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[Reconstruction of the foot using free flaps]
J Rautio1, S Asko-Seljavaara, M Härmä
1Abteilung für Plastische Chirurgie, Universitätskrankenhauses, Helsinki.
Handchirurgie, Mikrochirurgie, Plastische Chirurgie : Organ Der Deutschsprachigen Arbeitsgemeinschaft Fur Handchirurgie : Organ Der Deutschsprachigen Arbeitsgemeinschaft Fur Mikrochirurgie Der Peripheren Nerven Und Gefasse : Organ Der V
|September 1, 1989
Summary
Microvascular free-flap reconstruction effectively restores foot soft tissue after trauma. While most flaps achieve stability and good walking ability, some patients experience minor issues like ulcerations or reduced sensation.
Area of Science:
- Reconstructive Surgery
- Microsurgery
- Orthopedic Surgery
Context:
- Foot soft tissue defects often result from traumatic injuries.
- Microvascular free-flap reconstruction is a complex surgical technique for tissue repair.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the outcomes of microvascular free-flap reconstruction for foot soft tissue loss.
- To assess flap survival, stability, functional recovery, and sensory outcomes.
Summary:
- Twenty-five patients underwent microvascular free-flap reconstruction over seven years, primarily for traumatic injuries.
- Various flaps were used, with scapular flaps being most common. Flap survival was high (23/25), with good to excellent soft-tissue stability in most cases.
- Functional outcomes included normal or near-normal walking ability in 16 patients, though gait issues sometimes stemmed from associated skeletal deformities. Sensibility was generally reduced post-operatively.
Impact:
- Microvascular free-flap reconstruction offers a viable solution for extensive foot soft tissue defects, restoring function and stability.
- Thin flaps provide better contour, while larger flaps like the scapular flap are suitable for extensive defects.
- Further research may focus on improving flap sensibility and minimizing donor site morbidity.