In this episode of Plastics in Practice, we break down one of the most enduring debates in reconstructive microsurgery: Muscle vs. Fasciocutaneous (FC) flaps for lower limb trauma. For decades, residents were taught that muscle was mandatory for open fractures and osteomyelitis due to its superior vascularity and dead-space obliteration. But does the modern evidence support this?

We analyze landmark papers including the massive retrospective review by Yazar et al. and the controlled osteomyelitis study by Salgado et al., which suggest clinical equivalence between the two tissue types. We also dive into the biological nuances reviewed by Chan et al., highlighting why muscle might still hold the edge in specific scenarios—and how chimeric flaps offer a "best of both worlds" solution.

Key Takeaways for Residents:

• Debridement is King: The single most critical factor for success is not the tissue type, but the adequacy of the debridement.

• Clinical Equivalence: For distal third and ankle defects, FC flaps show statistically equivalent rates of flap survival, infection, and union compared to muscle flaps.

• The Practical Edge: FC flaps offer superior aesthetics, less donor morbidity, and are easier to re-elevate for secondary orthopedic procedures (hardware removal/bone grafting).

• Biological Nuance: Muscle tissue retains biological superiority (osteogenic potential and antimicrobial properties) for deep, complex, 3D dead spaces.

• The Chimeric Solution: Consider chimeric flaps (e.g., ALT + Vastus Lateralis) to combine biological dead-space filling with cutaneous coverage.

Citations:

1. Yazar S, Lin CH, Lin YT, et al. Outcome comparison between free muscle and free fasciocutaneous flaps for reconstruction of distal third and ankle open tibial fractures. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2006;117(7):2468-2475. doi:10.1097/01.prs.0000224304.56885.c2

2. Salgado CJ, Mardini S, Jamali AA, et al. Muscle versus nonmuscle flaps in the reconstruction of chronic osteomyelitis defects. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2006;118(6):1401-1411. doi:10.1097/01.prs.0000239579.37760.92

3. Chan JK, Harry L, Williams G, Nanchahal J. Soft-tissue reconstruction of open fractures of the lower limb: muscle versus fasciocutaneous flaps. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2012;130(2):284e-295e. doi:10.1097/PRS.0b013e3182589e63

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Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice.

Foot and ankle reconstruction is a battlefield of function and form. Every subunit has its own demands — the dorsum needs thin, pliable coverage; the heel demands durable, glabrous-like skin. In this landmark PRS 2010 paper, Hollenbeck et al. applied the subunit principle to 165 free flaps, giving surgeons a blueprint for tailored, long-term reconstruction success.

Summary:This episode breaks down the seven distinct subunits of the foot and ankle, each with unique reconstructive goals. We discuss the data behind flap outcomes, limb salvage (89% at 5 years), and complication rates, including the common pitfalls like flap debulking and late ulceration — especially in the heel subunit.
We’ll explore how subunit-based flap planning improves durability, shoe-fit, and overall limb function — plus, how specific flaps like the radial forearm, ALT, and latissimus dorsi perform across zones.

Key Takeaways:

• 7 subunits = 7 reconstructive goals.

• Heel (Subunit 5) = highest instability risk.

• Mean ambulation: 3.1 months.

• Limb salvage: 89% at 5 years.

• Subunit mapping improves both form and function.

  
  

Citation:

Hollenbeck ST, Woo S, Komatsu I, et al. Longitudinal Outcomes and Application of the Subunit Principle to 165 Foot and Ankle Free Tissue Transfers. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2010;125(3):924–934. DOI: 10.1097/PRS.0b013e3181cc9630

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Orbital floor fractures are among the most common midfacial injuries—and understanding when and how to operate is key for every resident. In this episode, we break down the anatomy, evaluation, and evidence-based management of orbital blowout fractures, based on Gart & Gosain’s Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 2014 review.

We cover:

• Mechanisms — buckling vs. hydraulic theory, and why both matter.

• Clinical findings — diplopia, enophthalmos, oculocardiac reflex.

• Timing of repair — urgent (<48 hrs) indications vs. delayed (within 2 weeks).

• Surgical approaches — transconjunctival vs. subtarsal vs. subciliary.

• Implant materials — bone grafts, porous polyethylene, titanium mesh, and resorbables.

• Pediatric nuances — trapdoor fractures, oculocardiac reflex, and growth considerations.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

1. Early repair (<48 hrs) improves outcomes in entrapment and oculocardiac reflex.

2. Enophthalmos >2 mm or >50% floor involvement = strong indication for repair.

3. Transconjunctival approach offers lowest visible scarring; avoid subciliary ectropion.

4. In children, consider resorbable materials to avoid growth restriction.

📚 Reference:
Gart MS, Gosain AK. Orbital Floor Fractures. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2014;134(6):1345–1355. DOI: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000000719

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