Carsten Rendenbach1, Ashkan Rashad2, Lara Hansen2, Carsten Kohlmeier2, Moritz L Dyck2, Anna Suling3, Alexandre T Assaf2, Michael Amling4, Max Heiland1, Johannes Wikner2, Bjoern Riecke2, Kilian Kreutzer1. 1. Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Augustenburger Platz 1, Berlin, 13353, Germany. 2. Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, Hamburg, 20246, Germany. 3. Department of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, Hamburg, 20246, Germany. 4. Institute of Osteology and Biomechanics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, Hamburg, 20246, Germany.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The fibula free flap is the workhorse procedure for osseous reconstruction. The objective of this study was to investigate long-term functional outcomes of the harvesting site. PATIENTS AND METHODS: About 19 patients (10 male, 9 female, mean age 58.1 years) were available for the long-term analysis 13-51 months after surgery. Jumping mechanography and balance testing on a ground force reaction plate (Leonardo Mechanograph GFRP) were performed before and surgery. The Esslinger Fitness Index (EFI, maximum peak power in W/kg normalized for age and gender) was considered as primary endpoint. Secondary outcomes were maximum force, range of motion in the ankle joint, sensory limitations, the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society Score (AOFAS-Score), and subjective perceptions. RESULTS: We found no significant difference between pre- and postoperative EFI (70.4% versus 66.0%, P = 0.07) and body sway (1.72 cm2 versus 2.60 cm2 , P = 0.093). The AOFAS-Score was reduced by 8.8 points (99.1 points versus 90.3 points, P < 0.001). Dorsal extenstion (31.6° versus 24.1°, P < 0.001) and flexion (32.3 versus 25.6° flexion, P = 0.011) were significantly reduced and 6 patients had chronic pain. CONCLUSIONS: Reduced peak power and balance ability seem to be reversible short-term effects after fibula harvesting. We recommend preoperative patient education and standardized protocols for physiotherapy.
OBJECTIVES: The fibula free flap is the workhorse procedure for osseous reconstruction. The objective of this study was to investigate long-term functional outcomes of the harvesting site. PATIENTS AND METHODS: About 19 patients (10 male, 9 female, mean age 58.1 years) were available for the long-term analysis 13-51 months after surgery. Jumping mechanography and balance testing on a ground force reaction plate (Leonardo Mechanograph GFRP) were performed before and surgery. The Esslinger Fitness Index (EFI, maximum peak power in W/kg normalized for age and gender) was considered as primary endpoint. Secondary outcomes were maximum force, range of motion in the ankle joint, sensory limitations, the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society Score (AOFAS-Score), and subjective perceptions. RESULTS: We found no significant difference between pre- and postoperative EFI (70.4% versus 66.0%, P = 0.07) and body sway (1.72 cm2 versus 2.60 cm2 , P = 0.093). The AOFAS-Score was reduced by 8.8 points (99.1 points versus 90.3 points, P < 0.001). Dorsal extenstion (31.6° versus 24.1°, P < 0.001) and flexion (32.3 versus 25.6° flexion, P = 0.011) were significantly reduced and 6 patients had chronic pain. CONCLUSIONS: Reduced peak power and balance ability seem to be reversible short-term effects after fibula harvesting. We recommend preoperative patient education and standardized protocols for physiotherapy.
Authors: Anna-Klara Amler; Patrick H Dinkelborg; Domenic Schlauch; Jacob Spinnen; Stefan Stich; Roland Lauster; Michael Sittinger; Susanne Nahles; Max Heiland; Lutz Kloke; Carsten Rendenbach; Benedicta Beck-Broichsitter; Tilo Dehne Journal: Int J Mol Sci Date: 2021-01-14 Impact factor: 5.923