up by X-ray and also MRI examination with contrast the condition of the fibular strut graft was viable, the complaint was gone and the progression of the disease has been stopped.