Free tissue transfer in children.

We reviewed 11 cases of free tissue transfer used to salvage limbs in young patients (age range 4-16 years, mean 8.9 years). The defects were the result of acute trauma in eight cases, osteomyelitis in one, unstable scar over bony prominence in one, and correction of a previously infected talipes equinovarus repair in another patient. Donor tissues used were the latissimus dorsi muscle, scapular skin, lateral arm skin, and vascularized fibular graft. Defect sizes included 3 x 3 to 10 x 40 cm and 11 cm of humeral diaphysis. Microvascular success rate was 100%. In each case, the successful transfer provided the viable tissue required and resulted in salvage of the limb. Our results suggest that free tissue transfer is a viable solution to limb salvage in pediatric patients.