J Reconstr Microsurg 1997; 13(8): 575-583
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1006440
ORIGINAL ARTICLE

© 1997 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

Primary Flap Closure in Complex Limb Injuries

Milomir Ninkovič, Thomas Schoeller, Gottfried Wechselberger, Angela Otto, Gernot Sperner, Hans Anderl
  • Departments of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and Traumatology, Leopold Franzens University of Innsbruck, Austria
Further Information

Publication History

Accepted for publication 1997

Publication Date:
08 March 2008 (online)

ABSTRACT

Free-tissue transfers enable surgeons to reconstruct or salvage limbs injured or amputated in high-energy traumas which result in extensive damage to soft tissue, bone, tendons, vessels and nerves. Primary free-tissue transfer is performed following debridement, bone fixation, and repair of injured structures within 24 hr after injury. Between 1987 and 1996, 57 patients who had complex extremity traumas were treated with primary free-tissue transfer, or free flaps. Long-term follow-up ranged from 4 months to 9 years (median: 4.5 years). No flap failure or serious wound-healing complication occurred using the protocol.

Radical debridement and primary free-flap coverage in extensive extremity injuries can salvage limbs, provide improved functional and aesthetic results, and psychologically benefit patients through lowered morbidity. Other benefits include reduced incidence of free-flap failure, postoperative infection, secondary operative procedures, and invalidity, as well as shorter hospital stays, and lowered medical expenses.