Publication:

The role of microvascular tissue transfer in severe limb trauma

Background Lower extremity reconstruction is an essential part of plastic surgery and focuses on the treatment of wounds. The restoration of an intact covering is the primary surgical requisite following trauma of the lower extremity because deep healing can be no better than the surface covering. Present study will review the field of lower extremity reconstruction focusing on the micro-vascular tissue transfer for severe limb traumatic injuries.

Methods Patients were fully evaluated and defect was assessed depending on the defect requirement free micro- vascular flap was planned. 20 micro vascular flaps in 18 males and 2 females were used for the wound / defect of lower limbs following trauma.

Results There were 18 men and 2 women with a mean age of 43.6 years (range, 18-62 years) in the present study. The overall survival of the flaps was 95% (19/20).

Conclusions The free flap is an effective method of lower-extremity reconstruction. Good outcomes can be achieved with complete debridement and the selection of appropriate recipient vessels and flaps according to the recipient site.