Flow-Through, Functioning, Free Musculocutaneous Flap Transfer for Restoration of a Mangled Extremity

Abstract

Reconstructing a mangled extremity requires careful, complete examination of the functional and structural status of the injured part. Although the vascular status of the injured extremity is a priority, simultaneous reconstruction of skeletal, vascular, and neuromuscular structures should be considered in a combined approach. The purpose of this study was to describe a one-stage reconstruction of both soft-tissue coverage and revascularization for a lower extremity, along with functional restoration of an anterior lower leg. For this purpose, the functioning transfer of a free latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap as a flow-through type was performed. The results demonstrate that the technique is extremely useful in limb-salvage procedures from both functional and structural viewpoints.