Case Series: Fibula Free Flap with Bone Allograft as the Gold Standard in Lower Limb-Salvage Surgery for Adolescent Patients with Primary Bone Tumors Located within Tibial Diaphysis: Technical Modifications and Short-Term Follow-Up

Abstract

Background: Primary malignant bone tumors are most commonly associated with mutilating surgical procedures that can significantly disturb the motor development of a young patient and are frequently affiliated with major postoperative complications. Unfortunately, despite available autologous tissue donor sites, artificial materials are still most commonly used for the reconstruction of post-resection defects. Reconstructive microsurgery is increasingly recognized as an effective method of functional reconstruction, creating the possibility of performing limb-sparing surgery (LSS) with significant limitation of major postoperative complications at the same time. Methods: The study group consisted of 9 pediatric patients diagnosed with primary malignant bone tumor in the limb location. In order to perform microvascular reconstruction, 9 free fibula flaps were used in combination with a bone allograft (Capanna method). The functional outcome of the reconstruction was assessed on the basis of the MSTS (Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Scoring System) scale. Results: The presented analysis proves the effectiveness of this reconstructive procedure and the possibility of performing LSS with reasonable functional outcomes after appropriate patient qualification. In this study, all limbs included were spared. In all cases, the R0 surgical margins were achieved and no reports of local recurrences were reported during the follow-up. The average score on the MSTS scale was 27/30 points. Conclusions: Microvascular reconstructive surgery is an individually personalized and highly effective method of treating patients with primary bone tumors in the limb location and provides satisfactory functional outcomes.