The use of free vascularized fibular grafts in skeletal reconstruction for bone tumors in children.

The reconstruction of large skeletal defects in children following resection of a bone tumor presents a unique challenge to the orthopaedic surgeon. Issues in this population that are not present in the adult population include significant remaining growth potential, the desire for biologic preservation of the joint surface, and the need for a long-term viable reconstruction in patients who are anticipated to survive for decades. The use of a …