Emergency free flaps to the upper extremity

Thirty-one emergency free flaps were applied to the upper extremities of patients who ranged in age from 16 to 57 years. The size of the skin defects ranged from 13 to 540 square centimeters, with an average of 145 square centimeters. A variety of flaps were used, including 14 lateral arm, seven groin, five latissimus, three first web space of the foot, one scapular and one medial arm. In patients with small defects, the operative time ranged from 3 to 9 hours, with an average of 4 hours and 54 minutes. The hospital stay was never longer than 4 days. In patients with medium size defects, the operating time ranged from 3 to 18 hours, with an average of 7 hours and 45 minutes. The hospital stay averaged 7.4 days. In large defects in which extensive reconstruction was undertaken before flap application, the operative time ranged from 3 to 20 hours, with an average of 11 hours and 54 minutes. The average hospital stay was 11.8 days. Twenty-nine of the 31 flaps survived in their entirety (93.5%). In one of the successful flaps (3.2%), exploration was required after the patient left the operating room. Severe infection occurred in only one case, that being one of the two flap failures. Twenty-seven of the 31 patients returned to work, 18 of them to their original employment.     

Innervated free flaps for foot reconstruction: a review

Whether to provide a sensate plantar weight-bearing flap to reconstruct the foot remains an unanswered, but frequently asked, question. It has been more than a decade since Graham and Dellon reviewed this subject. Increasing emphasis on outcome analysis of microsurgical reconstruction has prompted this new review. All published peer-reviewed literature related to reconstruction of the plantar surface of the foot was reviewed to identify whether the flaps were 1) local, regional or distant; 2) innervated or non-innervated and, if innervated, then 3) identified as to the donor and the recipient peripheral nerves. Outcome measures included direct measurement of sensibility, development of ulceration, and activities of daily living. It was concluded that it is still not possible to determine that innervated flap reconstruction of the weight-bearing portion of the foot is critical for either durability or ambulation. It is recommended that the original nerves that innervate the flap be blocked prior to harvest to improve flap design, i.e., that the flap actually contains the intended nerve. It is recommended that appropriate donor nerves are selected to innervate the flaps, e.g., the calcaneal nerve should be used to reinnervate heel reconstructions (rather than the sural nerve), and medial/lateral plantar branches be used to reinnervate the arch and the forefoot. Reinnervating a muscle flap with a sensory nerve will permit reinnervation of the muscle and the overlying skin, but whether this provides a superior result in durability and gait remains to be seen.     

Lower extremity amputation: review of 110 cases

Very significant morbidity and mortality continue to accompany lower extremity amputations. In this study 90 patients underwent 110 amputations over a 4 year period. The overall complication rate was 40 per cent and the overall mortality rate 12.2 per cent. The patients at greatest risk were the above knee amputees greater than 60 years of age with peripheral vascular disease. Amputation of the lower extremity must be recognized as a major, life-threatening procedure. Careful preoperative evaluation of cardiac, pulmonary, and nutritional status along with efforts to prevent sepsis, pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, gastrointestinal ulceration, and renal failure are necessary if the mortality accompanying these procedures is to be reduced.     

Pedicled-perforator (propeller) flaps in lower extremity defects: a systematic review

Pedicled-perforator (propeller) flaps for lower extremity reconstruction have gained popularity due to minimal donor site morbidity, relatively simple surgical technique, and replacement of tissue using "like-by-like" principles. We reviewed and analyzed the clinical use of these flaps in regards to patient age and gender, etiology and location of the defect, size and type of flap, arc of rotation, and complications to determine the reliability of this technique. A systematic review of the PubMed database using search terms to include perforator, pedicled, and propeller flaps in the lower extremity. Data from 15 case series provided 186 cases of pedicled-perforator (propeller) flaps for analysis using Chi-square tests. The Peroneal Artery Perforator (PAP) flaps and Posterior Tibial Artery Perforator (PTAP) flaps were the most frequently used flaps. The overall complication rate was 25.8% and the failure rate was 1.1%. No significant differences were found in complication rate related to age, gender, etiology or location of the defect, type or size of the flap. The most common complications were partial flap loss and venous congestion (11.3 and 8.1%). Pedicled-perforator flaps appear to be a reliable and safe procedure for the coverage soft tissue defects of the lower extremity based on favorable results reported in the literature.     

Lower extremity amputations: a 5-year review and comparative study

In order to review major lower extremity amputations at the Toronto East General and Orthopaedic Hospital Inc. between 1979 and 1984, 60 patients with 42 below-knee, 17 mid-thigh and 20 Callander through-knee amputations were studied retrospectively. The three amputation groups demonstrated comparable rates of stump healing. A previous history of vascular surgery on the extremity increased the risk for both delayed healing and failure to heal. The Callander through-knee amputees were rehabilitated earlier and more easily than were the mid-thigh amputees, and once rehabilitated they were more likely to continue using their prostheses. The authors recommend that, when possible, the chosen site of amputation for the majority of patients should be below the knee, but when this is not practical a through-knee amputation should be done in preference to a mid-thigh amputation.     

Finger pulp reconstruction with free flaps from the upper extremity

Although never exceeding a few square centimeters, finger pulp defects are reconstructive challenges due to their special requirements and lack of neighboring tissue reserve. Local flaps are the common choice in the management of this injury. However, the development of microsurgery and clinical practice have greatly boosted the application of different free flaps for finger pulp reconstruction with excellent results, especially when local flaps are unsuitable or impossible for the coverage of large pulp defects. These flaps are all located in the same operation field and can be performed under one tourniquet; therefore, they are more convenient with better patients' compliance in clinical setting. Nonetheless, there is still no consensus about which type of these flaps should be preferred among various finger pulp reconstructive options. In this article, we attempt to review articles describing finger pulp reconstruction using free flaps from the upper extremity from the literature. We summarize the clinical applications of these free flaps and detail their advantages and drawbacks, respectively. The algorithm of flap selection for finger pulp reconstruction based on our experience and literature review is also discussed.     

Lower limb reconstruction in children using expanded free flaps

Controlled expansion is a technique that increases the area of local tissue available for reconstruction. An extension of this is to expand free flaps prior to elevation, thereby increasing their area. This has been particularly useful in children where there may be insufficient tissue available at free flap donor sites. Four children have had extensive cutaneous defects of the lower limb reconstructed with expanded parascapular free flaps. Measurements indicate an approximate doubling in skin area. There has been normal growth of the affected limbs and there has been no donor site morbidity. Apart from small areas of narrow marginal necrosis at the tip of the flaps in the first three cases, which were of no consequence, healing at the recipient site was complete.     

Oromandibular reconstruction with vascularized free flaps: a review of 50 cases

Fifty cases of oromandibular reconstruction using vascularized free flaps to evaluate functional parameters of results were evaluated. There were 23 iliac crest flaps, 17 fibula flaps, 30 ulnar forearm flaps, and 3 radial forearm flaps with bone. Thirteen female and 37 male patients comprised the study, with a mean age of 57.66 years. Squamous-cell carcinoma (SCC) constituted 86% of cases, of which 60% were T4 lesions and 13.9% were recurrent. Anterolateral mandibular defects constituted 48.7%, and the mean bone gap was 8.13 cm. Functional evaluation was based on the University of Washington Questionnaire (UWQ) through phone calls and personal communication. The mean hospital stay was 12.42 days. The external carotid (75%) and facial (18.3%) were the main recipient arteries. The internal jugular (47.05%) was the main recipient vein. Overall flap survival was 95.9%. Three flaps were lost due to unsalvageable venous thrombosis. Major local complications such as partial flap loss, hematoma, and orocervical fistula constituted 10% of cases. Speech was classified as "excellent" and "good" in 43.3% of cases. Swallowing was identified as "excellent" and "good" in 53.3% of cases. Cosmetic acceptance was rated "good" in 63.3% of cases. Vascularized free flap reconstruction of oromandibular defects provides excellent functional and aesthetic results. The majority of patients are able to tolerate a regular diet. Intelligible speech and acceptable appearance are restored, providing patient satisfaction.     

Thin and superthin free flaps: An innovative approach to pediatric extremity reconstruction

IntroductionPublished standards for the management of open extremity fractures have improved limb salvage, fracture union, and deep infection rates, but the aesthetic and functional importance of our flap choices has been overlooked. Thin and superthin free flaps exhibit advantages over traditional free flaps in some situations but have seldom been reported in children. The aim of this paper is to present our experience of thin and superthin free flaps in pediatric extremity reconstruction.MethodsChildren (≤13 years) who underwent soft tissue reconstruction using a thin and superthin free flap following major extremity trauma are presented.ResultsFive patients (5 flaps) met the inclusion criteria. The median age was 9 (range 6–13). There were 3 Gustilo IIIB open fractures and 2 multiplanar degloving injuries. The median mangled extremity severity score (MESS) was 4 (range 2–6). The median time from injury to definitive soft tissue closure was 72 h (range 28–120 h). Four anterolateral thigh (ALT) flaps were raised as thin flaps, and 1 superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) was raised as a superthin flap. There was one re-exploration owing to venous congestion, and a second venous anastomosis was performed to enhance flap drainage. The same ALT flap exhibited necrosis at one margin, which was debrided and grafted before discharge. There were no other flap complications. No flap-related secondary surgeries were required.ConclusionThin and superthin free flaps are viable options in pediatric extremity reconstruction. They exhibit excellent aesthetic and functional contouring when a slender fasciocutaneous flap is needed, especially when body habitus renders traditional options unfavorable.     

Lower limb reconstruction with bone free flaps: experience of 25 cases

Bone structure is fundamental for the function of the lower limbs—orthostatism and locomotion. Before the technical evolution observed in the last two decades, many extremities that are saved now were amputated in the past. Lower limb bone defects are generally associated with complex traumatic lesions and constitute a permanent reconstructive challenge. The management of this kind of defect requires a multidisciplinary approach involving plastic and orthopedic surgeons. The bone free flaps are a very important and technically exacting tool for lower limb bone reconstruction. We present and analyze our experience in 25 traumatic cases where we used 17 fibula free flaps and 2 iliac crest free flaps for tibia and talus reconstruction; 5 fibula free flaps for femur reconstruction; and 1 antebrachial radial osteocutaneous free flap for first metatarsal reconstruction. We registered 88% of success (three flap necroses—12%) with good bone integration and good functional recovery. Lower limb bone reconstruction is a long and tortuous stair whose success depends not only on the multidisciplinary surgical team but also on the patient's cooperation and determination     

Lower extremity free flap reconstruction outcomes using venous coupler

Background: Microvascular anastomotic coupling devices have been available to microsurgeons for over 20 years. Many studies have validated the efficacy of these devices for venous anastomosis. To date, there have been no large reports of their success in the anatomical region with the highest free flap failure rate, the lower extremity. Methods: A retrospective review of 67 consecutive patients who underwent lower extremity microvascular reconstruction performed from August 2003 to September 2010 was performed. Patient charts were reviewed for age, sex, medical comorbidities, etiology of defect, location of defect, flap type, anastomotic technique, complications, flap survival, and limb salvage outcome. Results: No patients returned to the operating room to have an arterial or venous anastomosis revised. Despite 100% vascular anastomosis patency rates in 67 consecutive lower extremity free flaps, flap survival rate was 95.5%. Total complication rate (13.4%) was due to two partial and one complete flap loss, three infections, two skin graft loses, and one hematoma. There were no intraoperative or perioperative complications involving the use of a microvascular anastomotic coupling device itself. Thirty‐day and long term limb salvage rate was 97% and 92.5%, respectively. Conclusion: Microvascular anastomotic coupling devices create effective venous anastomoses in lower extremity microvascular reconstruction. Thus, it presents an important tool in the armamentarium for lower extremity microsurgical reconstruction. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery 2011.     

Reconstruction of lower extremity with perforator free flaps by free style approach in pediatric patients

Pediatric reconstruction using microsurgery is accepted normal practice, and the use of perforator flaps is slowly increasing. This study presents clinical work using various perforator free flaps by free style approach to reconstruct lower extremity soft tissue defects in pediatric patients and evaluates its efficacy. Between June 2002 and February 2011, 32 cases (mean age: 10.1 years) were reconstructed with free style perforator free flaps. Retrospective evaluations for flap survival, growth character, and other associated morbidities were performed. Flaps used in this series are anterolateral thigh (ALT) perforator, superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP), upper medial thigh perforator, and posterior interosseous perforator free flaps. The free style approach for pedicle dissection was successful in all cases. Early postoperative complications were 15.6% from hematoma collection to partial loss of flap. Although there was no total loss in this series, one case needed additional flap coverage to cover the partial loss of the flap. The long-term follow-up showed contracture along the margin, with 16% needing a releasing procedure. Bone growth was not affected by flap contracture. The overall results show perforator flaps using the free style approach to be a reliable and feasible approach for lower extremity reconstruction in the pediatric population.     

Preservation of lower extremity amputation length using muscle perforator free flaps.

Coverage of any lower extremity amputation stump must be durable to resist external forces, well contoured, and thin enough for proper shoewear or prothesis fitting. Preservation of bone length to maximise the ability to ambulate is also of paramount importance. If local soft tissues are inadequate to fulfil these prerequisites, consideration of a microsurgical tissue transfer is a reasonable option, especially to cover bone or save a major joint. Muscle perforator free flaps, as shown in this series of eight patients using four different donor sites, are a versatile alternative for the necessary soft tissue augmentation. Multiple choices are available and often even from the involved lower extremity to minimise further morbidity. The vascular pedicles of this genré of flaps are relatively exceedingly long and of respectable calibre to facilitate reaching an appropriate recipient site. They can be sensate if desired. Of course, muscle function is by definition preserved. Complications are minimal and usually related to the reason for the amputation in the first place.     

A comparative study of free and pedicle flaps for lower extremity wounds

Sixty-four flaps were used to treat wounds in 58 patients over a 5-year period. In this series there was a high incidence of healing of both tibial fractures and chronic osteomyelitis when covered with muscle. Better contour is achieved with muscle covered with meshed skin grafts than with musculocutaneous flaps. The survival rate for free flaps was 93% and for pedicle flaps, 100%. Complication rates were higher for pedicle flaps (45%) than for free flaps (30%), although major complications for free flaps (14%) were higher than for pedicled flaps (9%).