Segmental Femur Reconstruction Using an Intercalary Allograft with an Intramedullary Vascularized Fibula Bone Flap

The use of intercalary allografts has been an important innovation for use in limb-salvage surgery. However, the principal disadvantage of intercalary allografts is a high incidence of nonunion, fracture, and infection. With a recent trend toward higher doses of chemotherapy, an increased incidence of nonunion and healing problems can be anticipated with the use of allografts.

In this article, the authors report two cases in which a vascularized fibula bone flap was used with an intercalary allograft, utilising an intramedullary approach, for immediate femur reconstruction following sarcoma resection. The rationale for this approach is to combine the mechanical strength of an allograft with the biologic activity of a vascularized bone flap. The allograft provides bone stock and early stability, while the addition of the vascularized bone flap substantially facilitates the host-allograft union.

KEYWORDS

Fibula flap - allograft - limb salvage

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