Filatov's tubed flap--one more contribution

The authors present their experience with the tubed flap in reconstructive operations of the sequellae of grave damage to the extremities: unhealed fractures, pseudoarthrosis, bone defects, etc. The method using a series of angiographies was applied in order to investigate blood supply of affected regions in a group of 108 patients. 98.5% showed chronic post-traumatic vascular insufficiency. To improve blood supply to the affected extremity and achieve stabilization of its chronic insufficiency, the authors recommend to make use of Filatov's flap. Prior to and after surgery, angiography was performed in 9 patients. The angiographic results and clinical signs confirmed improvement in the blood supply to the extremity. This is closely connected with the blood supply to the recipient region. A two-stage technique of plastic operation was devised for post-traumatic lymphoedema.