INFECTION PROPHYLAXIS IN COMPLEX LIMB TRA UMA THROUGH DEFINITIVE RECONSTRUCTION WITH AN EMERGENCY FREE-FLAP

The concept of emergency free tissue transfer for severe extremity inj uries represents a cutting-edge technology. We discuss our very positi ve results with this technique. The conceptual reasons for these favor able results, compared with conventional approaches, are also discusse d. An initial, radical debridement is the most important part of the o peration. This is then followed by osteosynthesis. The correct type of free tissue transfer is chosen according to the requirements of the s oft tissue defect. Qualitatively better results with earlier definitiv e rehabilitation were achieved with free tissue transfer performed dur ing the acute stage of limb wound treatment. The follow-up period rang ed from 3 months to 8 years. We experienced neither flap loss, osteomy elitis, nor severe wound infection. Using the modern concept of emerge ncy free tissue transfer, we reduced the rate of flap loss and associa ted morbidity while achieving a functionally improved reconstruction.