title: Preoperative evaluation of lower extremity arteries for free fibula transfer using MDCT angiography.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We discuss the preoperative application of computed tomographic (CT) angiography to identify legs suitable for free fibular flaps.
  
  
  METHODS
  The condition of 118 consecutive patients was prospectively evaluated by means of CT angiography for planned free fibula flap reconstructions. We retrospectively investigated whether fibular free flap transfer was performed in candidate patients and whether the presence of postoperative foot ischemia had been followed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Multidetector row CT angiography demonstrated a normal arterial anatomy in 82 patients, anatomical variants in 30 patients, and peripheral arterial occlusive disease in 6 patients. The radiologists selected 20 legs as major variants that cannot ensure lower extremity viability after flap harvest. Sixty-three patients underwent fibula free flap transfer. The surgeons followed our imaging diagnosis and selected healthy legs as candidates for fibular free transfer in all but 2 patients. No postoperative foot ischemia presented in any patient.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Computed tomographic angiography is a reliable preoperative imaging technique for the selection of appropriate legs as candidates for fibular free transfer.
authors: Department of Radiology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
authors: Kwang Nam
authors: KN
authors: Jin
authors: Whal
authors: W
authors: Lee
authors: Yong Hu
authors: YH
authors: Yin
authors: Sang-Il
authors: SI
authors: Choi
authors: Hwan Jun
authors: HJ
authors: Jae
authors: Jin Wook
authors: JW
authors: Chung
authors: Jae Hyung
authors: JH
authors: Park
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000792:Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D003287:Contrast Media; D005260:Female; D005360:Fibula / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000637:transplantation*; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D007472:Iohexol / Q000031:analogs & derivatives; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011300:Preoperative Care; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; D007472:Iohexol; C038192:iopromide