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.
- Location
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Deutsche Nationalbibliothek Frankfurt am Main
- Extent
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Online-Ressource
- Language
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Englisch
- Bibliographic citation
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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
- Contributor
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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
- Rights
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Open Access; Der Zugriff auf das Objekt ist unbeschränkt möglich.
- Last update
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15.08.2025, 7:35 AM CEST
Data provider
Deutsche Nationalbibliothek. If you have any questions about the object, please contact the data provider.
Associated
- Kang, Min Jo
- Chung, Chul Hoon
- Chang, Yong Joon
- Kim, Kyul Hee
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USE OF FASCIOCUTANEOUS FLAPS FOR DEFECTS OF LOWER EXTREMITY
A retrospective evaluation of 182 free flaps in extremity reconstruction and review of the literature
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Reconstruction of the Lower Extremity with Cross-Leg Free Flaps
Reconstruction of traumatic and non-traumatic lower extremity defects with local or free flaps
Free Fasciocutaneous versus Muscle Flaps in Lower Extremity Reconstruction: Implications for Functionality and Quality of Life
Sensory assessment of meshed skin grafts over free gracilis muscle flaps without nerve coaptation for lower extremity reconstruction
Free Flap Salvage in Lower Extremity Reconstruction via Use of Contralateral Lower Extremity Recipient Vessels
USE OF FASCIOCUTANEOUS FLAPS FOR DEFECTS OF LOWER EXTREMITY
A retrospective evaluation of 182 free flaps in extremity reconstruction and review of the literature
Review of Cross-Leg Flaps in Reconstruction of Posttraumatic Lower Extremity Wounds in a Microsurgical Unit
Evidence, state-of-the-art and outcome of soft tissue and compound free flaps in microsurgical upper and lower extremity reconstruction
Extracorporeal Pedicles for Free Flap Reconstruction in Diabetic Lower Extremity Wounds
Vastus intermedius–anterolateral thigh chimeric free flap for lower extremity reconstruction
Outcomes of Take-Back Operations in Breast Reconstruction with Free Lower Abdominal Flaps
Reconstruction of the Lower Extremity with Cross-Leg Free Flaps
Reconstruction of traumatic and non-traumatic lower extremity defects with local or free flaps
Free Fasciocutaneous versus Muscle Flaps in Lower Extremity Reconstruction: Implications for Functionality and Quality of Life
Sensory assessment of meshed skin grafts over free gracilis muscle flaps without nerve coaptation for lower extremity reconstruction
Free Flap Salvage in Lower Extremity Reconstruction via Use of Contralateral Lower Extremity Recipient Vessels
USE OF FASCIOCUTANEOUS FLAPS FOR DEFECTS OF LOWER EXTREMITY
A retrospective evaluation of 182 free flaps in extremity reconstruction and review of the literature
Review of Cross-Leg Flaps in Reconstruction of Posttraumatic Lower Extremity Wounds in a Microsurgical Unit
Evidence, state-of-the-art and outcome of soft tissue and compound free flaps in microsurgical upper and lower extremity reconstruction
Extracorporeal Pedicles for Free Flap Reconstruction in Diabetic Lower Extremity Wounds
Vastus intermedius–anterolateral thigh chimeric free flap for lower extremity reconstruction