Reverse-flow vascularized fibular graft: a new method.

Abstract

The reverse-flow island flap is a relatively recent concept. We have applied this concept to the vascularized bone graft. We report a new method of the reverse-flow vascularized fibular graft for two patients with a pseudarthrosis and massive bone defect of the tibia. The peroneal artery and venae comitantes were severed proximally and elevated with the fibula while maintaining distal vascular continuity. The reverse-flow vascularized fibula was grafted to the posterior aspect of the bone defect of the tibia. Bony union was obtained in both cases. The reverse-flow vascularized fibular graft has many advantages compared with free vascularized fibular graft.