Preservation of the Extremity Length With Free Microvascular Tissue Transfers

Abstract

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Patients who had unhealed amputations stumps have generally poor vascular condition due to vasculopathies or crush injuries. Tendons and bones are superficial and covered with a thin skin and amputation stump should be revised of changed to a more proximal level MATERIALS AND METHODS: 10 patients were reviewed retrospectively between 2020-2023. Patients were evaluated according to demographics, etiology of the amputations, location of the defects, flap type, recipient vessels, anastomosis fashion, early and late complication rates and hospitalization length . RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 58 years. Nine of 10 extremity length were successfully preserved with free flap transfers. One patient was referred to orthopedic department for higher amputation level. CONCLUSIONS: Free microvascular tissue transfers are important reconstructive options for extremity salvage.