Sevasti P Glynou, Ariadni Georgiannakis, Daria Ardolino, Simon Craxford, Alexandros Vris
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Introduction: Managing post-traumatic critical bone defects in the tibia remains challenging. Vascularised free fibula grafts (VFFG) are an attractive option due to their versatility and ability to integrate with host bone. However, they are challenging, and their role compared to alternative techniques, such as bone transport and Masquelet, remains unclear. This study aims to assess the safety and effectiveness of free fibula flaps in reconstructing critical tibia defects following trauma.
Materials and methods: Five databases were searched for English-language studies from inception until August 2024. Inclusion criteria involved adult patients undergoing VFFG to the tibia for trauma-induced bone defects. Case reports and studies involving non-traumatic and/or critical bone injury and/or those not undergoing fibula transfer were excluded. Bias was assessed using the ROBINS-I tool.
Results: Fifteen studies involving 83 patients with a mean age of 35.07 ± 12.16 (range: 18-65) were included. Ipsilateral fibula transfer was preferred (n = 13, 80%), of and 89.7% fibulas (n = 35) were transferred using a single-barrel approach. The average union rate was 93.08% (95% CI: 86.56, 99.61) across the 74 patients where union outcomes were reported. Flap survival was 100% in seven studies, whilst two studies reported lower survival rates, the lowest being 50%. The overall complication rate was 39.98% (95% CI: 28.25, 51.71), with stress fractures occurring in 35.5% (n = 16) of cases. Revision rates varied from 10 to 40%. The risk of bias was high in 12 studies, and only three studies had a moderate risk. Four studies compared VFFG to alternative management strategies.
Conclusion: Vascularised free fibula grafts are effective for reconstructing large segmental tibia defects post-trauma, achieving high union and flap survival rates. However, complication rates are high, and study heterogeneity limits definitive conclusions on the technique's superiority. Further prospective comparative studies are required to characterise the role of VFFG.
How to cite this article: How to cite this article: Glynou SP, Georgiannakis A, Ardolino D, et al. Vascularised Fibula Transfer for Post-traumatic Critical Tibial Bone Defects: A Systematic Review. Strategies Trauma Limb Reconstr 2025;20(1):37-46.
期刊介绍:
Strategies in Trauma and Limb Reconstruction is dedicated to surgeons, allied medical professionals and researchers in the field of orthopaedics and trauma. The scope of the journal is to discuss the fields of skeletal injury, and the complications thereof, congenital and acquired limb deformities and deficiencies, and orthopaedic-related infection, together with their surgical and non-surgical treatments. The journal publishes original articles, reviews, case reports, descriptions of new or recognised treatment techniques, forum discussions of clinical scenarios and relevant correspondence. It aims to provide a widely accessible source of useful information to practitioners in the field through the problem- or technique-based approach of published articles.