Transverse Rectus Abdominis Muscle Flow-Through to Free Fibula Flap for Lumbar Spinal Reconstruction in a Pediatric Patient: A Case Report

JBJS Case Connect. 2022 Feb 24;12(1). doi: 10.2106/JBJS.CC.21.00122.

Abstract

Case: A 7-week-old girl presented with a recurrent primitive myxoid mesenchymal tumor of infancy requiring extensive resection of lower back musculature, L3-S2 vertebral bodies, and left L5 nerve root. Reconstruction consisted of transverse rectus abdominis muscle (TRAM) flow-through to free fibular flap to reconstruct the bony defect and fill the soft-tissue void. One-year postoperative imaging revealed a well-incorporated fibula graft. At the 30-month follow-up, the patient can bear weight on the autograft while sitting upright, allowing for efficient ambulation with a wheelchair.

Conclusion: TRAM flow-through to free fibular flap is an efficacious reconstructive method for a multilevel vertebral spinal defect in a pediatric patient.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Female
  • Fibula
  • Free Tissue Flaps* / transplantation
  • Humans
  • Lumbosacral Region
  • Rectus Abdominis* / surgery
  • Spine