Lower limb salvage using an extended free radial forearm flap

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Reconstructive Surgery
• Microsurgery

Background:

• Limb salvage procedures aim to preserve function and avoid amputation.
• The use of autologous tissue, including amputated parts, is a recognized reconstructive technique.
• Free flaps offer a robust method for covering large or complex defects.

Observation:

• A patient sustained a severe lower limb injury requiring salvage.
• An unusual approach involved utilizing a free radial forearm flap harvested from a concurrently amputated upper limb.
• The flap successfully covered the lower limb defect.

Findings:

• This represents the first reported instance of a free radial forearm flap being used in a salvage procedure for a different limb.
• The harvested flap demonstrated adequate perfusion of the entire forearm and hand skin.
• Vascular supply was maintained through the radial artery and superficial palmar arch.

Implications:

• This technique expands the reconstructive armamentarium for complex limb injuries.
• It highlights the potential for utilizing amputated segments in reconstructive surgery.
• Successful perfusion validates the robustness of the radial artery and superficial palmar arch vascular system for flap viability.