Free Flap Reconstruction of Traumatic Pediatric Foot and Ankle Defects: An Analysis of Clinical and Functional Outcomes

Propeller flap's assisted recipient site closure after free SCIP flap coverage of medial ankle defect: A case report

Defects in the distal lower limbs are common in the field of orthoplastic reconstruction. The ankle area presents little subcutaneous tissue and is often affected by high-energy traumas and bone fractures. Wounds in this region are frequently associated with severe edema that might prevent primary closure. Due to its thinness and tension, the skin overlying both the medial and lateral malleoli is prone to necrosis, which can further lead to large soft tissue defects. Vessels, nerves, and tendons can easily become exposed. The reconstructive approach should aim to provide high-quality tissue that is durable enough to withstand the weight-bearing pressures and the friction from shoes, while remaining sufficiently elastic to conform to the shape of the ankle and to permit the foot movement. In this study, we describe the use of an additional propeller flap to reduce skin tension at the recipient site. A superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) flap was utilized to cover a defect below the medial malleolus. However, after flap inset, achieving a primary closure of the proximal wound without tension was not possible. During the dissection of the posterior tibial artery, perforator vessels were identified and preserved. The larger of these vessels was then used to vascularize a propeller flap, which was then rotated toward the defect to aid a tension-free closure. The postoperative course was uneventful. This case may provide a valuable insight into the challenges often faced during wound closure, even after flap inset. Since the flap itself may increase the width of the dissection area, the present case shows the importance of preserving perforator vessels during the proximal dissection since they can allow the harvest of an additional flap to achieve primary closure and further alleviate tension.

Outcomes of Free Muscle Flaps versus Free Fasciocutaneous Flaps for Lower Limb Reconstruction following Trauma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

 Free flap reconstruction of the lower limb following trauma often suffers higher complication rates than other areas of the body. The choice of muscle or fasciocutaneous free flap is an area of active debate.

METHODS

 A systematic review of EMBASE, MEDLINE, PubMed, and Cochrane Register from inception to April 1, 2022 was performed. Articles were assessed using the methodological index for non-randomized studies instrument. The primary outcome was to assess and compare the major surgical outcomes of partial or total flap failure, reoperation, and amputation rates.

RESULTS

 Seventeen studies were included. All studies were retrospective in nature, of level three evidence, and published between 1986 and 2021. The most common muscle and fasciocutaneous free flaps used were latissimus dorsi flap (38.1%) and anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap (64.8%), respectively. Meta-analysis found no significance difference in rates of total flap failure, takeback operations, or limb salvage, whereas partial flap failure rate was significantly lower for fasciocutaneous flaps. The majority of studies found no significant difference in complication rates, osteomyelitis, time to fracture union, or time to functional recovery. Most, 82.4% (14/17), of the included studies were of high methodological quality.

CONCLUSION

 The rate of total flap failure, reoperation, or limb salvage is not significantly different between muscle and fasciocutaneous free flaps after lower limb reconstruction following trauma. Partial flap failure rates appear to be lower with fasciocutaneous free flaps. Outcomes traditionally thought to be managed better with muscle free flaps, such as osteomyelitis and rates of fracture union, were comparable.

Urinary Bladder Matrix Grafting Versus Flap Coverage for Acute or Infected Wound Defects in Patients With Orthopaedic Trauma

OBJECTIVES

Urinary bladder matrix (UBM) grafting of acute or infected wound defects has been reported to be successful in small case series. The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of UBM grafting with flap coverage.

DESIGN

This is a retrospective comparative study.

SETTING

Level-1 trauma center.

PATIENTS

Orthopaedic trauma patients with wound defects not amenable to primary closure or skin grafting.

INTERVENTION

Wound coverage with UBM grafting (n = 26) by orthopaedic trauma surgeons versus flap coverage (n = 26) by microvascular-trained plastic surgeons.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Primary wound coverage success, complications, returns to the operating room, hospital length of stay, and time to wound healing.

RESULTS

The UBM group was more likely to have an American Society of Anesthesiologist class ≥3 (58% vs. 23%, P = 0.02), a foot/ankle wound (77% vs. 12%, P < 0.001), an infected wound defect (81% vs. 50%, P = 0.03), and smaller defects (21 vs. 100 cm 2 , P = 0.02). UBM grafting resulted in a longer time to wound healing (6 vs. 2 months, P = 0.002) and a shorter hospital length of stay (2 vs. 14 days, P < 0.0001). UBM and flap groups had similarly high rates of failure of primary wound coverage (31% vs. 31%; P = 1.0), complications (46% vs. 62%, P = 0.4), and returns to the operating room (46% vs. 65%; P = 0.2). All 3 acute traumatic wounds undergoing UBM grafting concurrently with fracture fixation experienced graft failure and osteomyelitis.

CONCLUSION

UBM grafting is an effective alternative to flap coverage for small traumatic or infected wounds but should be avoided in acute traumatic wounds undergoing fracture fixation.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Analysis of Readmissions and Reoperations in Pediatric Microvascular Reconstruction

BACKGROUND

 Free tissue transfer is utilized as a reconstructive option for various anatomic defects. While it has long been performed in adults, reconstructive surgeons have used free tissue transfer to a lesser degree in children. As such, there are few analyses of factors associated with complications in free tissue transfer within this population. The aim of this study is to assess factors associated with readmission and reoperation in pediatric free flap patients utilizing the pediatric National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database.

METHODS

 Pediatric patients who underwent microvascular reconstruction between 2015 and 2020 were included. Patients were identified by five microvascular reconstruction Current Procedural Terminology codes and were then stratified by flap site (head and neck, extremities, trunk) and defect etiology (congenital, trauma, infection, neoplasm). Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with readmissions and reoperations.

RESULTS

 The study cohort consisted of 258 patients. The average age was 10.0 ± 4.7 years and the majority of patients were male (n = 149, 57.8%), were of white race (n = 164, 63.6%), and had a normal body mass index. Twenty-two patients (8.5%) experienced an unplanned readmission within 30 days of the initial operation, most commonly for wound disruption (31.8% of readmissions). The overall rate of unplanned reoperation within 30 days was 11.6% (n = 30) for all patients, with an average of 8.9 ± 7.5 days to reoperation. On multivariate regression analysis, each hour increase in operative time was associated with an increased odds of reoperation (odds ratio [OR]: 1.27; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.12, 1.45) and readmission (OR: 1.16; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.34).

CONCLUSION

 In pediatric patients undergoing free tissue transfer, higher readmission and reoperation risk was associated with longer operative duration. Overall, free tissue transfer is safe in the pediatric population with relatively low rates of readmission and reoperation.