SLR - March 2012 - Rebecca Haugen
Reference: Ling, Xiao, et al. (2011, November 15). What is the price to pay for free fibula flap? A systemic review of donor site morbidities following free fibula flap. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
Scientific Literature Review
Reviewed by: Rebecca Haugen, DPM
Residency Program: DVA-Tucson, AZ
Podiatric Relevance:
Autogenous grafts are often obtained for various surgical procedures in podiatry. Although it’s not often that a free fibula flap is necessary, surgical donor sites can be generalized in regards to complications and morbidities. This review helps to examine if the benefits offset the risks when it comes to grafting, as well as possible ways to prevent complications.
Methods:
The authors obtained and analyzed forty-two articles with information regarding donor site morbidities following free fibula flaps. The findings were discussed to help determine possible methods of prevention and treatment in the future.
Results:
According to the examined literature, symptoms that resulted as a consequence of free fibula flap transfers were minimal and had a lower incidence other than skin graft morbidities. The most common results were chronic pain, gait abnormalities/instability, and muscle weakness/imbalance. The average AOFAS score following surgery was 85.5.
Conclusions:
All surgeries, including grafting procedures, pose a risk of complications. According to the literature reviewed here, the benefits of the free fibula flap outweigh the potential risks/morbidities.