Twenty patients who had undergone free vascularised fibula flap transf
ers were reviewed to determine the incidence of peri and postoperative
complications. The mean follow-up was 3.2 years (0.2-10); 18 grafts w
ere successful, but required 10 re-operations for complications includ
ing 5 haematoma evacuations and 3 bone grafts and plates for delayed o
r non-union. The two unsuccessful fibula grafts required 11 re-operati
ons, the majority for infections and non-union. Technical details of t
he operative procedure are reviewed for their part in the complication
s.