Outcome Comparison between Free Muscle and Free Fasciocutaneous Flaps for Reconstruction of Distal Third and Ankle Traumatic Open Tibial Fractures

Abstract

The authors achieved equal functional outcomes in both soft-tissue transfers because of (1) preoperative adequate débridement of wounds and (2) selection of proper free flaps in appropriate defects. Defects with serious tridimensionality needed free muscle flaps because they conform better to such complex defects. However, free fasciocutaneous flaps are reliable and as effective for covering the less three-dimensional distal third and ankle traumatic open tibial fractures as free muscle flaps and can better tolerate the subsequent secondary surgical procedures.