Outcomes of Lower Extremity Defects Reconstruction with Free Flaps

The aims of soft-tissue reconstruction of lower leg defects are covering and repairing wounds, maintaining limb function, preventing amputation, and improving quality of life.
In this cross-sectional study, 27 patients underwent soft-tissue reconstruction of lower extremities with free flaps were enrolled. The cause and the site of defects, free flap types, anastomosis types, survival rate, and complications were assessed.
Findings: 27 patients with mean age of 31 years with large lower extremity defects with at least 2 months follow up were assessed. The sites of defects were middle and distal one-third of the legs (21 cases), foot and heel (4 cases), and knees (2 cases), and causes of defects were trauma (21 cases), and chronic wounds (2 cases). Used musculocutaneous free flaps were for latissimus dorsi (15 cases), rctus abdominis (8 cases), and gracilis (4 cases). 43 and 11 cases had end-to-end and end-to-site anastomosis, respectively. Survival rate was 88.9 percent and 3 flaps were failed due to thrombosis.
Using free flaps with appropriate vascular pedicles is a reliable and effective method for reconstruction of lower leg large defects.