Ipsilateral fibular transfer as a salvage procedure for large traumatic tibial defects in children in an austere environment

We present two paediatric cases where this approach was used to preserve the lower limb despite extensive explosive trauma. In the first case, an 11 cm tibial defect was managed with an ipsilateral fibular graft. The graft was placed in an intercalary position proximally, with medial displacement of the ankle and fixation of the fibula as a strut graft. In the second case, a 10 cm tibial defect was managed with an ipsilateral fibular graft, using intercalary placement proximally and distally. Both children returned to weight bearing with crutches within several months of surgery. For large tibial defects, ipsilateral fibular transfer is an effective one-stage operation that represents a viable alternative to amputation in austere environments.

Source: Journal of the Royal Army Medical Corps - November 27, 2016 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Keenan, A. J., Keenan, O. J. F., Tubb, C., M Wood, A., Rowlands, T., Christensen, S. E. Tags: Orthopaedic and trauma surgery Case report Source Type: research