Cuboid Bone for Distal Radius Reconstruction: An Anatomical Cadaver Study

Abstract

Background The cuboid bone (CB) of the foot has been suggested as a potential source of autologous reconstruction of the distal radius (DR). This study sought to examine the feasibility of harvesting the CB as a vascularized bone transfer for DR reconstruction. Purposes We evaluated the feasibility of a vascularized bone transfer of the CB by performing the flap dissection, analyzing its pedicle and demonstrating its perfusion using indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence angiography. Methods Ten feet from five fresh-frozen cadaver specimens were dissected. The lateral tarsal artery (LTA) mean diameter, length, and emerging point were described. The CB mean length and the mean length of the bone segment harvested were reported. ICG injection was used to demonstrate its blood supply. Results The average length of the pedicle was 68.26 ± 3.12 mm. The mean diameter was 1.43 ± 0.15 mm. The CB had a mean anterior–posterior length of 40.81 ± 5.05 mm. The harvested bone had a mean length of 15.05 ± 2.03 mm. All CBs showed enhancement after ICG injection. Conclusion The CB presented reasonable anatomical similarities with the DR and a long and consistent pedicle with an adequate blood supply observed during ICG injection. Clinical Relevance This study supports the possibility of using the CB as a vascularized bone transfer for autologous reconstruction of the articular surface of the DR. Further study is warranted.