Lower extremity salvage and reconstruction by free-tissue transfer. Analysis of results.

The application of soft tissue or bone free-tissue transfers to lower extremity salvage or reconstruction was assessed in a review of 86 consecutive procedures done during a 36-month period. This group included 65 cases of free skin or muscle flap transfer and 21 cases of free vascularized bone transfer. In terms of tissue viability, the success rate was 80.2% (78.5% for the soft tissue group and 85.7% for the bone group). With due consideration of indications, the incidence of secondary sepsis in patients with chronic osteomyelitis, and other potential complications, free-tissue transfers are valuable for salvage and reconstructive surgery of the lower extremity.