Preserving the Knee in the Setting of High Segmental Tibial Bone and Massive Soft-Tissue Loss Using Vascularized Distal Tibial Bone Docking and a Foot Fillet Flap: A Case Report

JBJS Case Connect. 2020 Apr-Jun;10(2):e0496. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.CC.19.00496.

Abstract

Case: We discuss our reconstructive approach to avoid an above-knee amputation in a 33-year-old man presenting after lower extremity crush injury. We used a vascularized tibial bone flap and a foot fillet flap to restore length and joint functionality to the residual limb. The patient ambulates with good prosthetic fit on durable heel pad skin and 100° active knee motion.

Conclusion: This pairing of intramedullary nail with vascularized bone flap and fillet flap to address soft-tissue coverage and retain limb length is a useful tool in traumatic lower extremity injury management, providing an alternative technique for tibial bone graft stabilization with robust, sensate tissue coverage.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Artificial Limbs
  • Bone Transplantation / methods*
  • Crush Injuries / surgery*
  • Foot / transplantation*
  • Humans
  • Limb Salvage
  • Male
  • Reoperation
  • Surgical Flaps*
  • Tibia / transplantation*