QUANTITATIVE-EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTS OF GRAVITY AND DEPENDENCY ON MICROVASCULAR TISSUE TRANSFER TO THE LOWER-LIMB, WITH CLINICAL-APPLICATIONS

The authors have attempted quantitatively to evaluate the effects of g ravity and dependency on free-tissue transfers to the lower limb, part icularly in the immediate postoperative period, using the diagnostic m odalities of Doppler ultrasonography and interstitial compartment pres sure measurements. Results of these quantitative evaluations promoted a change in postoperative management among patients undergoing lower-l imb tissue transfer. The experience in two patient cohorts is presente d.