Vascularized periosteal graft from the first metatarsal bone: A new technique to prevent collapse of osteonecrosis of the talus in children. A case report

Several microsurgical techniques have been described for the treatment of osteonecrosis of the talus (ONT). Recently reported in children, vascularized periosteal grafts showed promising revascularizing properties. We report a novel technique using a pedicled periosteal graft from the first metatarsal bone to treat steroid-induced early Ficat-Arlet stage III ONT in an 11-year-old boy. The patient presented initial favorable clinical and radiological results which were maintained at 34 months during the last follow-up. Through this original technique, and basing on the powerful osteogenic and vasculogenic propreties of periosteal flaps, we could effectively induce bone revascularization and prevent further collapse of the talar dome.