Reconstruction of the Lower Extremity Using Free Flaps
Background The aim of lower-extremity reconstruction has focused on wound coverage and functional recovery. However, there are limitations in the use of a local flap in cases of extensive defects of the lower-extremities. Therefore, free flap is a useful option in lower-extremity reconstruction. Methods We performed a retrospective review of 49 patients (52 cases) who underwent lower-extremity reconstruction at our institution during a 10-year period. In these patients, we evaluated causes and sites of defects, types of flaps, recipient vessels, types of anastomosis, survival rate, and complications. Results There were 42 men and 10 women with a mean age of 32.7 years (range, 3-72 years). The sites of defects included the dorsum of the foot (19), pretibial area (17), ankle (7), heel (5) and other sites (4). The types of free flap included latissimus dorsi muscle flap (10), scapular fascial flap (6), anterolateral thigh flap (6), and other flaps (30). There were four cases of vascular complications, out of which two flaps survived after intervention. The overall survival of the flaps was 96.2% (50/52). There were 19 cases of other complications at recipient sites such as partial graft loss (8), partial flap necrosis (6) and infection (5). However, these complications were not notable and were resolved with skin grafts. 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.
- Standort
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Deutsche Nationalbibliothek Frankfurt am Main
- Umfang
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Online-Ressource
- Sprache
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Englisch
- Erschienen in
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Reconstruction of the Lower Extremity Using Free Flaps ; volume:40 ; number:05 ; year:2013 ; pages:575-583
Archives of Plastic Surgery ; 40, Heft 05 (2013), 575-583
- Beteiligte Personen und Organisationen
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Kang, Min Jo
Chung, Chul Hoon
Chang, Yong Joon
Kim, Kyul Hee
- DOI
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10.5999/aps.2013.40.5.575
- URN
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urn:nbn:de:101:1-2022061610532700408350
- Rechteinformation
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Open Access; Der Zugriff auf das Objekt ist unbeschränkt möglich.
- Letzte Aktualisierung
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15.08.2025, 07:35 MESZ
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Beteiligte
- Kang, Min Jo
- Chung, Chul Hoon
- Chang, Yong Joon
- Kim, Kyul Hee