Objective: To examine the efficacy of non-vascularized fibular grafts (NVFGs) in cases of isolated upper extremity pseudarthrosis, a subject covered by few publications in the literature.
Materials and Methods: Twelve long bones of 11 patients treated with NVFGs for upper extremity pseudarthrosis between January 2014 and July 2018 in our clinic were included in this study. Demographic data, length of the NVFG, postoperative complications, postoperative recovery period, radiographic bone union, joint range of motion measurements, Quick-Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (Q-DASH) score for functional evaluation, and Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) or donor site morbidity were recorded.
Results: Of the 11 cases (three females and 8 males; median age 42.5 years; range 11 to 54 years; mean follow up 24.58±9.31 months), five cases involved the humerus, three cases involved the radius, two cases involved the ulna, and two cases involved the clavicle. The mean amount of graft harvested from the donor site was 39.7±8.87 mm, while the graft union time was 6±0.50 months. Satisfactory Q-DASH [median 6.8 (2.28-29.50)] and LEFS scores (mean 76.5±2.81) were obtained
Conclusion: Reconstruction with NVFGs is still an effective method in patients with problematic treatment of upper extremity long bone pseudarthrosis.