Progression may be observed as early as one month or it may take several months. Progression usually occurs in less than 20 months. In general, after performing one vascularized fibular graft and the unoperated hip is symptomatic then the second hip surgery is three months later. The surgical procedure lasts approximately four hours. You are under anesthesia approximately five hours.
Recuperation is somewhat variable and depends on the individual .
Some feel like their health and strength returns one week after surgery and others four to six weeks following surgery. It is only necessary for you to come to Duke one year after surgery. The fibula is not a weight bearing bone but acts as strut for mucsle attachment. The middle portion of the bone is removed leaving the top and bottom to the bone without change. No plating is required and there is no change in the appearance of the lower leg except for the incision on the outside of the leg.