Archives of Plastic Surgery

Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (대한성형외과학회)
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Long-term follow-up of a severely traumatized leg treated with ipsilateral fracture-united fibular transfer in a patient with amputation of the contralateral leg: a case report

  • Kim, Eon Su (Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju Severance Christian Hospital) ;
  • Yang, Chae Eun (Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju Severance Christian Hospital) ;
  • Kim, Jiye (Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju Severance Christian Hospital) ;
  • Kim, Sug Won (Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju Severance Christian Hospital)
  • Received : 2021.05.30
  • Accepted : 2021.09.14
  • Published : 2021.11.15
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Abstract

Extensive bone loss associated with severe vascular injury remains a challenge for lower extremity reconstruction. The fibular free flap has been utilized for many decades to reconstruct long-segment tibial defects. We present an unusual scenario of unilateral weight-bearing, wherein we salvaged the sole lower extremity by transfer of the fractured ipsilateral fibula and a bipedicled skin flap. A 38-year-old man sustained a severe crush injury in the right leg with loss of circulation. His left lower leg had a soft tissue defect measuring 20×15 cm with an exposed comminuted fracture and a 17-cm tibial defect, along with a segmental fracture of the fibula. Subsequently, we reconstructed the tibial defect by transferring a 17-cm-long section of the ipsilateral fibula. We covered the soft tissue defect with a bipedicled skin flap. The patient eventually began to ambulate independently after surgery.

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References

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