Naslov
A composite forearm free flap for the secondary repair of the ruptured Achilles tendon

Autori
Stanec, Sanda ; Stanec, Zdenko ; Delimar, Domagoj ; Martinac, Pero

Izvornik
Plastic and reconstructive surgery (0032-1052) 104 (1999), 5; 1409-1412

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, članak, znanstveni

Ključne riječi
forearm free flap; achilles tendon; tendon rupture

Sažetak
Full-thickness defects of the posterior heel constitute a reconstructive challenge owing to a lack of regional soft tissue and often a long tendon gap. The remaining tendon is usually short and frayed in the distal segment, and insetting of tendon graft could be unexpectedly difficult. Wound closure and tendon reconstruction will need to be secure enough concerning future demands of full weight-bearing gait. For secondary reconstruction of Achilles tendon defects, various reconstructive approaches have been described. Reconstruction by reflection of a fascio-aponeurotic flap from the gastrocnemius muscle, 1, 2 nonvascularized 3 and vascularized 4-6 fascial or tendon grafts, or with artificial substances such as Marlex mesh 7 have been performed. However, in cases with associated skin loss, these techniques require multiple operations to reconstruct composite defects and are inherently prone to excessive scarring with resultant decreased tendon motion. Free composite flaps enable simultaneous vascularized tendon graft transfer (with its investment of paratenon) and well-vascularized skin cover. We have recently used a vascularized brachioradialis tendon in septofasciocutaneous forearm free flap attached to a distal part of a radial bone for reconstruction of an Achilles tendon rupture with skin loss and have obtained a very satisfactory result.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Kliničke medicinske znanosti

POVEZANOST RADA