Microsurgical reconstruction of traumatic defects on the lower extremities

Out of 167 free transfers 90 were applied to the lower extremities, i.e. 75 for injuries, 11 for an osteomyelitis and 4 for cancer. For these transfers were used the following 15 types of flaps; 37 from the forearm, 15 m. latissimus, 12 m. serratus ant. sup., 6 scapular, 4 fibula, 4 from the groin, 2 gracilis, 2 LAF, 1 TFL, 1 TRAM, 1 dorsalis pedis, 1 sartorius, 1 crista iliaca, 1 rectus abdominis, 1 combined latissimus+serratus. The transfer of flaps was satisfactory in 92%. The transfers to the lower extremity included in no case an emergency flap, in the acute phase within 7 days after injury were transferred 5 flaps. There were in addition 32 delayed and 38 secondary flaps. The report deals with important principles of the application of the above described transfers.