Use of the ipsilateral vascularised fibula for tibial reconstruction

Abstract

Between 1989 and 1994 we used a vascularised ipsilateral fibular graft in 24 patients with segmental tibial defects. We report 12 patients with a minimum follow-up of two years. The graft was either transposed medially or inverted on its vascular pedicle. Full weight-bearing was achieved at between four and seven months. We had few complications and consider that the use of this method is a valuable option in reconstruction of the tibia.