Microvascular reconstructive techniques in orthopaedic traumatology

Injury. 2019 Dec:50 Suppl 5:S84-S87. doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2019.10.055. Epub 2019 Oct 23.

Abstract

Great evolution has taken place in Orthopaedic Traumatology, regarding techniques, surgical means and equipment. However, we still encounter complicated cases of limb trauma that necessitate microvascular reconstruction. Through three different illustrative cases (one emergency foot revascularization by a free flap, covering an ankle arthrodesis and bridging the anterior tibial artery, one cure of a complex infected tibial non-union with extensive skeletal defect by double barrel fibular transfer and one osteo-chondral reconstruction of the scaphoid proximal pole using a vascularized graft harvested from the femoral medial condyle), the authors remind the Orthopaedic community about the benefits of microsurgery, especially if used in proper indication and timing. This article is a plea to preserve the knowledge and develop the technical abilities of microvascular techniques in the departments of Orthopaedics and Traumatology.

Keywords: Fibular graft; Free flaps; Microanastomosis; Vascularized graft.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Ankle / surgery
  • Arthrodesis / methods
  • Bone Transplantation / methods*
  • Femur / transplantation
  • Fibula / transplantation
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Foot Injuries / surgery
  • Fractures, Ununited / surgery
  • Free Tissue Flaps
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Microsurgery / methods*
  • Middle Aged
  • Orthopedics / methods*
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures / methods*
  • Scaphoid Bone / surgery
  • Tibial Arteries / surgery
  • Tibial Fractures / surgery
  • Traumatology / methods*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult