Vascularized Bone Graft Reconstruction for Upper Extremity Defects: A Review

Abstract

Upper extremity reconstruction may pose clinical challenges for surgeons due to the often-critical, complex functional demands of the damaged and/or missing structures. The advent of vascularized bone grafts (VBGs) has aided in reconstruction of upper extremity (UE) defects due to their superior regenerative properties compared with nonvascularized bone grafts, ability to reconstruct large bony defects, and multiple donor site options. VBGs may be pedicled or free transfers and have the potential for composite tissue transfers when bone and soft tissue are needed. This article provides a comprehensive up-to-date review of VBGs, the commonly reported donor sites, and their indications for the treatment of specific UE defects.

Keywords

• vascularized bone graft
• upper extremity
• composite tissue transfer
• microsurgery
• reconstructive surgery
• surgical flaps
• pedicled bone graft
• free bone graft