title: Free tissue transfer in children.
abstract: 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.
authors: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, St. Louis University School of Medicine, Missouri.
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Shapiro
authors: B A
authors: BA
authors: Akbarnia
authors: D P
authors: DP
authors: Hanel
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005121:Extremities / Q000293:injuries*; D005260:Female; D005597:Fractures, Open / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000379:methods*; D010019:Osteomyelitis / Q000601:surgery*; D010027:Osteotomy; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D012086:Reoperation; D013524:Surgical Flaps