Abstract
Objects: We performed a retrospective study to evaluate the validity of a free flap procedure for limb-salvage. Patients and Methods: Seventy-two patients with a foot ulcer were admitted to the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery of Fujisawa Citizens’ Hospital between 2007 and 2010. A free flap was applied to 6 patients. We compared the preoperative background and postoperative course between the 6 patients treated with a free flap and the 66 patients not treated with a free flap. Results: Mean age of patients treated with a free flap was 14 years old younger than that of patients without the free flap. All 6 cases had uncontrolled diabetes. Although vessel anastomosis was successful in all cases, total flap loss occurred in one case due to infection. One patient was unable to bear weight on her salvaged foot and eventually died, and another patient did not maintain contact with us after discharge. Conclusions: A free flap can be safely performed in younger patients with diabetic foot ulcer, but patient adherence should be considered. A multidisciplinary team approach for diabetic foot ulcers might be necessary to improve the results of limb-salvage procedure using a free flap.
