Reconstruction after wide resection of the entire distal fibula in malignant bone tumours

Int Orthop. 2011 Jan;35(1):87-92. doi: 10.1007/s00264-009-0931-x. Epub 2009 Dec 29.

Abstract

In this study we present a series of patients (n = 11) with resection of the entire distal fibula in the case of sarcoma or metastasis. Moreover, we describe a new method to restore ankle stability with a tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis using a retrograde hindfoot nail (n = 4) in contrast to tibiotalar arthrodesis with screws (n = 5). The screw fixation failed in two patients due to osteopoenic bone. The crucial benefits of an arthrodesis with a retrograde nail are a stable arthrodesis, intramedullary stabilisation of the tibia and avoidance of extrinsic material in the wound area. An arthrodesis with a retrograde nail is a good alternative for reconstruction after a wide distal fibula resection. The additional arthrodesis of the subtalar joint was not associated with worse functional results in the MSTS and TESS scores.

MeSH terms

  • Ankle Joint / surgery
  • Arthrodesis / instrumentation
  • Arthrodesis / methods*
  • Bone Nails
  • Bone Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Bone Screws
  • Calcaneus / surgery
  • Female
  • Fibula / diagnostic imaging
  • Fibula / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Joint Instability / surgery
  • Male
  • Osteosarcoma / surgery*
  • Radiography
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Sarcoma, Ewing / surgery*