Peroneal osteocutaneous flap raised on reconstructed popliteal artery for delayed union following open tibial fractures.

Abstract

Two cases of delayed union following type IIIC open tibial fracture were treated by a pedicled peroneal osteocutaneous flap raised on reconstructed popliteal vessels. Dissection of the peroneal vessels from the already traumatized extremity was tedious, but this technique provided a reliable vascularized skin and bone graft that was indispensable for the fracture healing. Peroneal osteocutaneous flaps raised on the reconstructed popliteal artery have not been reported to date; they appear to be a good alternative to free osteocutaneous flaps for non-union of the proximal tibia.