Noninstrumented Free Fibula Flap for Cervical Osteomyelitis

Severe cases of cervical vertebral osteomyelitis can pose a challenge regarding reconstruction, stability/alignment, and infection eradication. Here we describe the application of vascularized free fibula (FF) flaps to reconstruct the cervical spine without instrumentation in the setting of severe osteomyelitis.

Two patients presented with symptomatic multilevel cervical osteomyelitis. Both patients were treated with corpectomy and FF flap without instrumentation using a novel wedging and distraction technique to secure the flap into position. Clinical outcomes were based on neurological recovery and infection management. Computed tomography (CT) and CT angiography with 3-dimensional reconstruction were used to measure fusion status and patency of the anastomoses. CT of the cervical spine completed 8 weeks postoperatively demonstrated robust fusion of the fibula flaps to adjacent cervical vertebrae. In both patients, CT angiography demonstrated patency of the arterial anastomoses. Both flaps maintained persistent deformity correction. Both patients made full neurological recovery.

This reconstructive approach represents a salvage technique that offers advantages in cases of prior hardware failure or unfavorable host factors with rapid fusion and definitive treatment with a single surgery.

The use of FF flap without instrumentation seems to be a safe and effective option for cervical spine reconstruction in the setting of severe osteomyelitis.