Free vascularized fibular flap for congenital ulnar pseudarthrosis: a report of two cases and review of the literature.

Abstract

Congenital pseudarthrosis of the ulna (CPU) is an extremely rare disorder that has been treated with various traditional methods with poor results on long-term deformity correction and bony union. Free vascularized fibular grafting (FVFG) has been used to treat congenital pseudarthroses with improved success rates. We report herein 2 cases of CPU treated with FVFG in which bone union was obtained without major difficulty. The distal ulnar hypoplastic physis and epiphysis were spared during excision of the pseudarthrosis in both cases leading to continuous ulnar growth following bone healing. The main challenge concerned the stability of the radiocapitellar joint. There was no complication at the donor site. Free vascularized fibula is a safe and effective method for the treatment of congenital pseudarthrosis of the ulna.