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Updated: May 14, 2026
08:11
Vascularized Composite Upper Limb Allograft Harvesting for Proximal Arm Allotransplantation
Published on: June 13, 2025
The reconstruction of large bone defects in the upper limb
Aaron W T Gan1, Mark E Puhaindran1, Robert W H Pho1
1Department of Hand & Reconstructive Microsurgery, National University Hospital, NUHS Tower Block, Level 11, 1E Kent Ridge Road, Singapore 119228, Singapore.
Injury
|January 24, 2013
Summary
Reconstructing large upper limb bone defects involves microsurgical techniques like free vascularised fibula grafts and non-microsurgical methods such as bone grafting and distraction lengthening.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Reconstructive Surgery
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Large bone defects in the upper limb present significant reconstructive challenges.
- Both bony and soft tissue integrity must be addressed for successful limb salvage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and compare the efficacy and limitations of various surgical techniques for reconstructing large upper limb bone defects.
- To provide insights into both microsurgical and non-microsurgical reconstructive options.
Main Methods:
- Review of microsurgical techniques, including free vascularised fibula graft for diaphyseal reconstruction and hemivascularised joint transplantation.
- Evaluation of non-microsurgical methods: conventional bone grafting, induced membrane technique, and callotatic distraction-lengthening procedures.
Main Results:
- Microsurgical fibula grafts offer a viable option for diaphyseal bone replacement and joint reconstruction.
- Non-microsurgical techniques like induced membrane and distraction lengthening provide alternatives for complex defect management.
Conclusions:
- A range of microsurgical and non-microsurgical techniques can effectively address large bone defects in the upper limb.
- The choice of technique depends on the specific defect characteristics, aiming to restore both bone and soft tissue function.
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