Fibula regeneration following non-vascularized graft harvest in children

Nonvascularized fibular harvest in children: impact on donor limbs

Nonvascularized fibular graft is commonly used in children. We investigated periosteal intactness, proportion of harvested fibula and the distal remnant for their association to regeneration and development of ankle valgus in 25 donor limbs (n = 18 patients). The fibulae were harvested from healthy legs with all possible care to preserve periosteum. Intraoperatively, periosteal breach and length of graft obtained were recorded. Follow-up radiographs at 6 months documented lateral distal tibial angle, fibular station, and longitudinal continuous regeneration of fibula in the donor limb. Limbs with and without regeneration/ankle valgus were matched for proportion of harvested length and distal remnant, respectively. Odds ratios for periosteum breach versus nonregeneration and nonregeneration versus ankle valgus were additionally calculated. The average harvest length and distal remnant were 15.1 and 4.5 cm, respectively. The periosteum intactness was maintained in 18 (72%) limbs. At 6 months follow-up, regeneration of fibula was present in 15 (60%) limbs. The postharvest-acquired ankle valgus was present in five limbs (24%). There was almost 2.5 times increased likelihood of nonregeneration, if periosteum was breached. The odds ratio for nonregeneration versus regeneration to the development of ankle valgus stood at 12 ( P = 0.0483). Periosteal breach increased the odds of nonregeneration of harvested fibula. The length of harvested segment did not appear to have significant influence on regeneration nor did distal segment on ankle valgus. The nonregeneration of fibula, however, made the limb prone to ankle valgus.

Exosome-Functionalized, Drug-Laden Bone Substitute along with an Antioxidant Herbal Membrane for Bone and Periosteum Regeneration in Bone Sarcoma

Developing advanced methods for effective bone reconstructive strategies in case of critical bone defects caused by tumor resection, trauma, and other implant-related complications remains a challenging problem in orthopedics. In the clinical management of bone diseases, there is a paradigm shift in using local drugs at the injury site; however, the dead space created during the surgical debridement of necrotic bone and soft tissues (periosteum and underlying muscle) leads to ineffective bone formation, thereby leading to secondary complications, and thus calls for better regenerative approaches. In this study, we have utilized an exosome-functionalized doxorubicin-loaded biodegradable nanocement (NC)-based carrier along with a Cissus quadrangularis (CQ) extract-laden antioxidant herbal membrane for simultaneously managing the periosteum as well as bone formation in the tumor resection model of osteosarcoma. We initially evaluated the efficacy of scaffolds for in vitro mineralization and bone formation. To examine the in vivo effectiveness, we developed a human osteosarcoma cell line (Saos-2)-induced tumor xenograft model with a critical-sized bone defect. The findings revealed that doxorubicin released from NC was successful in killing the tumor cells and was present even after 30 days of implantation. Additionally, the incorporation of exosomes aided the bone formation, resulting in around a 2.6-fold increase in the bone volume compared to the empty group as evaluated by micro-CT. The herbal membrane assisted in the development of periosteum and mineralizing bone callous as validated through histological and immunofluorescence analysis. Thus, our findings describe a one-step biomaterial-based cell-free approach to regenerate bone in osteosarcoma and prevent further fracture due to the complete development of periosteum and lost bone.

Emerged donor limb growth morbidity and malalignment after combined ipsilateral tibial and fibular cortical harvest graft in children. Early follow-up report

The quantity of bone grafts required in certain pediatric conditions is sometimes substantial. This retrospective study details the radiological changes occurring in the donor leg and ankle following the simultaneous harvest of large diaphyseal cortical grafts from the tibia and fibula in 14 children (16 legs). The following preoperative and follow-up radiological parameters were measured and compared for donor legs: the longitudinal continuous regeneration of fibula, distal fibular station, medial proximal tibial angle, lateral distal tibial angle, posterior proximal tibial angle (PPTA), anterior distal tibial angle and interphyseal angle (tibia diaphyseal angulation) in both coronal and sagittal planes. Additionally, the impact of fibular regeneration in combined harvests was separately analyzed. Children were operated at the mean age of 52 months. Mean follow-up of 25.2 months was available. At follow-up, the donor tibia healed completely in all legs whereas fibular regeneration was complete only in 10 legs (62.5%). At follow-up, ankle valgus was present in 6 out of 16 legs (37%) and tibia valga increased in all legs except one (94%). Procurvatum was present in 7 legs. The fibular nonregeneration group was prone to ankle valgus deformity (P = 0.014), valgus angulation of tibial diaphysis (P = 0.0076) and lower mean PPTA (P = 0.026) when compared to the regenerate group. There was a complication of stress fracture in one donor tibia. Combined tibial and fibular harvest is a major surgical undertaking in children. The donor limbs have their share of complications postharvest, more so when the fibula remains nonregenerated. Serial monitoring of donor sites is emphasized.

Treatment of pediatric tibial shaft nonunion using ipsilateral free non-vascularized fibular graft

BACKGROUND

Although tibial shaft fractures are the third most common long bone fractures in children after the forearm and femur, nonunion of these fractures are rare in the pediatric population.

CASE REPORT

Despite seldom seen, tibial nonunion is very complex and it is also a devastating complication of tibial fracture especially when infected. Numerous methods have been employed to treat pediatric tibial nonunion, but there is no consensus. Here, we present a case of a child with right tibial shaft fracture nonunion. We treated this patient with ipsilateral free non-vascularized fibular graft.

RESULTS

Both the nonunion site and fibular donor site united well with good function in the injured extremity and no adverse events.

CONCLUSION

We recommend the use of ipsilateral free non-vascularized fibular graft for the treatment of pediatric tibial shaft nonunion.

Complete Spontaneous Bone Regeneration following Surgical Enucleation of a Mandibular Cemento-Ossifying Fibroma

Background

Cemento-ossifying fibroma (COF) is a type of benign fibro-osseous tumor that mainly occurs in the maxillofacial region. Bone reconstruction after the surgery is often performed with bone transplantation. However, the present case report describes the accurate diagnosis and successful surgical resection of a COF with periosteum preservation, after which the defect was completely and spontaneously filled with the newly formed bone through a natural process. Case Presentation. A 32-year-old Iranian female patient presented with a history of gradual development of painful swelling, spontaneous pain, and lower lip and chin hypoesthesia in the lower third of the left side of her face. The dome-shaped swelling was tender. The patient was suffering from renal infection and urethral prolapse and was taking folic acid. She also mentioned a positive family history of similar swellings in her mother and uncle. Intraoral examination indicated a lesion in buccal and lingual vestibules extending from the first premolar to the third molar teeth. It had a firm consistency, and the covering mucosa was normal in terms of color and texture. The aspiration test was negative. The lesion had caused severe mobility of the second premolar and first and second molar teeth. Panoramic radiography revealed an extensive well-defined unilocular radiolucency. Significant knife-edge resorption of the first and second molar roots at the involved site and thinning of the alveolar crest and inferior border of the mandible were also clear. Cone-beam computed tomography showed severe expansion in the buccal and moderate expansion in the lingual aspect, causing thinning of both the buccal and lingual cortical plates. Histopathological analysis revealed neoplastic tissue mixed with fibrous connective tissue and several round and oval-shaped calcification foci. Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed the final diagnosis (COF) with the presence of SMA-8. The lesion was removed by enucleation and curettage, while the periosteum was carefully preserved. Fixation with screw and plate was also performed.

Conclusions

Correct diagnosis of COF and precise implementation of the periosteal osteogenesis technique, in this case, resulted in entirely and spontaneously bone regeneration, which was a rare and favorable outcome with minimum cost and complications for the patient.

Donor site changes in early months following nonvascularized fibular harvest in children: a prospective radiological analysis

The exact timing of non regeneration and ankle valgus in post fibular harvest donor limbs remain elusive. The study examined the serial radiographs post harvest to better understand the transitions occurring in the ankle and leg region. We specifically focused on the noncontinuity of fibular regenerate, lateral distal tibial angle (LDTA), fibular length (fibular/tibial ratio, F/T ratio) and fibular station in the donor leg. Completeness of longitudinal fibular regeneration was documented at 6 months and accordingly two groups, with (R+) and without complete longitudinal regeneration (R-), were available for comparisons. There were 25 fibular harvests in 19 patients. The longitudinal regenerate was complete in 14 limbs (56%) (R+ group) at 6 months. The average LDTA at 6 months did not differ significantly from preoperative values. The F/T ratio decreased immediately postoperative and the trend remained sustained till 6 months. Malhotra grade corresponded inversely to F/T ratio. There was insignificant intra or intergroup affection of LDTA in R+ and R- groups over initial 6 months. The F/T ratio in R+ group recorded a downward trend till 3 months but remained static thereafter. Malhotra grades comparisons between R+ and R- revealed significant differences only at 6 months. Fibular length (F/T ratio) was found to be the critical indicator of regeneration. For the nonregenerates, ratios deteriorated significantly by 3 months. Malhotra station corresponded to changes in fibular length, although it was less quantitative. The secondary changes in lower tibia may not manifest till 6 months.

Assessment of fibular regeneration after graft harvesting in patients with benign bone tumors: A retrospective study comparing different age groups

INTRODUCTION

Using non-vascularized fibula as autogenous graft has gained much success in reconstruction after tumor resection owing to its simplicity. Donor-site morbidity related to fibula deficiency includes valgus ankle, chronic pain and stress fractures of the ipsilateral tibia.

HYPOTHESIS

Growth potential before skeletal maturity is the most important factor promoting fibular regeneration after non- vascularized harvesting, and its decline with skeletal maturity causes failure of fibular regeneration.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This is a retrospective study of the patients with benign bone tumors who required bone defect reconstruction by non-vascularized fibular graft utilizing a periosteal preserving technique. The study entailed 118 patients below the age of 12, 100 age 12-18, and 80 above the age of 18.

RESULTS

In children below 12, regeneration was complete in 95%, incomplete in 4.2% and partial in 0.8% of the cases. In adolescents, regeneration was complete in 72%, incomplete in 15% and partial in 13% of the cases. After skeletal maturity, no regeneration occurred in 92.5%of the patients, while partial regeneration occurred in 7.5% of the cases. Valgus ankle occurred in 2.8% of the cases before skeletal maturity, and none in older patients.

DISCUSSION

Complete regeneration after non-vascularized fibula graft harvesting is the rule in pediatric patients and to a lesser extent in adolescent group. This is usually associated by near normal regaining of the regenerate strength and function. Non-regeneration dominates in older age group. The length of the harvested segment has no impact on the regeneration or the remodeling process.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV; case series, retrospective comparative study.

Fibular Strut Arthrodesis for Salvage of Campanacci Grade III Giant Cell Tumor of the Hallucal Proximal Phalanx: A Case Report

Involvement of toe phalanges by giant cell tumor (GCT) is extremely rare; tumors in these locations tend to be aggressive. Whereas aggressive GCTs of the distal phalanx may be managed successfully by en-bloc resection without reconstruction or amputation, management of these lesions, when they involve the proximal phalanx, can be challenging. We present a Campannaci grade III GCT of the hallucal proximal phalanx in a 14-year old girl that had breached into the dorsal soft tissues and the metatarso-phalangeal joint. Wide local resection of the proximal phalanx along with reconstruction arthrodesis with an autologous, non-vascularized fibular strut graft was performed. There was no recurrence at 3 years of follow-up. The patient had an excellent functional outcome. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case reporting the outcomes of fibular strut arthrodesis for salvage of GCT of the hallucal proximal phalanx.

Management of bone defects due to infected non-union or chronic osteomyelitis with autologous non-vascularized free fibular grafts

OBJECTIVES

Bone defects as a result of infected non-union or chronic osteomyelitis are difficult to manage. The purpose of this study was to present the results of treatment of bone defects of < 6 cm due to a previous infected non-union or chronic osteomyelitis with autologous non-vascularized fibular grafts in a 2-stage surgery.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The records of patients who were treated with autologous non-vascularized fibular grafts for bone defects of < 6 cm due to a previous infected non-union or chronic osteomyelitis between 2008 and 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. Primary complete bone union was the primary outcome. Time until fracture union, and return to normal daily activities or previous work were recorded. Radiographs were evaluated for graft hypertrophy as well as for stress fracture and other complications.

RESULTS

A total of 27 cases were included. The mean length of the bone defects was 4.4 cm (range 2 - 6 cm). Complete union and healing occurred in 25/27 patients (primary success rate of 92.6%). Non-union was present in two patients with suboptimal soft tissue condition 10 months after surgery, one patient was subsequently treated with a vascularized free fibular graft from the contralateral fibula, and the other patient was treated with distraction osteogenesis, bone union was achieved after the second surgery. Average time to return to normal daily activity after surgery was 7.82 months (6 ~ 11 months). Graft hypertrophy occurred in 15 cases 15/25 (60%) two years post-surgery. There were no other surgical or postoperative complications.

CONCLUSIONS

With careful evaluation of soft-tissue condition surrounding bone defect, management of infected bone defects with autologous non-vascularized fibular grafts technique has a high success rate with few complications.

Regeneration of the Fibula with Unidirectional Porous Hydroxyapatite

A fibula graft is one of the most common orthopedic procedures for reconstruction of a bone defect, and some complications related to persistent defects of the fibula have been reported previously. We believe that regeneration of the fibula may be critical for postoperative function and prevention of complications. This report describes a 9-year-old female with Ewing sarcoma of the pelvis who was treated with the double-barrel fibula grafts for pelvic bone defect following tumor resection. The defect after fibular resection was filled with unidirectional porous hydroxyapatite (UDPHAp) implants. A plain radiograph revealed new bone formation and a callus-like structure at one month after surgery and bony union between each UDPHAp implant 5 months after surgery. Resorption of implanted UDPHAp was identified, and partial remodeling of the bone marrow cavity could be seen 1 year 2 months after surgery. A radiograph at final follow-up (5 years 10 months after surgery) demonstrated almost complete absorption of the implanted UDPHAp and clear formation of the cortex and bone marrow in the resected part of the fibula. The patient is able to walk well without any walking supports and to take part in sports activities.

The regeneration at non vascularized fibular harvest site and development of ankle valgus in donor leg-investigations done over two time points

INTRODUCTION

We retrospectively observed the fibular regeneration in non vascularized harvest in children and development of ankle valgus at 2 time points to find any possible relationship between them.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A 6 month period was chosen as the first time frame to assess regeneration and ankle valgus. Radiographs at this time and a subsequent follow up were studied for regeneration, lateral distal tibial ankle (LDTA) and fibular station. The donor sites were divided into complete and incomplete regeneration groups and compared statistically.

RESULTS

There were 12 patients with 18 harvested fibulae. Ten out of 18 fibulae (56%) had complete longitudinal regenerate at 6 months. Two fibulae underwent delayed union. Of 8 incomplete regenerates at 6 months, 6 (75%) were also incomplete beyond a follow up of 2.75 years. Incomplete group had radiological ankle valgus in 6 legs (75%) at 6 months increased to 7 at follow up. Further, LDTA for incomplete group was significantly lower than complete group (p = 0.025) at 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS

More than half of harvested legs (56%) had complete longitudinal fibular regeneration at 6 months. Of incomplete regenerates at 6 months, three fourth remained so beyond 2.5 years. Ankle valgus was found strongly related to long standing fibular non regeneration. Radiological ankle valgus developed early in the incomplete regenerate group.

Treatment of tumor-like lesions in the femoral neck using free nonvascularized fibular autografts in pediatric patients before epiphyseal closure

Objectives

Surgical resection of benign bone tumors and tumor-like lesions at the femoral neck presents a difficult reconstructive challenge. However, the safety and efficacy of free nonvascularized fibular autografts (FNFAs) in the treatment of femoral neck tumor-like lesions before epiphyseal closure in young patients remain unknown.

Methods

Sixteen pediatric patients who had not yet undergone epiphyseal closure were treated with FNFAs after resection of tumor-like lesions in the femoral neck from August 2012 to September 2016. All patients underwent supplementary skeletal traction through the supracondylar femur for 4 to 6 weeks after resection. Demographic data were recorded and clinical and radiological outcomes were evaluated during the follow-up.

Results

All patients could walk with partial weight bearing 4 weeks postoperative, and full weight bearing was permitted after a mean of 8 weeks. Graft union was attained in all 16 patients at a mean of 2 months. The donor site of the fibular cortical strut showed good regeneration in all patients. The Harris hip score significantly improved from 65% to 95%.

Conclusions

Application of an FNFA is a feasible method in the treatment of tumor-like lesions in the femoral neck before epiphyseal closure in pediatric patients.

Level of Evidence

Level IV.

Incidence of knee height asymmetry in a paediatric population of corrected leg length discrepancy: a retrospective chart review study

PURPOSE

The purpose of the study is to provide a methodology to quantify knee height asymmetry (KHA) and to establish the incidence of knee height asymmetry in a patient population visiting the limb length discrepancy clinic in a paediatric-orthopaedic hospital centre.

METHOD

A retrospective chart review was performed on all patients who attended the limb length discrepancy clinic and underwent corrective surgery at the Shriners Hospital for Children-Canada from December 2009 to December 2015. Full-standing anteroposterior radiographs were used to measure pre- and post-surgery limb length discrepancy and knee height asymmetry for 52 individuals included in the study.

RESULTS

Sixty-seven percent of the studied population had a KHA of 20 mm or less, 25% had a KHA between 20 and 40 mm, and 8% had a KHA of over 40 mm. The average KHA preoperatively for all 52 individuals was 17 ± 14 mm (range 0-59 mm), which represents roughly 2.5% of total limb length. There was a 3-mm non-significant reduction in KHA size between pre-and post-operative states (p = 0.22).

CONCLUSION

The current study provides a method to quantify knee height asymmetry. Using this method, it was shown that knee height asymmetry is frequent in youth with limb length discrepancy in both pre- and post-corrective surgery states. The relatively high incidence of knee height asymmetry highlights the importance to investigate the impact of knee height asymmetry in youth living with a limb length discrepancy.

The role of the periosteal sleeve in the reconstruction of bone defects using a non-vascularised fibula graft in the pediatric population

BACKGROUND

Following resection of large benign bone tumors surgeons are confronted with bone defects severely affecting the stability of a limb. To restore the mechanical continuity of the bone different treatment methods using bone grafts have been described. In pediatric patients the thick periosteal sleeve is thought to contribute to bone formation.

HYPOTHESIS

An intact periosteal sleeve is crucial in bone remodelling around a non-vascularised fibular graft used to bridge large bone defects.

METHODS

We present a treatment technique applied in 6 cases comprising of subperiosteal tumor resection at the diaphyseal or metaphyseal level of long bones followed by defect bridging with a non-vascularised fibula graft inserted into the periosteal sleeve of the resection zone. Elastic intramedullary nails or plates were used for stabilisation.

RESULTS

Due to the intact periosteum at the resection site bone integration occurred quickly and full remodelling was seen in all but one case. Tumor location in this case was at the metaphyseal level resulting in tumor resection at the growth plate. Although bone healing at the distal resection site was seen after a few weeks proximal consolidation was only partial. Full reconstitution of the fibula in the remaining periosteal sleeve was seen in 5 cases, partial reconstitution in 1 case.

DISCUSSION

In the pediatric patient, the described technique is an effective and reliable treatment method for large benign bone tumors requiring resection. However, great diameter discrepancy of the donor and recipient site and a thin periosteum can be a limiting factor for its application.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV clinical study.

Non-vascularised fibula grafts for reconstruction of segmental and hemicortical bone defects following meta- /diaphyseal tumour resection at the extremities

Background

The reconstruction of meta−/diaphyseal bone defects following bone tumour resection is challenging, and biological treatment options should be applied whenever possible, especially in benign lesions and early stage sarcomas. We aimed to evaluate the results of segmental (SR) and hemicortical reconstructions (HR) at the extremities using non-vascularised fibula grafts.

Methods

We retrospectively enrolled 36 patients who were treated with non-vascularised fibula reconstructions (15 SR, 21 HR) after bone tumour resection (15 malignant, 21 benign). All cases were evaluated regarding consolidation, hypertrophy at the graft-host junctions, and complications; moreover, the functional and oncological results were assessed. The mean follow-up was 8.3 years (2.1–26.6 years).

Results

Primary union was achieved in 94% (SR 87%, HR 100%) of patients, and 85% (SR 81%, HR 88%) showed hypertrophy at the graft-host junction. The overall complication rate was 36% with 4 patients (11%) developing local recurrence. There was a significant correlation between the development of mechanical complications (fracture, delayed-/non-union) and a defect size of ≥12 cm (p = 0.013), segmental defects (p = 0.013) and additional required treatment (p = 0.008). The functional outcome was highly satisfactory (mean MSTS score 86%).

Conclusions

Due to encouraging results and advantages (such as their remodelling capacity at the donor site), non-vascularised fibula reconstructions should be considered a valuable alternative treatment option for patients with hemicortical defects or segmental reconstructions of less than 12 cm in which no additional neo-/adjuvant treatment is necessary.