Long-term outcome of fibula flaps in complex limb reconstruction compared to alternative procedures, a median follow up of 41 months

Introduction

Complex open long bone fractures present a multidisciplinary surgical challenge. Various treatment options are discussed with no consensus. Fibula flaps (FF) are frequently used in maxillofacial surgery, however their use in limb injuries is less common. With the tremendous improvement in microsurgery, orthoplastic surgery gained importance. Our retrospective study aims to assess the long-term results and the quality of life of the patients operated by FF for complex traumatic limb reconstruction.

Patients and Methods

We conducted an observational mono centric retrospective study from the year 2011 to the year 2021. Patients operated for complicated traumatic limb fractures using FF were included in the study. Not only long-term clinical results were evaluated, but also Patient-reported outcome measures (PROM). These included the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), Quick Disabilities of the Arm, shoulder and hand (Qdash), and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The statistical analysis was done using the R Software.

Results

Twenty patients were included in our study. 80% achieved complete union with no re fracture rate at a median follow-up of 41 months. All of the patients (n = 4) who underwent amputation were smokers (p = .09), were operated for lower limb fractures (p = .54), and were males (p = 1). The length of hospital stay was associated with an increased duration to complete bony union (p = .01, coefficient = 2.88). At the end of follow-up, the LEFS median score was 67 for the total population and 63.5 for the lower limb reconstructed sub group.

Conclusion

VFF is an important tool in the armamentarium of orthoplastic surgeons. Encouraging long term functional and clinical outcomes were obtained in patients with complex traumatic limb fractures.