Free vascularized bone transfers for nonunions, segmental gaps, and following tumor resection

Free vascularized bone transfer is recognized as a valuable technique for skeletal reconstruction and salvage with certain nonunions, skeletal defects, and following tumor resection. This procedure is most often indicated for reconstruction of lengthy skeletal defects or under circumstances where conventional bone grafting techniques are unlikely to succeed. Factors affecting selection of donor bone and technical peculiarities relative to the recipient sites are discussed. The results of 49 cases at the Mayo Clinic for management of nonunion, segmental gaps or following tumor resection suggest a union rate of 82%. The most consistent rate of success was found for reconstruction of defects affecting the tibia, mandible or forearm bones.