Long-term follow-up on microsurgical free-tissue transfer in foot and ankle reconstruction

Abstract Background We have previously reported on the efficacy of free-tissue transfer in ankle and foot reconstruction with a mean follow-up period of 3.7 years (9 months–7.5 years) postoperatively. This study will evaluate the long-term results of free-tissue transfer performed for soft tissue de...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Foot and ankle surgery 2008, Vol.14 (2), p.82-88
Main Authors: Musharafieh, Ramzi, MD, FACS, Wehbe, Joseph, MD, Maalouf, Ghassan, MD, Atiyeh, Bishara, MD, FACS
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adult
Ankle
Biological and medical sciences
Child
Chronic Disease
Debridement
Diabetic Angiopathies - surgery
Diabetic Foot - microbiology
Diabetic Foot - surgery
Diseases of the osteoarticular system
Female
Follow-Up Studies
Foot
Foot Injuries - surgery
Free-tissue transfer
Humans
Male
Medical sciences
Microsurgery
Middle Aged
Orthopedics
Osteomyelitis - microbiology
Osteomyelitis - surgery
Reconstruction
Reconstructive Surgical Procedures - methods
Soft Tissue Infections - surgery
Soft Tissue Injuries - surgery
Surgical Flaps
Treatment Outcome
Young Adult
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Summary:Abstract Background We have previously reported on the efficacy of free-tissue transfer in ankle and foot reconstruction with a mean follow-up period of 3.7 years (9 months–7.5 years) postoperatively. This study will evaluate the long-term results of free-tissue transfer performed for soft tissue defect coverage, diabetic foot salvage and the treatment of chronic osteomyelitis in 38 patients. Methods The long-term efficacy of free-tissue transfer for foot and ankle reconstruction was evaluated in a retrospective study among patients operated during a period of 5 years (January 1992–December 1996); 38 were available for follow-up. Indications for reconstruction included acute wounds with soft tissue defects, diabetic foot ulcers, and chronic osteomyelitis. Results At a mean follow-up of 12 years, there were no major complications in the soft tissue defect group. Among the diabetic patients, two patients had recurrent ulcerations of the forefoot which were detected early and treated conservatively. In the osteomyelitis group, however, there were no recurrences of the foot infection. Conclusions The free-tissue transfer provided an excellent method of soft tissue reconstruction with a very minimal long-term complication rate, and a very high rate of success in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers and chronic osteomyelitis.
ISSN:1268-7731
1460-9584
DOI:10.1016/j.fas.2007.11.003