Characterization of primary fibular bone tumors and post-surgical clinical and functional outcomes

In this study, we present the characterization of tumors located in the fibula, which is a rare site for tumors, and the clinical and functional results of patients with fibular tumors that we operated in our clinic.

Between February 2008 and December 2018, a total of 104 patients (58 males, 46 females; mean age: 26±18 years; range, 3 to 78 years) who were operated for tumor located in the fibula were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic data, histopathological diagnosis, tumor localization, surgical method and postoperative complications, metastases, follow-up time, and functional results of the patients were recorded. The fibula was divided into three groups as proximal, diaphysis and distal one-third.

The mean follow-up was 56±25.3 (range, 24 to 108) months. Eighty (76.9%), seven (6.7%) and 17 (16.3%) patients were located proximal, diaphysis and distal to the fibula, respectively. The number of patients with malignant tumors located in the fibula was 26 (25%), the tumor was benign in 54 (51.9%) patients and 24 (23%) tumors were borderline. The most common tumor localized to the fibula was osteochondroma with 28 (26.9%) patients. The most common malignant tumors located in the fibula were Ewing sarcoma and osteosarcoma in 11 patients each. The most common surgical method was curettage in 44 (42.3%) patients. Distant organ metastases were present in 18 (17.3%) patients. The Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score of 17 patients who underwent resection of the proximal fibula were 87%.

Fibula is a rare location for tumors and fibula tumors tend to be located more proximal. Tumors located in the fibula have good functional outcomes after surgery.