Related Experiment Videos
Functioning free muscle transplantation to the lower leg
S Kobayashi1, J Sekiguchi, Y Sakai
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Tokyo Metropolitan Police Hospital, Japan.
Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery
|September 1, 1995
Summary
Functioning free muscle transfers can restore ankle dorsiflexion in lower leg injuries. While effective for extensor muscle loss, ankle contracture may limit range of motion despite adequate muscle function.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Microsurgery
- Reconstructive Surgery
Background:
- Tendon transfers are common for lower extremity injuries.
- Functioning free muscle transfers are less reported in lower extremities compared to upper extremities.
Observation:
- Two patients with lower leg necrosis underwent anterior extensor reconstruction.
- The procedure involved functioning free musculocutaneous flap transfer.
Findings:
- Restored active dorsiflexion of the ankle joint.
- Achieved approximately 0 degrees of dorsiflexion.
- Muscle strength and excursion were sufficient for function.
Implications:
- Functioning free muscle transfer is a viable option for extensor muscle loss in the lower leg.
- Ankle contracture, due to associated injury, can limit the range of motion recovery.
- This technique offers improved outcomes over traditional methods under suitable conditions.