Rectus abdominis free tissue transfer in lower extremity reconstruction: Long term follow up in 58 cases.

UNLABELLED: This study evaluates the long-term results of rectus abdominis free-tissue transfer performed for lower extremity reconstruction.

METHODS

Over a period of 8 years 58 were available for long term follow-up. Indications for reconstruction included acute wounds with soft tissue defects, diabetic foot ulcers, and chronic osteomyelitis.

RESULTS

At a mean follow-up of 18 years, there were no major complications in the soft tissue defect coverage group except for one patient who continued to have recurrent folliculitis over the weight bearing heel area, which was treated by repeated debridement. Among the diabetic patients, two patients had recurrent ulcerations of the forefoot which were detected early and treated conservatively. In the osteomyelitis group, however, there were no recurrences of the foot infection.

CONCLUSIONS

The rectus abdominis free-tissue transfer provided an excellent method of soft tissue reconstruction with a very minimal long-term complication rate, and a very high rate of success in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers and chronic osteomyelitis.