Vascularized Reconstruction of Recalcitrant Clavicular Nonunion with the Medial Femoral Condyle Free Flap: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Abstract

AbstractRecalcitrant clavicular nonunion is an uncommon but challenging problem. Vascularized bone reconstruction is not first-line therapy due to complexity and donor morbidity, though it has utility in select cases. A systematic review of Embase and Medline databases was undertaken for cases of medial femoral condyle reconstruction for clavicle nonunion. Ten studies met inclusion, encompassing 26 patients. Mean age was 38.9 years. Ten patients were male and 16 female. Mean time of nonunion was 37.79 months prior to intervention; mean time to union following medial femoral condyle flap was 7.60 months. Two patients did not achieve union. Of the 11 patients who previously had at least one failed fixation with bone graft, considered the current “gold standard”, 9 patients (81.81%) went on to achieve union, while 2 patients (18.19%) did not. There were six reported complications in five patients. Medial femoral condyle flap is a valuable option in recalcitrant clavicle nonunion.