Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42192909›Full record

ArticleCancers2026

From Survival to Living: A Comprehensive Analysis of Fibula Graft Complications, Functional Outcomes, and Quality of Life Following Reconstruction for Malignant Bone Tumors.

Beatrice Jung, Isabel Sperrhake, Saskia Sachsenmaier, Tilmann Busse, Eren Demir, Maria Christina Stefanescu, Constantin Doetsch, Sophie Zorn, Frank Traub

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Cancers, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

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Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

9 authors.

Beatrice JungDepartment of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, University Medical Center Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany.ORCID 0009-0003-8319-6773
Isabel SperrhakeDepartment of Orthopaedics, University Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
Saskia SachsenmaierDepartment of Orthopaedics, University Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
Tilmann BusseDepartment of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, University Medical Center Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany.
Eren DemirDepartment of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, University Medical Center Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany.
Maria Christina StefanescuDepartment of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, University Medical Center Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany.ORCID 0000-0001-6820-522X
Constantin DoetschDepartment of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, University Medical Center Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany.
Sophie ZornDepartment of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, University Medical Center Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany.
Frank TraubDepartment of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, University Medical Center Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany.ORCID 0000-0002-6400-3257

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundAlthough survival rates for patients with malignant bone tumors have improved significantly, complications following tumor resection and limb-sparing reconstruction remain a major clinical challenge, particularly in young individuals. Intercalary resection often results in large bone defects, necessitating complex reconstructions. Fibula grafts offer biological advantages; however, their long-term outcomes, especially regarding mechanical complications and comprehensive patient-reported well-being, require further detailed exploration, particularly in cohorts utilizing non-vascularized grafts.

objectiveThis retrospective study evaluated the complication rates, bone hypertrophy, limb function, and quality of life following non-vascularized fibular graft reconstruction for malignant bone tumors in a single-center cohort. This study offers insights into long-term success and patient well-being, with a particular focus on correlations with systemic therapy and defect size, factors that remain insufficiently explored in the current literature.

methodsIn this single-center retrospective study, twenty-four non-vascularized fibular grafts were used to reconstruct intercalary bone defects following malignant tumor resection. Complications were categorized using the Clavien-Dindo classification. Graft hypertrophy was evaluated according to the method described by Weiland and de Boer. Functional outcomes were assessed using the MSTSs and TESSs, while quality of life was measured using the SF-36 questionnaire. Notably, the cohort analyzed represents a relatively large single-center series focusing exclusively on the outcomes of non-vascularized fibular grafts.

resultsOur findings revealed significant rates of mechanical complications, with osteosynthesis material failure occurring in 50.0% of cases, pseudarthrosis in 47.6%, and fractures of the fibular grafts in 38.1% of cases. Importantly, there were significant correlations between mechanical complications and systemic therapy (

conclusionsNon-vascularized fibular graft reconstruction, despite high mechanical complication rates, significantly facilitates long-term functional recovery and psychological well-being. These findings emphasize the necessity of risk-adapted surgical strategies and long-term follow-up protocols to mitigate complications, optimize long-term function, and ultimately advance patient-centered care.

Indexed as

functional outcomeintercalary reconstructionmalignant bone tumornon-vascularized fibular graftosteosynthesis failurepseudarthrosisquality of life

Identifiers

PMID42192909
PMCPMC13204293

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.