Nonvascularized autologous fibular strut graft can be an option for treatment of segmental bone loss in comminuted femoral shaft fracture

Abstract

We present the case of a patient who suffered a comminuted femoral shaft fracture. The patient was a 20 years-old male following a sustained RTA and presented at our hospital after about 6 weeks after the incidence. Initially he was treated with skeletal traction with surgical toileting and debridement; and later on external fixator with dressing several times. Open reduction and internal fixation was performed with the use of a non-vascularized autologous fibular strut graft as an augmentation technique in conjunction with dynamic plating. Bony union occurred at 24 weeks. Clinically patient had stable, painless extremity, and resumed active use of the involved extremity without protective device after 2 year after femur fixation. No pain involving the donor graft site was reported at the time of the most recent follow-up examination. This case study demonstrates the use of free non-vascularized autogenous fibular strut bone graft as an option to bridge segmental bone loss in comminuted femoral shaft fracture. This is a relatively simple, not expensive procedure.