Abstract
Bone defects can be reconstructed by shortening, conventional cancellous bone grafting, bone transport or microvascular bone grafts. Each method has special indications, advantages and disadvantages.
Microvascular bone grafts provide living, solid bone to fill or bridge bone defects. They also promote bone healing and resist infection. However, microvascular bone grafting entail increased duration of the operation, a two team approach and it bears the risks of donor site morbidity. Therefore only extensive defects or poor prospect of healing warrant this method.
Iliac crest flap is mainly used to reconstruct metaphyseal or articular defects. It offers a large piece of corticocancellous bone, with an option to make an arthrodesis, if indicated.
Microvascular fibula is used to bridge long diaphyseal defects (traumatic, congenital) or to reconstruct avascular bone necrosis.
Osteomuscular latissimus dorsi flap (including the lateral part of scapula) offers a solution for bone and soft tissue defects, especially in open comminuted fractures, infected nonunion fractures or post-operative deep bone infections.
Theses abstracts were prepared by Professor Dr. Frantz Langlais. Correspondence should be addressed to him at EFORT Central Office, Freihofstrasse 22, CH-8700 Küsnacht, Switzerland.
