Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open · 7 authors, 4 centres
This summary was generated by AI from a single paper. It has not been reviewed by a clinician and is not clinical advice. Verify against the source before acting on it.
This narrative review synthesizes evidence from 40 studies on vascularized fibular epiphyseal transfer (VFET) for pediatric limb salvage. The central finding is that VFET, most commonly using the anterior tibial artery as the pedicle, provides reliable limb growth but carries risks of bone flap fracture and peroneal nerve palsy.
This is a narrative literature review of 40 studies examining the clinical characteristics and outcomes of vascularized fibular epiphyseal transfer (VFET) for pediatric limb salvage. The review synthesizes evidence on techniques, including various vascular pedicles (most commonly the anterior tibial artery) and recipient sites (most commonly the proximal humerus). The central result is that VFET offers reliable growth potential, with anterior tibial artery use associated with reliable limb growth but also a risk of peroneal nerve palsy. Bone flap fracture is a common complication, particularly at proximal humerus and femur sites, and may be less frequent with plate fixation or combined allograft use.
