Free tissue transfer for lower extremity trauma in the pediatric patient

Aim: The utilization of free-tissue transfer secondary to traumatic lower extremity defects in the pediatric population is scarcely described. Factors include microsurgeon inexperience, inadequate center resources, and fear historically described poor surgical outcomes. aim this study investigate more recent articles describing free-flap microsurgical reconstruction for these defects. Methods: A systematic review literature was conducted through online databases PubMed, Embase, Web Science, examining with at least 20 subjects utilizing soft-tissue (aged 18 younger) following etiology since 2005. Outcomes included flap failure, return operating room, functional status, where available. Results: Seven studies were deemed appropriate inclusion, a total 243 flaps included. Motor vehicle motorcycle accidents greater than 75% etiology. Most involved foot or ankle (65.1%). In total, perforator compromised majority (54%), most common being anterolateral thigh, scapular/parascapular, deep inferior epigastric flaps. Less perforators groin flap, tensor fascia lata, radial forearm, lateral arm, thoracodorsal flap. Muscle-based less (46%), latissimus dorsi rectus muscle composing majority. commonly used recipient vessel anterior tibialis (49.5%) posterior vessels (45.3%). performed within 7-10 days presentation. There cumulative 6.5% failure rate. Conclusion: Free tissue trauma an important tool that likely leads powerful Recent trends indicate increasing usage This shows based on existing data, free patients adequate modality repair, may warrant consideration moving forward.