[Errors and complications of plastic surgery of defects and false joints of the humerus using free vascularized bone...

The authors analyse the errors and the complications in the plasty of defects and false joints of the humerus with free vascularized bone autografts in 20 patients aged 8-50 with the period of duration of the disease from 6 months to 9 years. The size of the defect was 3-20 cm (15 patients). In 17 cases a fibular bone graft on a vascular pedicle was used. In 8 patients 14 various kinds of complications occurred in different combinations. Non-union of one of the ends of the graft was observed most frequently (4) due to faults of osteosynthesis. In all patients consolidation was achieved. In this type of complications the authors advise to make an early repeated intervention with the aim of shortening the duration of treatment and subsequent rehabilitation. They stress the perspective character and the validity of this method of plasty, especially in extensive defects in association with poor vascularization of the injured segment of the extremity. Accurate performance of all stages of the intervention and the surgeon's personal experience play an important role in prevention of errors and complications in employing microsurgical technique in the treatment of this category of patients.