Free Vascularized Fibular Strut Autografts to the Lumbar Spine in Complex Revision Surgery: A Report of Two Cases

Free Vascularized Osseous Fibula Flap for Vertebral Body Defect in a Patient with Tuberculosis Spondylitis

In the context of tuberculous spondylitis, a rare form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis causing significant discomfort and neurological deficits, surgery becomes imperative to alleviate symptoms alongside antituberculosis treatment. However, the utilization of free vascularized fibula flaps for repairing vertebral deformities remains uncommon. This report presents the case of a 21-year-old man with limb weakness and sensory disturbances who was referred to our hospital, where contrast magnetic resonance imaging revealed a paravertebral abscess spanning several thoracic vertebrae. Collaborating with neurosurgeons, we performed decompression laminectomy, pedicle screw fixation, thoracic vertebrectomy, and restoration of the corporal defect using a free fibula flap. Utilizing a 2.5-cm fibula segment from the patient's left leg without a skin paddle, the surgery demonstrated a pedicle length of 12 cm and a total ischemic time of 183 minutes. The fibula was press-fitted, with recipient vessels identified as 1-mm artery and vein from the intercostal artery perforator. Postsurgery, flap vitality was assessed using Doppler ultrasound, showing positive signals immediately and at 1-month follow-up, with the patient experiencing reduced pain and improved leg strength. Despite its rarity, free fibula flap reconstruction for spinal defects proves effective, safe, and beneficial, necessitating thorough preoperative planning and interdisciplinary collaboration for successful outcomes, marking this case as the first reported instance in Indonesia.

Outcomes and Complications of Reconstruction with Use of Free Vascularized Fibular Graft for Spinal and Pelvic Defects Following Resection of a Malignant Tumor

BACKGROUND

Following resection of malignant tumors of the spine and pelvis, reconstructive surgeons often face large structural defects. Unlike reconstruction in the extremities, wherein a free vascularized fibular graft (FVFG) is a highly utilized option for segmental osseous reconstruction, there are limited data on the use of an FVFG in the spine and pelvis. The aim of this study was to review our institution's experience with reconstruction with use of an FVFG following oncological resection in the spine and pelvis.

METHODS

We reviewed 24 cases involving the use of an FVFG in reconstruction of segmental osseous defects of the spine and pelvis following oncological resection from 2000 to 2015. The cohort consisted of 12 male and 12 female patients with a mean age of 37 years and a mean follow-up of 5 years. Fifty-four percent of the reconstructions were spinopelvic or sacropelvic.

RESULTS

The overall 2, 5, and 10-year rate of survival was 76%, 55%, and 37%, respectively. With regard to disease-free survival, the overall 2, 5, and 10-year rate was 81%, 72%, and 48%. The overall rate of union was 86%, with a mean time to union of 7 months. Complications were common, with 83% of the patients sustaining at least 1 postoperative complication. Following the procedure, the mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society rating was 53%.

CONCLUSIONS

An FVFG provides a durable means of reconstruction of osseous defects in the spine and pelvis. Although patient function was acceptable following these large reconstructions, the rate of postoperative complications was high.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.