This article is more than 5 years old. Information may no longer be current.

Microsurgical reconstruction of lower extremity defects may be safe in children

The flap survival rate was 95% in a cohort of pediatric patients who underwent microsurgical reconstruction for a traumatic lower extremity defect, according to recent findings.

The researchers conducted a retrospective review of procedures conducted between 1997 and 2012 to assess the hypothesis that young age or issues with vessel size or behavior do not carry a negative impact on surgical outcomes.

There were 40 flaps transferred in 40 patients. The mean patient age was 11.4 years (range, 1-17 years). There were 23 muscle flaps used (57.5%) and 16 asciocutaneous flaps (40%).

One-quarter of the cohort experienced post-operative complications. This included a total flap loss rate of 5%.

Results indicated no donor site complications. Patients stayed in the hospital for a mean of 12.9 days (range, 4-41 days). They returned to full weight bearing in a mean duration of 2.6 months (range, 1-8 months).

Disclosures: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.