Surgical Procedures
Reconstructive Micro-surgery
Upper Extremity (Free flap transfer for lower and upper extremity reconstruction)

When there is a significant loss of tissue from trauma or tumor resection, free flap transfer may be the only reasonable form of reconstruction. In the lower extremity, there is a paucity of local tissue and usually a poor blood supply requiring that new tissue be brought into the region with an adequate blood supply. For soft tissue coverage alone, the most commonly used flap is the latissimus dorsi muscle. This flap is highly predictable, has large blood vessels, and has little morbidity when it is taken from the back. Other muscle units from the abdomen or leg may also be utilized. Many varied soft tissue and bony defects may be reconstructed with these flaps.

Examples

Hunting accident with free flap to forearm, replacing skin, bone, and blood vessels.

These procedures are time-consuming and require significant experience, however, will ultimately give the best result.