Reconstruction of distal tibial defects following resection of malignant tumours by pedicled vascularised fibular grafts

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the oncologic and functional outcome after wide resection of malignant tumours of the distal tibia and reconstruction of the defect by ipsilateral pedicled vascularised fibular graft and ankle arthrodesis. Thirteen patients (9 males and 4 females) with primary malignant tumours of the distal tibia were treated by wide resection. The mean age of the patients at the time of surgery was 15 years. The fibula was mobilised to fill the defect, pedicled on the peroneal vessels. The average size of the defects reconstructed was 10 cms. Patients were evaluated functionally using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society evaluation system. The mean duration of follow-up was 27 months. Chest metastases developed in 4 patients and local recurrence in one. The mean functional score was 80% at the time of last follow-up. The average time to union of the graft both proximally and distally was 6 months. Complications were minimal and did not affect the functional outcome. Reconstruction of distal tibial defects with an ipsilateral pedicled vascularised fibular graft is a technically easy reconstructive option which offers a predictable long standing functional outcome.