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Updated: Jun 22, 2026
Establishment of a Segmental Femoral Critical-size Defect Model in Mice Stabilized by Plate Osteosynthesis
Published on: October 12, 2016
Treatment for large skeletal defects by free vascularized fibular graft combined with locking plate
Yuan Sun1, Changqing Zhang, Dongxu Jin
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China. zhangchqin@yahoo.cn
Background:
Reconstruction of large skeletal defects secondary to osteomyelitis or open fracture is a challenging problem. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of using free vascularized fibular graft (FVFG) combined with locking plate in the treatment of large skeletal defects from open fracture and infection.
Methods:
Ten patients with a mean age of 34 years (ranged 13-57 years) and a mean length of 8.7 cm (range 6-17 cm) skeletal defect were treated with FVFG and locking plate. The mean follow-up time was 26 months.
Results:
Grafting union occurred in all patients, with a mean healing time of 4.5 months. No recurrence of osteomyelitis and stress fractures was observed. The mean time to full weight-bearing was 10 months, and all patients were pain-free and able to walk without supportive devices.
Conclusions:
FVFG combined with locking plate is a viable option for the management of large skeletal defects from open fracture and infection.
