OBJECTIVE: To evaluate foot and ankle function in a series of patients undergoing fibula microvascular free tissue transfer. STUDY DESIGN: A nonrandomized, nonblinded analysis was performed using the ankle-hindfoot scale as well as radiographic analysis to determine donor site morbidity. RESULTS: Overall, foot ankle function was deemed to be good in this series of patients. Average ankle-hindfoot score was 84.82 of a possible 100 (range, 55-100). Radiographic analysis of donor and contralateral ankles showed no difference in the syndesmotic space or medial clear space. Only 1 patient had increased talar tilt compared with the contralateral side, although this patient had preservation of stability. CONCLUSION: Fibula free flap harvest appears to be associated with acceptable donor site morbidity and preservation of good foot and ankle function in most individuals.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate foot and ankle function in a series of patients undergoing fibula microvascular free tissue transfer. STUDY DESIGN: A nonrandomized, nonblinded analysis was performed using the ankle-hindfoot scale as well as radiographic analysis to determine donor site morbidity. RESULTS: Overall, foot ankle function was deemed to be good in this series of patients. Average ankle-hindfoot score was 84.82 of a possible 100 (range, 55-100). Radiographic analysis of donor and contralateral ankles showed no difference in the syndesmotic space or medial clear space. Only 1 patient had increased talar tilt compared with the contralateral side, although this patient had preservation of stability. CONCLUSION:Fibula free flap harvest appears to be associated with acceptable donor site morbidity and preservation of good foot and ankle function in most individuals.
Authors: Yadranko Ducic; Robert Defatta; Erik M Wolfswinkel; William M Weathers; Larry H Hollier Journal: Craniomaxillofac Trauma Reconstr Date: 2013-09-16