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. 2023 Oct 18;11(10):e5354.
doi: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000005354. eCollection 2023 Oct.

Vascularized Fibular Epiphyseal Transfer for Pediatric Limb Salvage: Review of Applications and Outcomes

Christine J Lee  1 , Ekaterina Tiourin  1 , Nima Khoshab  1 , Amber R Leis  1   2 , Nader A Nassif  3 , Amir Misaghi  4 , Raj M Vyas  1   2
Affiliations

Vascularized Fibular Epiphyseal Transfer for Pediatric Limb Salvage: Review of Applications and Outcomes

Christine J Lee et al. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. .

Abstract

Vascularized fibular epiphyseal transfer (VFET) offers a functional advantage in pediatric limb salvage due to the preservation of growth potential and an articular surface for remodeling. This review summarizes the available evidence on the clinical characteristics and outcomes of pediatric reconstruction applying VFET at different recipient sites and with varying techniques. VFET was used to reconstruct the proximal humerus, distal radius or ulna, proximal femur, distal fibula, calcaneus, and mandible. Although most often harvested on the anterior tibial artery, VFET has also been performed using the peroneal artery, the inferior lateral genicular artery, and a dual pedicle. Recipient site flap inset most often involved fixation with plates and/or screws as well as soft tissue reconstruction using a retained slip of biceps femoris tendon. Outcomes included limb growth, range of motion, and strength. The most common reported complications were bone flap fracture and peroneal nerve palsy. The anterior tibial artery was the most applied pedicle with reliable limb growth, but with the added risk of postoperative peroneal palsy. Bone flap fracture most often occurred at the proximal humerus and femur recipient sites. Plate fixation and the combined use of allograft had lower instances of bone flap fracture. This review highlights how the anticipated dynamic growth and remodeling this free flap offers in the long term must be weighed against its complexity and potential complications.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no financial interest to declare in relation to the content of this article.

Figures

Fig. 1.
Fig. 1.
Case example of VFET utilizing ATA pedicle for proximal humerus reconstruction. A, Preoperative plain film demonstrating osteosarcoma of left humerus involving the physis. B, Preoperative MRI.
Fig. 2.
Fig. 2.
Vascularized fibular epiphyseal flap.
Fig. 3.
Fig. 3.
Case example of VFET utilizing ATA pedicle for proximal humerus reconstruction. A, Plain film immediately postoperatively. B, Plain film at 2 months postoperatively demonstrating fracture at fibula insertion site.
Fig. 4.
Fig. 4.
Case example of VFET utilizing ATA pedicle for proximal humerus reconstruction. A, Plain film at 6 months postoperatively after plate fixation for bone flap fracture. B, Plain film at 21 months postoperatively.
Fig. 5.
Fig. 5.
VFET literature review study selection process.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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