[Free, vascularized, folded fibula transplantation]

Abstract

A free vascularized folded fibula as possibility for reconstruction of segmental bony defects up to 9 cm is described. Preserving its vascularisation, the fibula is osteotomized and folded into two equal or two vascularized bone transplants of different length with only one arterial and venous pedicle. Folding of the fibula leads to a biomechanically superior stabilisation. This technique was used in a posttraumatic osteomyelitic defect of the tibia after a Pilon tibiale fracture.