Bipedicled flaps in posttraumatic lower-extremity reconstruction.

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Reconstructive Surgery

Background:

• Complex lower-extremity soft-tissue defects present significant reconstructive challenges.
• Free flaps, while effective, are demanding on patients, surgeons, and healthcare systems.
• Bipedicled flaps utilize local tissue with dual blood supply, offering simplicity and efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of bipedicled flaps in lower-extremity wound reconstruction.
• To present the authors' experience with this reconstructive technique as an alternative to pedicled and free flaps.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving ten patients with lower-extremity defects.
• Reconstruction was performed using bipedicled flaps.
• Data collection included operative times, length of stay, and postoperative complications.

Main Results:

• Two patients experienced minor flap necrosis, successfully managed with conservative care.
• One patient developed a postoperative wound infection, treated with oral antibiotics.
• A single major complication of wound dehiscence required an additional flap.

Conclusions:

• Bipedicled flaps are a safe, rapid, and straightforward option for specific complex lower-extremity wounds.
• This method does not eliminate the possibility of future pedicled muscle or free flap use if needed.
• Provides an alternative reconstructive strategy for lower-extremity defects.