[Further experiences with transplantation of the head of the fibula].

We are presenting our experience with vascularized epiphyseal transplantation of the upper end of the fibula, based distally on the anterior tibial artery in two patients, one suffering from septic epiphysitis of the hip with complete loss of the head and neck of the femur, the other suffering from radial club hand following septic loss of the radius, excluding its proximal and distal articular segments. In the first patient, the fibular epiphysis bridged the bone defect and provided growth at the neck of the femur. This restored hip stability, reduced limb-length discrepancy, initiated some degree of acetabular development, and maintained a functional range of hip motion. In the second patient, transplantation of the upper end of the fibula was used to bridge a gap resulting from complete resorption of the right radius and provide for growth of the radius. At follow-up, complete union of the graft was noted. The club-hand appearance improved markedly. Pronation and supination were regained. However, donor-site morbidity was a problem. It included sloughing of part of the peroneal muscles and the skin edge of the incision. This was due to loss of the anterior tibial artery as well as injury to the peroneal vessel collaterals supplying the skin and peroneal muscles. The latter occurred due to opening of the posterior compartment of the leg in an attempt to locate the anterior tibial artery at its origin from the popliteal artery. It is therefore concluded, that transplantation of the upper end of the fibula is a valuable reconstructive alternative for septic epiphysitis with complete loss of the head and neck of the femur as well as for septic loss of the radius. However, whenever an extended part of the upper end of the fibula needs being harvested, this should be performed through an anterior approach, in order to avoid sloughing of the skin and muscles of the anterior and lateral compartments of the leg.