Fibular Grafting: A Worthwhile skill to Master for Difficult neck of Femur Fractures - A Case Series

Neck of femur fractures (NOF) in younger adults are often treated by head-preserving fixation procedures. Non-union is an infrequent but troublesome complication following internal fixation, especially in atypical presentations. Vascularized (VFG) and non-VFG (NVFG) fibular grafting and realignment procedures have been described as an adjunct to internal fixation. Reports are rare regarding the versatility of fibular grafts, their use, and their outcomes in the United Kingdom.

We present three complex NOF cases performed in the United Kingdom. One case is a 29-year-old Asian female treated with NVFG for a pathological transverse NOF fracture secondary to fibrous dysplasia. One case is a non-union following failed surgical management and revised using NVFG and dynamic hip screws. The last case is a VFG in a complex non-union intra-capsular fracture following conservative management in a 17-year-old male. Certain patient characteristics are described which make joint preserving surgery more attractive. All fractures united with no revisions at the time of final follow-up. Distinctions between the use of VFG and NVFG grafts are discussed.

This case series demonstrates the important versatility of fibular grafting and how its properties are used in different cases. Fibular grafting is an effective technique in pathological, non-union, and late-presenting NOF. Both types of grafts introduce additional biology for difficult cases where neck resorption and adequate fixation are an issue, with NVFG grafts much easier to perform.