Reconstruction of Anterior and Posterior Tibial Arteries as Recipient Vessels for Free Flap Transfer in Gustilo-Anderson Classification Type IIIB Severe Open Tibial Fractures.

[BACKGROUND] In severe lower leg trauma requiring soft tissue transfer, a limited number of run-off vessels is a risk factor for reoperation and flap necrosis. We hypothesized that early reconstruction of injured major arteries (the anterior tibial artery (ATA) or posterior tibial artery (PTA)) to prepare two recipient arterial systems could reduce anastomotic complications. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of arterial reconstruction in patients with severe lower extremity trauma.

[METHODS] This study included patients with Gustilo-Anderson type IIIB open lower leg fractures and arterial injuries who underwent free flap surgery. The patients were divided into two groups: group 1 comprised patients with ATA or PTA run-off at free-flap surgery, and group 2 comprised patients with both ATA and PTA run-off after early revascularization. Patient demographics, injury characteristics, and treatment details were recorded. Primary outcome was occurrence of flap necrosis, and secondary outcomes were occurrence of intraoperative anastomosis revision and unplanned return to operating room. Outcomes were statistically compared between the two groups.

[RESULTS] Groups 1 and 2 comprised 12 patients. Group 1 had a mean age of 38.7 years (nine males and three females), including nine ATA injuries and three PTA injuries: 11 latissimus dorsi (LD) and one anterolateral thigh (ALT) flaps were used. Group 2 had a mean age of 50.8 years (all males), with 2 ATA and 10 PTA injuries; 10 LD and 2 ALT flaps were used. Intraoperative revision and unplanned return were significantly more frequent in group 1 than in group 2 (both p = 0.029). Complete flap loss occurred in two patients in group 1 and none in group 2 (p = 0.333).

[CONCLUSIONS] Early reconstruction of injured arteries to prepare two recipient systems significantly reduced vascular complications and may improve free-flap outcomes in patients with severe open lower leg fractures.