The Use of Fibular Allograft in Complex Periarticular Fractures Around the Knee.

Overview

Although the use of fibular strut allografts in proximal humerus fractures has gained popularity, their use in other types of fractures is less well described. Fibular allografts have recently been used in the repair of complex periarticular fractures of the proximal tibia and distal femur. Fibular allografts can be inserted in a variety of manners to achieve goals specific to each individual fracture pattern. In the proximal tibia, insertion through a fracture line or cortical window facilitates joint surface elevation, prevents subsidence and enhances overall construct stability. In distal femoral fractures, including complex periarticular fractures, insertion through the fracture or cortical window permits indirect reduction of the medial cortex and provides necessary medial column support. An additional option in distal femur fractures includes fibula insertion as an intramedullary nail, allowing enhanced fixation in short distal fracture segments. In all cases, the use of a fibular allograft augments poor bone stock and provides improved screw purchase and construct stability when combined with conventional plating methods. Here we present a series of cases at our institution illustrating an array of novel techniques utilizing endosteal fibular allografts in the fixation of complex periarticular fractures about the knee.