PubMed Health⌕ Search

SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “FIBULA”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2005

Regenerating the fibula with beta-tricalcium phosphate minimizes morbidity after fibula resection.

The aim of this study was to assess the radiologic and clinical outcome when beta-tricalcium phosphate is used as a bone graft substitute to backfill the fibular defect that is created by harvesting the fibula. Fourteen patients who had fibula resections to be used as bone grafts for bone tumor resections were assessed radiographically. Callus formation bridging the beta-tricalcium phosphate was seen in 12 of 14 patients at an average of 1.4 months after surgery. In these 12 patients the beta-tricalcium phosphate mostly was absorbed and replaced by newly formed bone at an average of 9.3 months after surgery. In all children, beta-tricalcium phosphate was replaced by newly formed bone at an average of 3.2 months after surgery. Only one adult patient had complete regeneration of the fibula. Few patients had continuity between the regenerated fibula and the native fibula. In one patient in whom free vascularized fibula was harvested, regeneration of the fibula was not observed. Clinical functional outcome was not correlated with successful fibula regeneration and union with the native fibula, as determined using radiographs. The results of the study suggest that, in children, regeneration of the fibula by implanting beta-tricalcium phosphate into a bone defect can reduce morbidity of the fibula harvest sites.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Traumatic medial malleolar fracture of a fibula flap donor leg.

A 50-year-old male presented with a T4 N0 squamous cell carcinoma of the floor of the mouth and alveolus. Treatment included a partial mandibulectomy with a free osseocutaneous fibula flap reconstruction. He made a good postoperative recovery and was given adjuvant radiotherapy. No problems were reported with the donor site or ankle. Five months after harvesting the flap the patient sustained a fracture of the medial malleolus having jumped over a ditch playing golf. This was treated successfully with a below knee plaster of Paris cast. The interosseous membrane was not ruptured in the accident indicating that the distal fibula left in situ was adequate to maintain the integrity of the mortice. A degree of ankle instability may be present after fibula flap harvest which is only revealed by athletic activity. (c) 2000 Harcourt Publishers Ltd Copyright 2000 The British Association of Plastic Surgeons DOI: 10.1054/bjps.1999.3227.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1998

The role of fixation of the fibula in open fractures of the tibial shaft with fractures of the ipsilateral fibula: indications and outcomes.

To determine the indications for fibular fixation in cases of combined fractures of the tibia and fibula and the effect of fibular fixation on tibial healing, a retrospective study of open fractures of the tibial shaft with concomitant fibula fractures was conducted at a level one trauma center. Apparent indications for fibular fixation included the presence of a syndesmotic injury and location of fracture within the distal third of the fibula. No significant differences were found in the healing rates, incidence of nonunion and malalignment, or in the number of required subsequent procedures between patients who did and did not undergo fibular stabilization. These results suggest that fixation of the fibula in open fractures of the tibia and fibula has no effect on fracture healing or alignment. A randomized, prospective study is needed to properly validate these findings.

Fibula↗
PubMed2004

Giant cell tumor of the distal fibula: fifteen-year result after en bloc resection and fibula reconstruction.

INTRODUCTION: Giant cell tumor of the distal fibula is a very rare condition. The treatment of advanced tumors at this location can be challenging and has been described in the literature only in single cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We report on a patient with a stage III giant cell tumor, according to the classification of Campanacci, of the distal fibula after en bloc resection and distal fibula reconstruction with a long bone graft from the iliac crest in a second procedure. The syndesmosis was reconstructed with a periosteal flap, the capsule and ligaments with local scar tissue. RESULTS: Fifteen years after the initial treatment the patient is free of local recurrence and demonstrates an excellent clinical outcome without any signs of instability, loss of function or osteoarthritis of the ankle joint. CONCLUSION: We suggest the method to be worthwhile for treatment of this uncommon lesion in terms of recurrence and functional outcome.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Internal fixation of distal fibula fractures: a case presentation demonstrating a unique technique for a severely comminuted fibula.

The laterally comminuted fracture-dislocation of the ankle can be associated with devastating consequences. Previously described surgical as well as nonsurgical-treatment results have been disappointing. Accurate anatomical reduction and rigid fracture stabilization of a comminuted fibula can be extremely difficult. This manuscript presents some of the more common methods of comminuted fibular fracture fixation described in the literature. A case report demonstrates successful anatomical stabilization of a comminuted fibula, utilizing a method for internal fibular fixation which has been previously employed, but has not been advocated, in the literature. Clinical and radiographic results at 12 and 20 months post-injury are promising.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Fusion rates in multilevel cervical spondylosis comparing allograft fibula with autograft fibula in 126 patients.

Surgical fusion results are presented from a retrospective study of 126 consecutive multilevel discectomy and vertebrectomy cases for spondylosis to evaluate fusion rates using autograft and allograft fibula strut graft for reconstruction. The nonunion rate was high in both groups: 27% of the autograft group and 41% of the allograft group. The nonunion rate increased with increasing numbers of motion segments fused. Age and sex were not significant factors.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

The vascularized pig fibula bone flap model: effect of segmental osteotomies and internal fixation on blood flow.

The free fibular flap is the flap of choice for reconstruction of complex mandibular defects, although two or more osteotomies may be required to recreate the normal mandibular contour. The effect of these surgical manipulations on the fibula has not been adequately investigated. This study was designed to study the effect of multiple segmental osteotomies and internal fixation techniques on blood flow in the vascularized pig fibula bone flap model. The hindlimbs of 15 Yorkshire pigs were randomized into 1 of 5 groups (n = 6 fibulae per group) consisting of: (1) a nonoperated, in situ fibula; (2) an elevated fibula flap; (3) an elevated fibula flap with two segmental osteotomies; (4) an elevated fibula with two segmental closing osteotomies rigidly fixed with 2-mm miniplates; (5) an elevated fibula with two segmental closing osteotomies rigidly fixed with 2-mm lag screws. Total and gradient blood flow was measured in the bone and soft-tissue components of these flaps using the 15-microm radioactive microsphere technique. The creation of two segmental osteotomies in the vascularized pig fibula bone flap model resulted in a significant decrease (p<0.05) in the gradient blood flow in the segment of bone distal to the second osteotomy. Application of miniplates or lag screws across closing osteotomies resulted in a significant decrease (p<0.05) in total and gradient blood flow to the bone component of the fibulae, as compared with the elevated and osteotomized fibulae groups. An increase in blood flow suggesting a hyperemic response was noted in the bone and soft tissue in the elevated and osteotomized flap groups as compared with the in situ, nonoperated controls. This study established the validity of the pig fibula as a suitable model for investigating the pathophysiology of blood flow changes in the face of standard surgical maneuvers necessary for the restoration of mandibular form and function. The results demonstrated that the creation of multiple segmental osteotomies and the application of internal fixation significantly decreases (p<0.05) blood flow to the distal portion of the flap. The effects of segmental osteotomies and internal fixation on healing and growth of the pig fibula bone flap model are investigated in a separate study.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Use of a vascularized fibula bone flap and intercalary allograft for diaphyseal reconstruction after resection of primary extremity bone sarcomas.

BACKGROUND: The standard treatment for primary bone sarcomas of the extremities has become chemotherapy and limb salvage surgery. However, the difficulties in achieving reliable long-term healing with allograft reconstruction have led us to use vascularized fibula transfer to enhance healing. METHODS: From 1992 to 2003, 14 vascularized fibula transfers were performed at our institution for bone reconstruction in 12 patients with bone sarcoma. Free vascularized fibula transfers were performed in 13 cases, and a pedicled vascularized fibula transfer in one case. The mean age was 25 years (range, 6 to 71 years). Locations included the femur (n = 10), humerus (n = 1), and tibia (n = 3). The mean length of the vascularized fibula transfer was 17.4 cm (range, 10 to 24 cm). Indications for use of a vascularized fibula transfer included allograft nonunion (n = 8), and primary diaphyseal bone defect reconstruction combined with an intercalary allograft (n = 6). For all allograft nonunions, a vascularized fibula transfer was used with an onlay technique. For segmental bone defects, an intramedullary technique was used in three cases and an onlay technique in two cases. RESULTS: The overall mean time for bone union after a vascularized fibula transfer was 8.6 months (range, 3 to 24 months): 10 months (range, 5 to 24 months) for patients with allograft nonunions, and 6 months (range, 3 to 8 months) for patients who underwent immediate segmental bone reconstruction. All but one patient had successful bone union. One patient with persistent nonunion required a second vascularized fibula transfer. The mean time from initial limb salvage surgery to full use of the reconstructed limb without restrictions was 28 months (range, 13 to 45 months) for patients treated with a delayed vascularized fibula transfer for an allograft nonunion and 6 months (range, 3 to 8 months) for patients who underwent immediate reconstruction with a vascularized fibula transfer combined with an allograft. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a vascularized fibula transfer combined with an intercalary allograft to reconstruct bone defects after tumor resection can prevent allograft nonunion and result in decreased time to bone healing, leading to earlier patient recovery and return of function.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

The role of fibular fixation in combined fractures of the tibia and fibula: a biomechanical investigation.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether adjunctive plating of the fibula with tibial fixation enhanced the stability of the construct under combined compressive and bending loads in simulated fractures of both the tibia and fibula. METHODS: Each of twelve fresh cadaveric specimens (six pairs) with an intact knee, lower extremity, and foot was mounted on the table of a materials testing machine. An intramedullary (IM) rod locked in the distal femur allowed combined compression, and flexion, valgus bending, or varus bending loads to be transmitted from the actuator of the testing machine to the knee. Three displacement measurement transducers were mounted on the tibia at anterior, posterolateral, and posteromedial positions. Intact tibial deformations under load were measured. Then, in one specimen of each pair a 2 cm osteotomy was created near the tibial midshaft, which was stabilized with an external fixator. Tibial gap displacements were measured under the following conditions: (a) intact fibula, (b) osteotomized fibula, (c) fibula fixed with a plate, (d) fibula fixed with an Enders IM nail. In the other specimen of the pair, tibial fixation was performed with an interlocked unreamed IM nail, with the same successive stages of fibular fixation. RESULTS: Osteotomy of the fibula significantly increased tibial defect motion when external fixation was used, and plating the fibula in this case significantly decreased motion. Using an Enders rod to stabilize the fibula instead of a plate, with tibial external fixation, produced smaller decreases in tibial defect site motion. With IM rod fixation of the tibia, osteotomizing the fibula had no effect on defect site motion or on its subsequent stabilization using a plate or IM rod. CONCLUSION: Plating the fibula can decrease motion across a tibial defect, but only when less rigid (i.e., external) fixation is used.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗
PubMed2004

Free fibula long bone reconstruction in orthopedic oncology: a surgical algorithm for reconstructive options.

The fibula free flap became popular in orthopedic oncology for limb-sparing long bone tumor resection. It is particularly suitable for intercalary or resection arthrodesis options. In the present series, a surgical reconstruction algorithm was used, enabling each patient to receive a personalized technique. During the years 1998 to 2002, 30 patients underwent limb-sparing surgery for long bone sarcoma. There were 18 males and 12 females. Their mean age was 23 years (range, 9 to 70 years). The diagnoses were Ewing's sarcoma (11 patients), osteogenic sarcoma (eight patients), chondrosarcoma (five patients), giant cell tumor of bone (three patients), high-grade soft-tissue sarcoma (two patients), and leiomyosarcoma of bone (one patient). The majority of tumors where located in the lower extremity (23 patients), mostly in the femur (15 patients with four tumors in the proximal femoral shaft, five tumors in the distal femoral shaft, five tumors in the whole femoral shaft, and one tumor in the proximal femoral head). In seven patients, the upper extremity was involved; in six patients, the radius was involved; and in one patient, the humerus was involved. The free fibula flap was used in three types of approaches: vascularized fibula as an osseous flap only (18 patients), a combination of a vascularized fibula flap in conjunction with an allograft (Capanna's technique; 10 patients), and a free double-barreled fibula (two patients). All flaps survived. Postoperatively, all patients were monitored clinically, radiologically, and by radioisotope bone scan studies. Callus formation and union were shown 2.6 to 8 months postoperatively. Patients who underwent lower extremity reconstruction were nonweightbearing for 3 to 9 months, with a transition period in which they used a brace and gradually increased weightbearing until full weightbearing was achieved. Eight patients had 11 recipient-site complications. Two patients (6.7 percent) had hematomas, and three patients (10 percent) had infection and dehiscence of the surgical wound with bone exposure in one patient; all complications resolved with conservative treatment only. Failure of the hardware fixation system occurred in two patients, mandating surgical correction. No fibula donor-site complications were recorded. In intercalary resections, the use of the vascularized fibula flap as an isolated osseous flap might be insufficient. Different body sites have different stress loads to carry, depending on the age of the patient and on his individual physical status. To achieve initial strength in the early period, the authors combined the free fibula flap with an allograft (Capanna's method) or augmented it as a double-barreled fibula. They propose a surgical algorithm to assist the surgeon with the preferred method for reconstruction of various long bone defects in different body locations at childhood or adulthood. Long bone reconstruction using a vascularized fibula flap, alone or in combination with an allograft, autogenous bone graft, or double-barreled fibula for limb-sparing surgery, is a safe and reliable method with a predictable bony union, good functional outcome, and a low complication rate.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Mechanical contribution of the fibula to torsion stiffness in the lower extremity.

The role of the fibula in rotational stability of the lower extremity, taking into account the intact knee joint and tibia, to the best of our knowledge, has not been investigated. A cadaver study was designed to determine the torque transfer down the lower extremity, with and without the fibula. Six fresh, frozen human cadaver legs were used. The knee joint was left intact and the foot disarticulated. An external rotation up to 5 degrees , coupled with axial compression, was applied to the femur passing through the knee joint in extension and down the lower extremity to the fixed distal end, where torque (N m) was measured via a load cell. Each specimen was further tested with the fibula, cut 4 cm from the distal end, and finally with the entire fibula disarticulated at the proximal end and removed. To achieve 5 degrees rotation, torques reached 1.82 N m (SD, 0.66 N m). When the fibula was cut, the torque reduced a small yet significant amount of 5%. With the entire fibula removed, the torque reduction was significant and more pronounced at 11%. The fibula provided a small yet significant role in torsion stability. From this study, where the biomechanical characteristics of the fibula is explicated, it is hoped that this information will have use in further understanding the biomechanical role of the fibula, especially, in relation to the altered mechanics associated with lower limb pathology involving a deficient fibula.

Aged↗
PubMed1998

The current role of preoperative arteriography in free fibula flaps.

The free fibula flap has become a "workhorse" flap for reconstructive surgeons, yet the indications for preoperative arteriography for the donor extremity remain unclear. Therefore, a retrospective review of all free fibula candidates over a 4-year period was conducted to clarify the need for preoperative arteriography. One hundred consecutive patients were evaluated as potential candidates for free fibula reconstruction. Twenty-one patients were deemed unsuitable because of associated comorbid conditions (15) or unusable limbs (6). The remaining 79 patients were candidates for fibula free flap reconstruction. Eight patients (10 percent) who had an abnormal lower extremity vascular physical examination (diminished or absent pedal pulses) underwent arteriography to evaluate the fibula donor site. Free fibula transfer was performed in 77 patients (mean age, 41; range, 3 to 80 years) to the following sites: mandible (65), upper limb (4), lower limb (6), and trunk (2). The overall free flap success rate was 99 percent. Results of arteriography included: normal three-vessel runoff (6), bilateral peroneal arteria magna (1), and bilateral posterior tibial artery occlusion with reconstitution via the peroneal artery (1). Two patients with unusable fibula donor sites (determination based on arteriographic findings) were reconstructed with ilium and radius. All others underwent uncomplicated free fibula transfer. Ischemic complications at the fibula donor site did not occur in any patient. This study supports the use of lower extremity vascular physical examination as the primary means of evaluating the fibula donor site. Routine preoperative arteriography is unnecessary and should be reserved for those patients with abnormal vascular examinations.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

The vascularized pig fibula bone flap model: effects of multiple segmental osteotomies on growth and viability.

Previous work by this laboratory introduced the pig fibula bone flap as a model for the study of the pathophysiology of vascularized bone flaps. Anatomic and hemodynamic studies demonstrated a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in vascular perfusion after a series of segmental osteotomies and rigid fixation (lag screws and miniplates) in the distal end of the flap, suggesting that blood flow to the distal osteotomized segment of the flap may be impaired. Killing the animals after blood flow studies precluded assessment of the effect of these hemodynamic changes on bone healing. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the pig fibula bone flap model with respect to viability, healing, and subsequent growth after multiple segmental osteotomies and rigid fixation to contribute to the understanding of vascularized bone flap pathophysiology. Yorkshire pigs (20 to 25 kg) were used for all experiments. Eight pigs underwent unilateral elevation of a vascularized fibula bone flap, which was osteotomized into three segments and orthotopically rigidly fixed using a 2.4-mm mandibular reconstruction plate. The left fibula remained as the control. Fluorochrome labels were injected to assess bone viability and turnover, and both fibulae were assessed for growth radiologically. The fibulae were harvested 21 days postoperatively (when the animals were killed), and bone healing was assessed histologically and clinically. There were no significant differences in preoperative and postoperative lengths of the osteotomized fibulae compared with the controls, suggesting that there was no impairment of growth potential after multiple segmental osteotomies and rigid fixation. Significant (p < 0.05) bony hypertrophy of the osteotomized fibulae was noted when compared with controls. Mobility was observed in 3 of the 32 osteotomies (9 percent), occurring across one proximal and two distal osteotomies in association with failure of fixation. However, histologic and fluorochrome assessment confirmed the viability of all bone segments, as supported by the presence of tetracycline given 2 days postoperatively. The pig fibula bone flap model is well tolerated by the pig. Multiple segmental osteotomies and rigid fixation, previously associated with a significant decrease in blood flow in the distal segment, did not impair either growth potential, viability, or healing ability. It is suggested that the pig fibula is a suitable model for the study of bone flap pathophysiology.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Fibula free flaps: the role of angiography in patients with abnormal results on preoperative color flow Doppler studies.

BACKGROUND: The reliability of normal color flow Doppler (CFD) study results in predicting the safety of fibula free flap harvest has been recognized. The significance of abnormal CFD study results when used for preoperative assessment of a potential fibula free flap donor site is less well defined. OBJECTIVE: To determine if abnormal preoperative CFD study results should exclude fibula free flap harvest or if patients, in whom the fibula free flap is thought to be the best reconstructive option, should undergo further evaluation with angiography to better determine fibula free flap candidacy. METHODS: A retrospective review identified 17 potential fibula free flap candidates (34 legs) evaluated by both a lower extremity CFD study and a lower extremity angiogram. The results of the CFD study were then compared with those of angiography. RESULTS: There were 16 legs with normal CFD study results and subsequent angiographic findings confirming the safety of each of these legs for fibula free flap harvest. There were 18 legs that demonstrated abnormal CFD study results. Angiography revealed anatomy that was considered to represent a high risk for fibula free flap harvest in 16 legs and considered safe in the other 2 legs. All 14 legs that had at least 1 vessel with a monophasic waveform or no flow on the CFD study revealed a high-risk angiogram result. Of the 4 legs with biphasic waveforms in all trifurcation vessels on the CFD study, 2 revealed angiogram results that showed that they were safe for flap harvest. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative CFD studies that reveal a monophasic waveform or absence of flow accurately identify unsafe donor sites. Fibula free flap harvest in these cases can be excluded based on abnormal CFD study results alone, eliminating the need to perform angiography.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗