Application of early repair with free tissue transplantation in hand and foot destructive injury

Abstract

Objective To explore the method of limb salvage therapy for hand and foot destructive injury, and to clarify the role of free tissue transplantation in limb salvage therapy in patients with hand and foot destructive injury. Methods From January, 2015 to January, 2016, 17 hand and foot destructive injuried patients were treated with limb sal-vage. The anterolateral thigh free flap, free fibular flap and arterial vein flap were used to repair the skin, soft tissue and bone defects. All patients were followed-up for 12 months. The appearance and function of the patients were evaluated af-ter the treatment. The hand scoring criterion was the finger replantation function evaluation standard on probation of the Chinese Medical Association of Hand Surgery. The foot scoring criterion was the Maryland score system. Results All flaps survived in 17 patients. One flap had vascular crisis after operation, and survived after vascular exploratory opera-tion. One case had infection postoperation and healed after several debridements. After 12 months, the functional scores were excellent in 5 cases, good in 5 cases, moderate in 3 cases and poor in 4 cases. Conclusion The early repair with free tissue transplantation can preserve limb length, cover the exposed bone and tendon, and improve the anti- infective ability, so as to improve the function of limb salvage and patient's satisfaction. Key words: Free flap; Hand; Foot; Destructive Injury; Transplantation; Limb salvage therapy; Mi-crosurgical operation