Soft tissue defects in the lower leg and foot: fasciocutaneous flaps options for reconstruction
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15274716Keywords:
Reconstructive surgery, Lower limb, Soft tissue defect, Fasciocutaneous flaps, PerforatorsAbstract
INTRODUCTION: Traumatic injuries, metabolic, vascular and malignant diseases are among the main causes of soft tissue defects in the lower limb. The limited tissue resources and the peculiarities of the blood supply make reconstructive treatment a challenge. Fasciocutaneous flapshave been gaining popularity in the treatment of soft tissue defects in the lower leg and foot.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis including a group of 8 patients with soft tissue defects in the lower leg and foot, treated in the period June 2020 – May 2021 in the Clinic of Burns and Plastic Surgery of UMHATEM "N. I. Pirogov” was conducted. Nine fasciocutaneousflapswere performed (3 - Keystone flaps, 3 - Reverse flow Sural flaps, 2 - Perforator Propeller flaps, 1 - Axial Rotation flap). Demographic and clinical data is analized. Functional (LEFS) and aesthetic evaluation (POSAS 2.0) of the achieved r esults is obtained.
RESULTS: Patients were of both sexes,aged between 35 and 78 years. Six of the defects were traumatic, the restwere due to previous surgeries involving the lower limb. All of the flaps survived. Minor complicationsoccurred in 2 cases. Significant functional improvement and satisfactory aesthetic resultswere reported.
DISCUSSION: Free tissue transfer, considered as the "gold standard" in the reconstruction of complex defects involving the lower leg and foot, has its drawbacks. Fasciocutaneous flaps are a good alternative option to free flaps. They are characterized by good functional results and rare complications.
CONCLUSION: Application of thefasciocutaneous flapsisa reliable method for ensuring the integrity and the function of the lower limb.
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