Resection arthrodesis of the knee with a vascularised fibular graft - Medium to long-term results

We present the results in 12 patients of arthrodesis of the knee using a va scularised fibular graft after resection of a malignant bone tumour, At a m ean follow-up of 95 months (60 to 178) all patients were free from disease although 11 had had at least one complication, with stress fracture of the graft in five patients, nonunion in two and deep infection requiring above- knee amputation in one. Despite the high rate of complications, satisfactory results can be obtaine d using this technique. Careful preoperative counselling is required.