Tibial stress fracture as a complication of free-fibula vascularised graft for mandibular reconstruction

The free vascularised fibula graft is used for a variety of reconstructive procedures and is frequently associated with donor site morbidity. Non-traumatic stress fracture to the tibia following a vascularised free-fibula graft is an uncommon but important complication. The diagnosis may be missed if radiological "stress views" of a possible fracture site are not performed, which may result in its underreporting. The authors report a case in which the aetiology, diagnosis and management recommendations are presented for discussion. (C) 2003 The British Association of Plastic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.