title: Microvascular transplantation in the salvage of lower extremity trauma in the elderly.
abstract: Successful salvage of Gustilo IIIB tibial fractures with microvascular transplantation has been documented in the young. Similar results from the application of these techniques to the elderly has not been demonstrated. An 8-year review located 12 patients 60 years or older who underwent soft tissue reconstruction of IIIB tibial fractures with microvascular transplants. Ten patients were available for long-term follow-up (average 43 months). To date, 80% remain ambulating with no secondary amputations or late infections reported.
authors.affiliation: Section of Plastic Surgery, University of Oklahoma, Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, USA.
authors.forename: J S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Isenberg
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Costigan
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000145:classification; D000368:Aged; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D005597:Fractures, Open / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007869:Leg Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D012086:Reoperation; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000379:methods*; D013978:Tibial Fractures / Q000601:surgery*