THE MORBIDITY OF THE FREE VASCULARIZED FIBULA FLAP

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.