[Free vascularized bone transplantation in the extremities]

There is a growing trend today which calls for reconstructing the loss of bigger bone parts in the area of extremities in a suitable manner. The microvascular bone transplantation for bridging bone defects is--admist other procedures--a distinct enrichment to preserve the extremities. This method of transplantation has the capability of surviving within a weakened transplant bed. Because of this capability one inevitably wants to know the criteria which determine the biological behaviour of the transplants. Furthermore, it is essential to known how this criteria can be best managed, considering the different indications and locations. The bone healing and bone hypertrophy of 81 patients who received vascularised bone transplantations have been examined with respect to different parameters. As the positive capacities of the vital transplants are almost exclusively dependent on the actual supply with blood, angiography have been undertaken during three months after surgery. 71 patients with a patent anastomosis after surgery have been evaluated. Differences in bone healing of the vascularised transplants have been observed in regard to the following parameter:--The tumor group showed a better rate of bone healing than those patients with trauma and congenital tibiapseudarthrosis.--The bone healing results of the group of younger patients were better than those of the group of older patients. Moreover the transplants without a history of infection were better compared with transplants with a history of infection. Clear differences of the fibula hypertrophy behaviour have been observed with respect to the following parameters: upper extremities < lower extremities, thigh < lower leg, longer transplants < shorter transplants, group of older patients (35-60 years) < group of younger patients (1-18 years), plates < screws.