Biological reconstruction of bone defects: the role of the free fibula flap

Efficacy of personalized 3D-printed osteotomy guide in maximizing fibular utilization and minimizing graft length for reconstruction of large mandibular defect

OBJECTIVE

The study addresses the long-standing challenge of insufficient length in vascularized fibular flaps when reconstructing large mandibular defects that require dual-barrel grafts. Employing personalized 3D-printed osteotomy guides, the study aims to optimize fibular utilization and minimize the required graft length.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Two reconstruction methods for distal bone defects were compared: a fold-down (FD) group that employed a specialized osteotomy guide for folding down a triangular bone segment, and a traditional double-barrel (DB) group. Metrics for comparison included defect and graft lengths, as well as the graft-to-defect length ratio. Postoperative quality of life was assessed using the University of Washington Quality of Life questionnaire (UW-QoL).

RESULT

Both FD and DB groups achieved successful mandibular reconstruction. Despite larger defects in the FD group (117 ± 31.35 mm vs 84 ± 35.34 mm, p = 0.028), the used fibula length was not statistically longer in the FD group. The median ratio of graft-to-defect length was also lower in the FD group (1.327 vs 1.629, p = 0.024), suggesting that FD required only 82.47% of the graft length needed in the DB approach. Quality of life scores post-surgery were comparable between the groups.

CONCLUSION

Personalized 3D-printed osteotomy guides enhance fibula graft efficacy for reconstructing larger mandibular defects, necessitating shorter graft lengths while preserving postoperative quality of life.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This study confirms the utility of 3D printing technology as an effective and precise tool in orthopedic surgery, particularly for complex reconstructions like large mandibular defects. It suggests a viable alternative that could potentially revolutionize current practices in bone grafting.

Bilateral fibular graft: biological reconstruction after resection of primary malignant bone tumors of the lower limb

This paper deals with bilateral vascularized fibular grafts (BVFG) as a method for reconstruction of metadiaphyseal defects of the femur and tibia in young patients suffering from malignant bone tumors of the lower limb. This reconstructional technique was used in 11 patients undergoing metadiaphyseal resection of lower limb malignant bone tumors. All patients with Ewing's sarcoma and osteosarcoma had multimodal treatment according to the EURO-E.W.I.N.G 99 or COSS-96 protocol. Median FU was 63 months. None of the patients experienced local recurrence during FU. 2 patients died due to distant disease during FU. Full weight- bearing was permitted after a mean of 8 months. The median MSTS score was 87%. Complications occurred in five patients. None of the complications led to failure of the biological reconstruction or to amputation. Biological reconstruction of osseous defects is always desirable when possible and aims at a permanent solution. Good functional and durable results can be obtained by using BVFG for the reconstruction of metadiaphyseal defects of the femur and tibia. Radiotherapy in the multimodal setting increases the risk for graft or fixation failure.