Combined free tissue transfer for the management of composite Achilles defects: functional outcomes and patient satisfaction following thigh-based vascularized reconstruction with a neotendon construct.

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Citation: Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery. 30(6):431-40, 2014 Jul.PMID: 24706024Institution: MedStar National Rehabilitation NetworkForm of publication: Journal ArticleMedline article type(s): Journal ArticleSubject headings: *Achilles Tendon/in [Injuries] | *Achilles Tendon/su [Surgery] | *Free Tissue Flaps/bs [Blood Supply] | *Patient Satisfaction | Adult | Aged | Fascia Lata/bs [Blood Supply] | Fascia Lata/tr [Transplantation] | Follow-Up Studies | Humans | Male | Middle Aged | Postoperative Complications | Quality of Life | Range of Motion, Articular | Retrospective Studies | Rupture | Rupture, Spontaneous | Tendon Transfer | ThighName of journal: Journal of reconstructive microsurgeryAbstract: BACKGROUND: Functional outcomes and quality-of-life measures following salvage reconstruction of composite Achilles/posterior leg defects are limited. We present our experience with combined Achilles defect reconstruction utilizing free tissue transfer with vascularized neotendon constructs.CONCLUSIONS: Free tissue transfer with vascularized tendon reconstruction is a viable option for combined Achilles tendon/posterior leg defects, as both functional and quality-of-life measures appeared to be significantly improved at 1-year follow-up.Copyright Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.METHODS: Between 2011 and 2012, six patients underwent vascularized reconstruction of complex Achilles defects by a single surgeon. Demographic and functional data were collected for each patient. Subjective evaluation and quality-of-life measures were obtained preoperatively and postoperatively using American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Score (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot and SF-36 scores. Early and late complications were noted for each case.RESULTS: All defects were reconstructed utilizing vascularized composite free tissue from the thigh. Average soft tissue defect was 76.7 cm(2) (range, 40-90 cm2) with a tendon gap of 7.8 cm (range, 5-10 cm). Mean follow-up was 17 months (range, 15-23 months). Flap survival was 100%. Overall range of motion of the reconstructed side was 82% of the unaffected side (48.2 degrees vs. 59 degrees, p=0.004). Average percent increase in AOFAS and SF-36 scores were 71% (54 vs. 93, p=0.0005) and 22% (86 vs. 104, p=0.003), respectively. Operative revision was required for two patients with delayed-onset soft tissue infections and one donor site hematoma. Distal flap ischemia was managed with hyperbaric oxygen therapy in one patient. Functional and esthetic outcomes were judged good to excellent by all patients.All authors: Attinger CE, DeFazio MV, Evans KK, Han KD, Iorio ML, Kim PJ, Nemets L, Steinberg JSDigital Object Identifier: Date added to catalog: 2015-04-29
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Journal Article MedStar Authors Catalog Article Available 24706024

BACKGROUND: Functional outcomes and quality-of-life measures following salvage reconstruction of composite Achilles/posterior leg defects are limited. We present our experience with combined Achilles defect reconstruction utilizing free tissue transfer with vascularized neotendon constructs.

CONCLUSIONS: Free tissue transfer with vascularized tendon reconstruction is a viable option for combined Achilles tendon/posterior leg defects, as both functional and quality-of-life measures appeared to be significantly improved at 1-year follow-up.Copyright Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

METHODS: Between 2011 and 2012, six patients underwent vascularized reconstruction of complex Achilles defects by a single surgeon. Demographic and functional data were collected for each patient. Subjective evaluation and quality-of-life measures were obtained preoperatively and postoperatively using American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Score (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot and SF-36 scores. Early and late complications were noted for each case.

RESULTS: All defects were reconstructed utilizing vascularized composite free tissue from the thigh. Average soft tissue defect was 76.7 cm(2) (range, 40-90 cm2) with a tendon gap of 7.8 cm (range, 5-10 cm). Mean follow-up was 17 months (range, 15-23 months). Flap survival was 100%. Overall range of motion of the reconstructed side was 82% of the unaffected side (48.2 degrees vs. 59 degrees, p=0.004). Average percent increase in AOFAS and SF-36 scores were 71% (54 vs. 93, p=0.0005) and 22% (86 vs. 104, p=0.003), respectively. Operative revision was required for two patients with delayed-onset soft tissue infections and one donor site hematoma. Distal flap ischemia was managed with hyperbaric oxygen therapy in one patient. Functional and esthetic outcomes were judged good to excellent by all patients.

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