Evaluation of fibula free flap donor site morbidity.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate foot and ankle function in a series of patients undergoing fibula microvascular free tissue transfer.

STUDY DESIGN

A nonrandomized, nonblinded analysis was performed using the ankle-hindfoot scale as well as radiographic analysis to determine donor site morbidity.

RESULTS

Overall, foot ankle function was deemed to be good in this series of patients. Average ankle-hindfoot score was 84.82 of a possible 100 (range, 55-100). Radiographic analysis of donor and contralateral ankles showed no difference in the syndesmotic space or medial clear space. Only 1 patient had increased talar tilt compared with the contralateral side, although this patient had preservation of stability.

CONCLUSION

Fibula free flap harvest appears to be associated with acceptable donor site morbidity and preservation of good foot and ankle function in most individuals.