Double-barrel free fibula flap for treatment of infected nonunion of both forearm bones

Abstract

Free vascularized bone transfer is a viable treatment option for extensive bony defects greater than 6 to 8 cm involving scarred, poorly vascularized, or infected recipient beds, such as in chronically infected nonunion of the radius and ulna treated with a double-barrel free fibula flap. Both patients reported here experienced bony union with significant resolution of their symptoms. Although range of motion improved following an aggressive physical therapy regimen, pronation was adversely affected. Chronic infected nonunions or nonunions from radionecrosis involving large segmental defects of both forearm bones are a truly unique challenge and must be treated aggressively to ensure any useful long term function of the injured limb.