Introduction. The use of vascularised fibula grafts is an accepted method for reconstructing the distal femur following resection of malignant childhood tumours. Limitations relate to the mismatch of the cross-sectional area of the transplanted fibula graft and thel ocal bone, instability of the construct and union difficulties. We present midterm results of a unique staged technique—an immediate defect reconstruction using a double-barrel vascularised fibula graft set in in A-frame configuration and a subsequent intramedullary femoral lengthening. Materials & Methods. We retrospectively included 10 patients (mean age 10 y)with an osteosarcoma of the distal femur, who were treated ac-cording to the above-mentioned surgical technique. All patients were evaluated with regards to consolidation of the transplanted grafts, hypertrophy at the graft-host junctions, leg length discrepancies, lengthening indices, complications as well as functional outcome. Results. The mean defect size after tumour resection was 14.5 cm, the mean length of the harvested fibula graft 22 cm, resulting in a mean (acute) shortening of 4.7 cm (in 8 patients). Consolidation was achieved in all cases, 4 patients required supplementary bone grafting. Hypertrophy at the graft-host junctions was observed in78% of the evaluable junctions. In total 11 intramedullary lengthening procedures in 9 patients had been performed at the last follow up. The mean Muskuloskeletal Society Rating Scale(MSTS) score of the evaluable 9 patients was 85% (57% to 100%)with good or excellent results in 7 patients. Conclusions. A-frame vascularised fibula reconstructions showed encouraging results with respect to defect reconstruction, length as well as function and should therefore be considered a valuable option for reconstruction of the distal femur after osteosarcoma resection. The surgical implementation is demanding though, which is emphasized by the considerable high number of com-plications requiring surgical intervention, even though most were not serious

Introduction. Reconstruction of large defect of tibia following infection is considered as one of the most difficult problem facing the orthopaedic surgeon. Amputation with modern prosthetic fitting is a salvage procedure to treat big defects, which gives a functional result with unpredictable psychological impact. Materials & Methods. Between January 2000 and January 2021, 56 patients (30 males and 26 females) with big defects following infection and post traumatic injury of the tibia were treated. The mean age of the patients at the time of surgery was 20.5 years (4–24 years). The fibula was mobilized medially to fill the defect and was fixed with Ilizarov fixator. The average size of the defects reconstructed was 18.5 cm (17–20 cm). Results. The average time for complete union was 8.6 months (range, 5–9 months). At final follow-up all patients had fully united. We found leg length discrepancy in 52 patients and that was corrected by re-lengthening of the solid new regenerate bone. Conclusions. The Ilizarov method has been shown to be an effective method of treating Tibialization of fibula for reconstruction of big tibial defects

Introduction. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the radiological and clinical outcomes in Northern Ireland of free vascularised fibular bone grafting for the treatment of humeral bone loss secondary to osteomyelitis. Upper limb skeletal bone loss due to osteomyelitis is a devastating and challenging complication to manage for both surgeon and patient. Patients can be left with life altering disability and functional impairment. This limb threatening complication raises the question of salvage versus amputation and the associated risk and benefits of each. Free vascularised fibula grafting is a recognised treatment option for large skeletal defects in long bones but is not without significant risk. The benefit of vascularised over non-vascularised fibula grafts include preservation of blood supply lending itself to improved remodeling and osteointegration. Materials & Methods. Sixteen patients in Northern Ireland had free vascularised fibula grafting. Inclusion criteria included grafting to humeral defects secondary to osteomyelitis. Six patients were included in this study. Patients were contacted to complete DASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand) questionnaires as our primary outcome measure. Secondary outcome measures included radiological evaluation of osteointegration and associated operative complications. Complications were assessed via review of Electronic Care Record outpatient and in-patient documents

The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of fibula non-union in patients undergoing distraction osteogenesis, and the incidence of symptoms following this. A consecutive series of 58 patients undergoing distraction osteogenesis at a tertiary centre under a single surgeon were included. Data was collected prospectively. Plain radiographs were reviewed retrospectively by a blinded reviewer. Union was defined as the presence of bridging callous on two views. There were 58 distraction procedures performed. The mean age was 37.2 years (range 16.0 to 80.6). There were 36 males and 22 females. The mean follow-up was 23.4 months (4–70 months). 9 (15.5%) went onto non-union at frame removal. 3 (33.3%) of the 9 fibulas that did not unite developed symptoms. 2 (66.7%) of these required surgery in the form of fibula plating. Both of these patient's symptoms resolved following surgery. 3 (33.3%) of the 9 non-united fibulas also had tibial non-union compared to 1 of the 49 where the fibula united. There was no association between location of fibula osteotomy and development of non-union. 35 fibula osteotomies were performed in the third quarter. Of the fibulas that united, the mean fibula lengthening was 9.25 mm (range 1.2–27.8 mm). In the fibulas that went onto non-union the mean lengthening was 23.66 mm (range 5.1–51.5 mm) (P = 0.004). 54 (93.1%) of the tibias united following osteotomy and distraction, whilst 4 (6.9%) went onto non-union requiring operative treatment. Of the 4 tibias that did not unite, 3 (75%) also had fibula non-union (P = 0.01). Fibula non-union is a relatively common complication following osteotomy in distraction osteogenesis. The length of fibula distraction and tibia non-union are significant risk factors for the development of a fibula non-union. We recommend surgical intervention for those patients who have symptomatic fibula non-unions

Background:. The axis of the fibula in the sagittal plane are known as a landmark for the extramedullary guide in order to minimize posterior tibial slope measurement error in the conventional total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, there are few anatomic studies about them. We also wondered if the fibula in the coronal plane could be reliable landmark for the alignment of the tibia. This study was conducted to confirm whether the fibula is reliable landmark in coronal and sagittal plane. Methods:. We evaluated 60 osteoarthritic knees after TKA using Athena Knee (SoftCube Co, Ltd, Osaka, Japan) 3-D image-matching software. Angle between the axis of the fibula (FA) and the mechanical axis (MA) in the coronal and sagittal plane were measured. Results:. The mean angle between the FA and MA was 0.86 ± 2.0° of varus in the coronal plane (range 6.0° of varus to 4.2° of valgus) and 2.6 ± 2.3° of posterior inclination in the sagittal plane (range 6.8° of posterior inclination to 2.8 of anterior inclination), respectively. The percentage of subjects in which FA was within 3° of the MA was 77% in the coronal plane and 58% in the sagittal plane, respectively. Conclusions:. The FA used as a landmark for the alignment of the tibia in the conventional TKA differed from MA relatively in this study, and not be used safely if the differences are considered

Statement of purpose. To determine whether the amount of fibula resection in fibula osteotomy influences outcome in deformity correction surgery. Methods. Retrospective case note and imaging review was performed on a cohort of 45 patients from November 2005 to July 2009 treated with lengthening and/or correction for leg deformity in either an adult or paediatric limb reconstruction centre. Method, extent and level of original fibular resection was recorded, as well as type of fixator, distraction regime and total gap at osteotomy site after distraction. Outcome was measured as premature, expected or non-union and subsequent need for reintervention. Results. Fibula osteotomies were made in 45 patients with a mean age of 23 (median 16, range 6–65). 14 subsequently underwent lengthening only, 15 correction of deformity only and 16 a combination of the two. 32 cases used the Ilizarov frame, four the Taylor-Spatial frame and 9 the Sheffield ring fixator. The mean extent of fibular resection was 3.6 mm (range 0.5–17 mm), with saw osteotomy used more frequently than drill or osteotome. Mean latency from surgery to distractions starting was 6 days. Premature union preventing further distraction/correction occurred in four cases, three of which required repeat osteotomy and one which resolved after increasing the rate of distractions. 37 osteotomies went on to unite, with four non-unions. These non-unions were asymptomatic and did not require further intervention. Conclusion. The extent of fibular resection does not appear to directly influence outcome in terms of symptomatic fibular non-union requiring intervention. Care needs to be taken in the paediatric population to guard against premature union requiring repeat osteotomy

Segmental excision of long-bone sarcomas can require complex reconstruction, often resulting in the use of prosthetic replacements at a young age. The use of vascularised free fibula grafting (VFFG) is well established as a reconstruction modality in sarcoma surgery. Aims. To analyse the experience of two European sarcoma centres and their use of vascularised free fibula grafting as a primary and revision procedure in limb salvage for diaphyseal long-bone defects in sarcoma surgery. Methods. A retrospective analysis was carried out of 70 consecutive patients undergoing VFFG between 1996 and 2009 under the Oxford Sarcoma Service (Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre) and the Dutch Orthopaedic Tumour Society (Leiden University Hospital). Clinical and radiological assessments were made and functional outcome scores collected. Results. 70 patients, 42 male, with a mean age of 20 years (3–61) received a VFFG (a primary procedure in 76%) and underwent mean follow up of 82 months (11–181). 83% of grafts were located in the lower extremity with 71% resulting from reconstruction of malignant tumours. VFFGs with a mean length of 17.4 cm (6–25) were used to reconstruct defects with a mean length of 13.5 cm (8–21). 92% of VFFGs achieved union at mean of 59 weeks (16–250). Predictors for non-union included defects greater than 12cm, malignant disease processes and an immature skeleton. 65% of patients had at least one complication with 51% requiring at least one revision procedure, although only 3 required removal of the graft (2 endoprosthetic replacements and 1 amputation). Mean MSTS score at final follow-up was 26.7 (20–30). Conclusion. The vascularised free fibula graft has been proven to provide a stable reconstruction of bony defects after tumor resection and results in a functional extremity, however it is accompanied by a high risk of complications and revision surgery

The aim of this abstract is to show that when dealing with an infected non-union, all possibilities of treatment must be considered in order to choose the best treatment plan for each patient. This case shows the evolution of an infected non-union following type III open fractures which, after the used of several methods that failed, had to be solved with amputation. We present a case report of a 41 years old man, with a type IIIA open fracture of the right tibia and fibula. Initially, he was treated with an external fixator, which was removed and plate implanted. After this, he who presented to us with an infected non-union. He was submitted to surgery, the plate was removed and a circular external fixator was used. Six months later, the external fixator was removed and a reamed intramedullary nail was implanted with bone graft from iliac crest. One year later, the facture site was still mobile, so he was submitted to fixation with internal plate. As this last method also failed, a bellow knee amputation was performed, 4 years after the initial event. After several attempts with several distinctive methods, the infected non-union had to be solved with the sacrifice of the limb. The treatment of infected non-union is one of the most difficult in Orthopedic Surgery. There are several procedure that can be used. When all these fail, amputation and consequent limb prosthetic substitution, might allow the patient to return to the society

This text has been removed at the authors' request.

Introduction. A significant burden of disease exists with respect to critical sized bone defects; outcomes are unpredictable and often poor. There is no absolute agreement on what constitutes a “critically-sized” bone defect however it is widely considered as one that would not heal spontaneously despite surgical stabilisation, thus requiring re-operation. The aetiology of such defects is varied. High-energy trauma with soft tissue loss and periosteal stripping, bone infection and tumour resection all require extensive debridement and the critical-sized defects generated require careful consideration and strategic management. Current management practice of these defects lacks consensus. Existing literature tells us that tibial defects 25mm or great have a poor natural history; however, there is no universally agreed management strategy and there remains a significant evidence gap. Drawing its origins from musculoskeletal oncology, the Capanna technique describes a hybrid mode of reconstruction. Mass allograft is combined with a vascularised fibula autograft, allowing the patient to benefit from the favourable characteristics of two popular reconstruction techniques. Allograft confers initial mechanical stability with autograft contributing osteogenic, inductive and conductive capacity to encourage union. Secondarily its inherent vascularity affords the construct the ability to withstand deleterious effects of stressors such as infection that may threaten union. The strengths of this hybrid construct we believe can be used within the context of critical-sized bone defects within tibial trauma to the same success as seen within tumour reconstruction. Methodology. Utilising the Capanna technique in trauma requires modification to the original procedure. In tumour surgery pre-operative cross-sectional imaging is a pre-requisite. This allows surgeons to assess margins, plan resections and order allograft to match the defect. In trauma this is not possible. We therefore propose a two-stage approach to address critical-sized tibial defects in open fractures. After initial debridement, external fixation and soft tissue management via a combined orthoplastics approach, CT imaging is performed to assess the defect geometry, with a polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) spacer placed at index procedure to maintain soft tissue tension, alignment and deliver local antibiotics. Once comfortable that no further debridement is required and the risk of infection is appropriate then 3D printing technology can be used to mill custom jigs. Appropriate tibial allograft is ordered based on CT measurements. A pedicled fibula graft is raised through a lateral approach. The peroneal vessels are mobilised to the tibioperoneal trunk and passed medially into the bone void. The cadaveric bone is prepared using the custom jig on the back table and posterolateral troughs made to allow insertion of the fibula, permitting some hypertrophic expansion. A separate medial incision allows attachment of the custom jig to host tibia allowing for reciprocal cuts to match the allograft. The fibula is implanted into the allograft, ensuring nil tension on the pedicle and, after docking the graft, the hybrid construct is secured with multi-planar locking plates to provide rotational stability. The medial window allows plate placement safely away from the vascular pedicle. Results. We present a 50-year-old healthy male with a Gustilo & Anderson 3B proximal tibial fracture, open posteromedially with associated shear fragment, treated using the Capanna technique. Presenting following a fall climbing additional injuries included a closed ipsilateral calcaneal and medial malleolar fracture, both treated operatively. Our patient underwent reconstruction of his tibia with the above staged technique. Two debridements were carried out due to a 48-hour delay in presentation due to remote geographical location of recovery. Debridements were carried out in accordance with BOAST guidelines; a spanning knee external fixator applied and a small area of skin loss on the proximal medial calf reconstructed with a split thickness skin graft. A revision cement spacer was inserted into the metaphyseal defect measuring 84mm. At definitive surgery the external fixator was removed and graft fixation was extended to include the intra-articular fragments. No intra-operative complications were encountered during surgeries. The patient returned to theatre on day 13 with a medial sided haematoma. 20ml of haemoserous fluid was evacuated, a DAIR procedure performed and antibiotic-loaded bioceramics applied locally. Samples grew Staphylococcus aureus and antibiotic treatment was rationalised to Co-Trimoxazole 960mg BD and Rifampicin 450mg BD. The patient has completed a six-week course of Rifampicin and continues on suppressive Co-Trimoxazole monotherapy until planned metalwork removal. There is no evidence of ongoing active infection and radiological evidence of early union. The patient is independently walking four miles to the gym daily and we believe, thus far, despite accepted complications, we have demonstrated a relative early success. Conclusions. A variety of techniques exist for the management of critical-sized bone defects within the tibia. All of these come with a variety of drawbacks and limitations. Whilst acceptance of a limb length discrepancy is one option, intercalary defects of greater than 5 to 7cm typically require reconstruction. In patients in whom fine wire fixators and distraction osteogenesis are deemed inappropriate, or are unwilling to tolerate the frequent re-operations and potential donor site morbidity of the Masqualet technique, the Capanna technique offers a novel solution. Through using tibial allograft to address the size mismatch between vascularised fibula and tibia, the possible complication of fatigue fracture of an isolated fibula autograft is potentially avoidable in patients who have high functional demands. The Capanna technique has demonstrated satisfactory results within tumour reconstruction. Papers report that by combining the structural strength of allograft with the osteoconductive and osteoinductive properties of a vascularised autograft that limb salvage rates of greater than 80% and union rates of greater than 90% are achievable. If these results can indeed be replicated in the management of critical-sized bone defects in tibial trauma we potentially have a treatment strategy that can excel over the more widely practiced current techniques

Abstract. Background. Extracorporeal radiation therapy (ECRT) has been reported as an oncologically safe and effective reconstruction technique for limb salvage in diaphyseal sarcomas with promising functional results. Factors affecting the ECRT graft-host bone incorporation have not been fully investigated. Methods. In our series of 51 patients of primary bone tumors treated with ECRT, we improvised this technique by using a modified V-shaped osteotomy, additional plates and intra-medullary fibula across the diaphyseal osteotomy in an attempt to increase the stability of fixation, augment graft strength and enhance union at the osteotomy sites. We analyzed our patients for various factors that affected union time and union rate at the osteotomy sites. Results. On univariate analysis, age <20 years, metaphyseal osteotomy site, V-shaped diaphyseal osteotomy, extramedullary plate fixation and use of additional plate at diaphyseal ostetomy had a significantly faster time to union while gender, tumor type, resection length, chemotherapy and use of intra-medullary fibula did not influence union time. In multivariate analysis, metaphyseal ostoeotomy, V-shaped diaphyseal osteotomy and use of additional plate at diaphyseal ostetomy were the independent factors with favourable time to union. Although the rate of union was higher with V-shaped diaphyseal osteotomy and use of additional plate and intra-medullary fibula at diaphyseal ostetomy, this difference could not be established statistically. None of the analyzed factors apparently affected the union rate in univariate analysis. Conclusion. Judicious choice of osteosynthesis and augmentation of ECRT graft can enhance incorporation with reduced complications and good functional outcome

Introduction. Fibula contributes to weight bearing and serves as a lateral buttress to the talus. Fibular shortening leads to ankle valgus, distal tibial epiphyseal wedging and ankle instability. Trauma, infection and skeletal dyplasias are the common causes of fibular shortening in children. Aim was to review this cohort who underwent fibular lengthening and ankle reconstruction. Materials and Methods. Retrospective review from a prospective database of clinical and radiographic data of all children who underwent fibular lengthening for correction of ankle valgus. Distraction osteogenesis with external fixator was performed for all cases. Results. Eight children with 10 fibulae (average age: 10 years) were followed up for an average of 75.6 months. In older children, corrective tibial osteotomy was performed in addition to fibular lengthening. TSF frame mounted with mini-rail fixator was used in seven children who required adjuvant tibial correction and mini-rail was used for bilateral fibular lengthening in one. Remodelling of the wedged distal tibial epiphysis was noted in 75%. Talar tilt and mLDTA improved in 66.7% and fibular station in 85.7% limbs. Seven year old girl required re-lengthening. Two children developed fibular non-union. Proximal fibular migration was observed in one child, in whom the tibial wire did not engage the fibula. Conclusions. Restoration of tibial mechanical axis and lateral talar buttress is necessary to correct ankle valgus. Stabilisation of fibula to the tibia is prudent during distraction. Younger children may require re-lengthening. Remodelling of the triangular tibial epiphysis can be achieved when done early

Introduction. Intramedullary nailing is gaining popularity for treatment of distal tibial fractures due to short operative time and minimum surgical trauma to soft tissues. Distal tibial fractures are commonly associated with concurrent fibular fractures at, above or below the level of tibial fractures. So far there is no consensus for fixation of fibular fractures. Materials and Methods. Fractures of fibula at or below the level of fracture of tibia were taken into consideration. Fractures of fibula above the tibial level were excluded because they do not add to stability of fracture fixation. Retrospective study was done and distal tibia-fibula fractures were separated into 2 groups based on whether fibula was fixed or not. Measures of angulation were obtained from radiographs taken immediately after the surgery, a second time 3 months later, and at 6-month follow-up. Results. 35 fracture of distal tibia and fibula were included in study. Fibula was not fixed in 21 cases while 14 fibular fixations were carried out either using short plates(8) or intramedullary pins(6). No significant differences were observed for malalignment in fracture of fibula at the level of tibial fractures. However for fractures of fibula at a level lower than its tibial counterpart, fixation of fibula significantly reduced malalignment. Conclusion. Fixation of fibula has a definite role in reducing malunion in cases where fibula was fractured below the level of tibial fracture. Fixation of fibula may increase overall stability of fixation of tibia and reduce malunion

The Masquelet technique, also known as the ‘induced membrane technique’ has been utilised in adult reconstruction with varied success. However, there is limited literature on its use in children and this study aims to share our experience. Materials & Methods. Between 2014 and 2022, 7 children underwent bone defect/infection reconstruction using Masquelet technique, four for complications of Congenital Pseudoarthrosis of Tibia (CPT) treatment, two with chronic osteomyelitis and one for Osteogenesis imperfecta with infected nonunion. The length of the defect relative to the length of the bone (index of reconstruction expressed as a percentage), time to union and complications were evaluated with standard radiographs and from electronic medical records. Results. The mean age was 11 years and the procedure was done in five tibiae, one femur and a metatarsal. The mean time interval was 7.1 weeks between the first and second stage surgery. The mean index of reconstruction was 25.8% and the mean follow up period was 17 months. Though six patients achieved union with a mean time to union of 6.5 months (range 4.5 to 10), two patients with multiple previous surgeries for CPT decided to have ablation despite union. The interosseous Masquelet technique of cross synostosis between the tibia and fibula is being highlighted. Conclusions. The Masquelet technique is a reliable method in complex aetiologies and complications that require methodical planning to achieve good results especially in rescue situations of the tibia

Aim. The localization of sequestrum in chronic osteomyelitis (COM) is crucial in preoperative planning. The identification of sequestrum on plain X-ray could be difficult. CT and MRI were reported to show the sequestrum. We aimed to analyze the sequestrum characteristics on 18F-FDG-PET-CT images. Methods. A prospective study included all patients diagnosed with long-bone chronic osteomyelitis. All patients had preoperative 18F-FDG-PET-CT. Images were analyzed using RadiAnt DICOM Viewer. Axial cuts were used to measure the Standard Uptake Ratio (SUV)max in the Region of Interest (ROI) in the sequestrum, the surrounding area, and the normal bone in the same cut. Surgical debridement was done as standard; samples were taken for microbiology and histopathology, and the intraoperative finding was documented. Results. Nineteen patients (17 males/2 females) were operated on in one center between October/2021 and Jan/2023 at a mean age of 32±18. There were 10 tibias, 7 femurs, one ulna, and one fibula. Ten had postoperative COM, six open fractures, and three hematogenous OM. They all showed sequestrum on PET-CT; the dead bone appeared void, surrounded by a halo of increased uptake. There was a trend of lower uptake in the sequestrum compared to the halo around. The mean SUVmax at the sequestrum was 4.18±3.16, compared to the surrounding halo, 7.08±5.81. The normal bone has a mean SUVmax of 1.61±1.42. Sequestrum was removed successfully in all cases. Conclusion. 18F-FDG-PET-CT can precisely localize the sequestrum preoperatively, it has a lower uptake than tissues around it. This would facilitate planning and improve the quality of debridement

Introduction. The presence of pluripotent mesenchymal cells in the periosteum along with the growth factors produced or released following injury provides this tissue with an important role in bone healing. Utilising this property, vascularised periosteal flaps may increase the union rates in recalcitrant atrophic long bone non-union. The novel chimeric fibula-periosteal flap utilises the periosteum raised on an independent periosteal vessel, thus allowing the periosteum to be inset freely around the osteotomy site, improving bone biology. Materials & Methods. Ten patients, with established non-union, underwent fibula-periosteal chimeric flaps (2016–2022) at the Canniesburn Plastic Surgery Unit, UK. Preoperative CT angiography was performed to identify the periosteal branches. A case-control approach was used. Patients acted as their own controls, which obviated patient specific risks for non-union. One osteotomy site was covered by the chimeric periosteal flap and one without. In two patients both the osteotomies were covered using a long periosteal flap. Results. Union rate of 100% (11/11) was noted with periosteal flap osteotomies, versus those without flaps at 28.6% (2/7) (p = 0.0025). Time to union was also reduced in the periosteal flaps at 8.5 months versus 16.75 months in the control group (p = 0.023). Survival curves with a hazard ratio of 4.1, equating to a 4 times higher chance of union with periosteal flaps (log-rank p = 0.0016) was observed. Conclusions. The chimeric fibula-periosteal flap provides an option for atrophic recalcitrant non-unions where use of vascularised fibula graft alone may not provide an adequate biological environment for consolidation

Aim. Vascularized fibula flap is one of the available options in the management of bone loss that can follow cases of severe haematogenous osteomyelitis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of this procedure in a pediatric population in a Sub-saharan setting. Method. The retrospective study focuses on the procedures done in the period between October 2013 and December 2016. Twenty-eight patients, 18 males and 10 females, were enrolled. The youngest was 2 years old, the oldest 13. The bones involved were tibia (13), femur (7), radius (5) and humerus (3). In 5 cases the fibula was harvested with its proximal epiphysis, whereas in 17 cases the flap was osteocutaneous and osseous in 6 cases. In most cases, operations for eradication of the infection were carried out prior to the graft. The flap was stabilized mainly with external fixators, rarely with Kirschner's wires or mini plate. No graft augmentation was used. Results. Graft integration was achieved in 24 cases. Three cases of early flap failure required the removal, while in one case complete reabsorption of the flap was noted a few months after the procedure. The follow-up period ranged from a minimum of 2 and half to a maximum of 6 years. Integration of the graft was obtained in a period of 4 months on average. The fibular flap with epiphysis had good functional outcomes with reconstruction of articular end. Early and delayed complications were observed. All grafts underwent a process of remarkable remodeling. No major problems were observed in the donor site, except for a transitory foot drop that resolved spontaneously. Conclusions. Reconstruction of segmental bone defects secondary to hematogenous osteomyelitis with vascularized fibula flap is a viable option that salvages and restores limb function. It can be safely used even in early childhood. The fibula can be harvested as required by the local conditions. When harvested with a skin island, bone loss and poor soft tissues envelope may be addressed concurrently. The procedure is long and difficult but rewarding. When surgical skills and facilities are available, it can be carried out even in settings located in low resources countries

Introduction. Fracture related infection (FRI) is a challenging complication to manage in an orthoplastic setting. Consensus guidelines have been created to standardise the diagnosis of FRI and comprise confirmatory and suggestive criteria. In this study, the aim is to assess the diagnostic criteria and management of FRI with a particular focus on soft tissue reconstruction. Materials & Methods. A retrospective study to identify the outcomes of FRI in the lower limb over a five year period at a Major Trauma Centre. Fracture specific information that was analysed includes: open versus closed, fractured bone(s) and site, initial fracture management, method of diagnosis and soft tissue management. Results. A total of 40 patients were identified, 80% of whom were male (n= 32). The mean age for FRI diagnosis was 54 years (range 18–83 years). In our patient cohort, 10% were immunosuppressed and another 12.5% had a formal diagnosis of Diabetes Mellitus. A diagnosis of acute FRI (i.e. < six weeks from time of injury) was made in 9 patients (22.5%). Chronic FRI was noted in 25 patients (62.5%). There was equal incidence of FRI in patients with closed fractures and open fractures (42.5%). Tibia and fibula fractures were most common (87.5%, n=35). Regardless of fractured bone(s), the more distal the fracture the higher the incidence of FRI (60% distal versus 12.5% proximal). Gram-positive cocci were the most commonly identified pathogens, identified in 25% of patients. Five patients underwent free flap reconstruction, two patients received pedicled muscle flaps and another two patients received split thickness skin grafts. Conclusions. The diagnosis of FRI can be confirmed through the presence of a combination of confirmatory and suggestive criteria. We advocate a staged approach in the management of FRI with radical wound excision and temporary coverage followed by definitive soft tissue reconstruction

Aim. Fracture-related infection (FRI) is one of the most serious complications in orthopedic trauma surgery [1]. The role of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) remains controversial in the management pathway of FRI [2]. Currently, as scientific evidence is lacking, most recommendations for NPWT with respect to the treatment of FRI are based on expert opinion [3]. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of NPWT and its duration on recurrence of infection in operatively treated FRI patients. Methods. This is a retrospective cohort study based on the FRI database of three Level 1 Trauma Centres. To be included, patients had to be at least 16 years of age and needed to be surgically treated for FRI between January 1. st. 2015 and September 1. st. 2020. Included patients were subdivided in either the NPWT group, or in the control group, when no NPWT had been applied. To avoid confounding, patients were excluded if they (also) underwent NPWT prior to the FRI diagnosis. The relation between the duration of NPWT during FRI treatment and the recurrence rate of infection was analyzed using a multivariable logistic regression model. Results. 99 patients were included in the NPWT group with a mean age of 51.4 ± 17.0 years. Most patients were male (n = 66). Tibia/fibula was the most common FRI location (n = 68). The median duration of NPWT was 18.0 (IQR 15.8) days. Overall, 28 patients (28.3%) developed a recurrent FRI. In the control group (n = 164), 19 patients (11.6%) developed a recurrent FRI (p = 0.001, 95% CI [0.174 – 0.635]). There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between the recurrence and non-recurrence category in NPWT group. The duration of NPWT was associated with a higher risk of re-infections (p = 0.013, OR 1.036, 95% CI [1.008 – 1.066]). Conclusion. The application of NPWT is associated with a two-and-a-half-fold increased risk of recurrence in patients with soft tissue defects due to FRI. Also, the duration of NWPT is an independent risk factor for recurrence. Therefore, NPWT should be used with caution in the treatment of orthopedic trauma patients with FRI. It is advised to consider its use only as a short-term necessity to bridge the period until definitive wound closure can be established and to keep this interval as short as possible

Aim. In recent years, the number of victims of road traffic accidents (RTAs) and resulting surgeries have been on the rise in low income countries. Treatments are often long and costly; resources required to treat fracture related infections (FRI) continue to be a limiting factor in low income countries and standardized management protocols are lacking. This retrospective study reports our facility's experience of femoral FRI management in a low income country and evaluates the surgical outcomes with a minimum follow up of five years. Methods. The clinical and radiographic records of patients who underwent surgery for femoral FRI in our facility between 2005–2016 were analyzed. Twenty-six patients were included (15 males), with a median age of 29 years (range 4–71). The initial fracture was caused by RTA in 22 patients, gunshot in 2, accidental fall in 1 and acute osteomyelitis in 1. Polytrauma was observed in 10. All patients but one were referred for limb reconstruction from other institutions. Surgical treatment was instituted in all: site debridement (SD) alone was performed in 2 patients; SD and hardware removal in 4; SD and external fixation in 4; SD, hardware removal and external fixation in 16. In this latter group, complex treatments such as bone transport (BT) and vascularized fibula flap (VFF) were utilized in 4 and 3 patients respectively. Results. The mean follow-up was 8.4 years. Bone union was achieved in all cases with eradication of the infection in all but one. A total of 109 surgeries were carried out with an average of 4 surgeries per patient (range 1–13). The external fixation stayed in place for an average of 9.2 months (range 3–20). Complications were common at the last follow-up: limb length discrepancy (LLD) was observed in 18 patients; stiff knee was noted in 16; stiffness of ipsilateral knee and hip in 3; stiff hip in 1 and fused knee in 3. All patients ambulated without assistive devices. Conclusions. The treatment of femoral FRI is complex, long and often requires the combined effort of the orthopedic and plastic surgical teams. Despite limited resources, our institution achieved good long term surgical outcomes through a variety of methods. Further studies are required across multiple sites to better outline optimal management of femoral FRI in low income countries