DONOR SITE MORBIDITY OF FIBULAR FLAP

Abstract

Objective: To present the early and late outcomes related to donor site morbidity of Free Fibular Flap.

Study Design: Prospective observational study.

Place and Duration of Study: Plastic surgery department, Combined Military Hospital Rawalpindi, from Jan 2009 to Jan 2020.

Methodology: In total 361 patients were enrolled for the study through consecutive purposive sampling. All patients requiring free fibula flap for reconstruction of the defect were included in the study. However, the patients with Diabetes Mellitus, Smoking or peripheral vascular disease were excluded from the study. The patients were asked to visit on second week and then at three months for late outcomes. The results were entered SPSS-24 for analysis and interpretation of data.

Results: Out of total 361 patients enrolled for study 293 (81.16%) were male and 68 (18.83%) were female. The men age was 51.43 years SD 14.6 (range 4 year to 68 years). In early outcomes, graft loss 29 (8.03%) and sensory deficit 19 (5.26%), are the commonest adverse outcomes. Results of late follow up revealed chronic pain in 29 (8.03%), ankle instability in 24 (6.64%), gait abnormality in 29 (8.76%) and claw toe in 33 (9.14%) patients. The American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score was 88.45%. Majority (52.63%) patients were very satisfied.

Conclusion: The free Fibula is excellent choice for reconstruction of a wide range of osseous defects with minimum donor site morbidity and high satisfaction rate among the patients.
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