Abstract
BackgroundIn patients with a nonreplantable forearm amputation, it is necessary to reconstruct a suitable stump that is long, well vascularized, and durable enough to support a functional prosthesis. However, methods for optimal stump reconstruction have not been defined. Case presentationWe report a 48-year-old patient with a bone-protruding forearm amputation who underwent a free latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap for covering the stump without bone shortening. By gradually tightening the skin defect using the shoelace technique, it was possible to reduce the size of the skin graft, making the stump durable, and thereby obtaining a stump suitable for a prosthesis without additional skin plasty. ConclusionsAlthough there have been no reports to date using the shoelace technique on a free flap, it could be safely applied to a skin defect after free myocutaneous flap coverage of the stump. This technique may be a useful option in limb reconstruction following amputation.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
