Reconstruction of large skeletal defects by vascularized fibula transfer. Factors that influenced the outcome of union in 62 cases.

We have studied the results of reconstruction of a large skeletal defect using a vascularized fibula graft in 62 consecutive cases. We were particularly interested in factors that may significantly influence the outcome of union. In at least 90% of cases, eventual union can be expected in the reconstruction of large skeletal defects resulting from tumour resection, traumatic bone loss, or nonunion. The results of reconstruction for osteomyelitis were less favorable. Statistical analysis of the influences of bone graft polarity, internal fixation, additional bone graft polarity, internal fixation, additional bone graft material, and the length of the graft on the outcome of union revealed that the use of stable fixation and additional bone graft material significantly enhanced bone union, whereas the length or polarity of the graft had no influence.