Microsurgical reconstruction of the upper and lower limbs

The availability of a wide variety of free tissue transfers has revolutionised and simplified the reconstruction of the upper and lower limbs. These microsurgical procedures will continue to provide alternatives for salvaging limbs, controlling some infections and resurfacing extensive soft and bony tissue defects. Thirteen free tissue transfers consisting of toe pulp, scapular cutaneous and latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps were utilised to reconstruct the thumb, hand, soft and bony defects of the lower tibial and heel regions. One latissimus dorsi flap failed because of severe infections.