Fractures of the calcaneus are associated with secondary osteoarthritis of the subtalar joint. In a persistent nonunion, vascularized bone flaps offer superior biologic and mechanical properties as well as accelerates joint fusion and decreases morbidity. In this report, we present results of the use of vascularized iliac bone free flap for treating subtalar failed fusions in two patients. Two patients sustained calcaneal fractures due to foot trauma, which were initially or subsequently treated with subtalar arthrodesis. Case one developed septic subtalar nonunion during treatment and case two failed three attempts at subtalar arthrodeses. The iliac crest bone flap harvested measured 4 × 4 cm (case one) and 3 × 3 cm (case two). The flap was pedicled by the deep circumflex iliac artery, which was anastomosed to the anterior tibial artery at the recipient site. No flap donor or recipient site complications occurred. Fusion was confirmed on CT scan and weight bearing was initiated at 5-6 months. At latest follow up (1-2 years), no complications occurred. Our results show that subtalar nonunion treatment with a vascularized iliac bone flap may be feasible and such a reconstruction could be clinically successful. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 36:501-506, 2016.

Eighteen patients ranging in age from 32-82 years with benign distal esophageal stricture underwent and survived fundic patch operation. Twelve of these patients had undergone esophageal dilatation but without success. Five had had surgery for hiatal hernia using Hill, Belsey or Lortat-Jacob techniques. Middle laparotomy was done in five and left thoracotomy in thirteen. A fundic patch with a 270 degrees fundoplication was performed in seven and a fundic patch with 360 degrees fundoplication in the remaining eleven. The average hospital stay was 12.3 days. Dysphagia disappeared in seventeen and persisted for eight months in one patient. Three patients required instrumental dilatation for a few months. Endoscopic examination, pH study and X-ray fluoroscopy were done. Gastroesophageal reflux was nil in patients treated with Nissen's 360 degrees fundoplication and three of these 7 patients without Nissen's fundoplication had gastroesophageal reflux. Epithelialization of the patched esophageal wound was evident 6 months after the operation.