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Corresponding Author

Belal Ismail Hassan Zidan

Document Type

Original Article

Abstract

Background; Lower extremity wounds that don't heal are still a difficult problem for reconstructive surgery. Over 50% of all amputations are caused by diabetic foot and peripheral artery illness.

Aim and objectives: The goal of this research was to evaluation of free flap in diabetic foot as regard eradication of infection, coverage durability, and lower extremity function.

Patient and methods: The research was done at the AL-Azhar University Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. From patients hospitalized to the department of cosmetic and reconstructive surgery at AL-Azhar University, 20 diabetic patients with lower extremities defects had been chosen for a prospective cohort study for follow-up at six months after surgery.

Results: Patient with failed flaps have statistically significant higher defect number, higher planter defect and higher defect size and depth than good outcome flaps. Patient with failed flaps have statistically significant higher infected wound bed, lower granulation tissue, higher lacerated surrounding tissue, higher osteomyelitis and higher non-felt pulsation than good outcome flaps. Patient with failed flaps have statistically significant higher bad coverage durability, lower eradication of infection, higher impaired lower extremity function, higher rate of lost superficial and deep sensation than good outcome flaps. Patient with failed flaps have statistically significant higher blood pressure than good outcome flaps. Patient with failed flaps have statistically significant higher leucocytic count than good outcome flaps.

Conclusion: The keystones of treatment are to eradicate infections, cover wounds with well-vascularized tissue and simultaneously control comorbid conditions

Keywords

Free-tissue transfer, diabetic foot salvage, plastic and reconstructive surgery

Subject Area

Orthopedics, Plastic surgery

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