Role of vascularised fibula graft in the surgical management of radiation-induced midshaft femoral fractures. Case report and literature review

BackgroundPost-radiation fractures (PRF) are a recognised complication of radiation treatment for soft tissue sarcomas. They have a low incidence and typically occur up to 5 years following treatment, more commonly affecting the pelvis, ribs and femur. Due to radiation-induced changes in bone, PRFs typically require more complicated intervention compared to post-trauma fractures, however, limited literature exists, particularly in regards to mid-shaft femoral PRFs. We report a case of a mid-shaft femoral PRF managed with a modified onlay free vascularised fibular grafting (FVFG).Case presentationA 40-year-old male with a history of left quadriceps clear cell sarcoma successfully treated with wide local excision, chemotherapy and radiotherapy 18 years prior presented with a displaced oblique pathological fracture of his left femoral shaft. He was initially treated operatively with intramedullary nailing, however, repeat imaging at the one-year post-operative review demonstrated persistent hypotrophic non-union of the fracture. 16 months following the initial fracture, the patient underwent further surgical intervention with implantation of a modified onlay FVFG to the anterior aspect of the distal femur without nail removal. One-year post-revision, the patient was pain-free with normal mobility and imaging of both the graft and fracture site demonstrated complete union.ConclusionDespite their operative complexity, we suggest that FVFGs should be considered for treating non-union of mid-shaft femoral PRFs due to their ability to promote healing and bone union in irradiated bone. Here we describe an original technique of a modified onlay FVFG which can be used in PRFs, and we have put this technique in the context of the current literature in FVFG.