[Vascularized porous synthetics as framework for preformed free flaps].

Porous plastic materials are being utilized more and more in plastic and reconstructive surgery. It appears to be possible to use these plastic materials as a frame, thus giving support and shape to free flaps. Compared with autologous materials such as bone and cartilage, porous plastic materials facilitate vascularization and tissue ingrowth and do not lead to the development of a surrounding capsule. In an experimental study involving 54 Wistar rats, three porous plastic materials were compared to silicone rubber. The analyses of material performance, microangiography, histological and histometrical observations are encouraging.