[Different types of tissue transplantation in repairing tissue defects and function reconstruction]

To explore the clinical effect of different types of free tissue transplantation on repairing tissue defects and reconstructing functions.

From November 2001 to September 2004, 14 types of free tissue transplantation and 78 free tissue flaps were applied to repairing tissue defects and reconstructing functions in extremities and maxillofacial region in 69 cases. Of the 69 cases, there were 53 males and 16 females (their ages ranged from 18 to 56, 31 on average). Five cases were repaired because of skin defects in foot, 22 cases were repaired because of skin defects in leg, 36 cases were repaired as the result of skin defects in hand or forearm and finger reconstruction, 3 cases were restored by virtue of ulna or radius defects, and 3 cases were repaired in maxillofacial region. There were 55 cases of open wound, in which 16 cases were infectious wound, 6 cases were osteomyelitis or pyogenic arthritis. There were 14 cases of non-infectious wound. The area of these tissue flaps ranged from 2.0 cm x 1.5 cm to 43.0 cm x 12.0 cm. The length of bone transplantation ranged from 10 cm to 15 cm.

Arterial crisis occurred in 2 cases, venous crisis occurred in 2 cases. Seventy-six flaps survived completely and 2 flaps survived partially which were later healed. Fifty-two cases were healed at stage I, 13 cases were healed at stage I (healing time ranged from 20 to 30 days), purulent infection occurred to 4 cases(healing time ranged from 3 to 11 months). Bone healing time ranged from 6 to 8 weeks in finger reconstruction. Bone healing time ranged from 4 to 6 months in fibula transplantation. The function reconstruction and appearance were satisfying. The functions of all regions, where free tissues were supplied, were not disturbed.

Tissue transplantation and composite tissue transplantation are effective in repairing tissue defects and reconstructing functions.