Abstract
Background Despite a growing body of knowledge, the timing of microsurgical reconstruction for
the upper extremity remains a controversial topic. Most of the available literature
deals with lower extremity reconstruction and the few reports on microsurgical reconstruction
of the upper extremity are mostly concerned with infection rates and rarely consider
thrombosis and changes in coagulation parameters.
Methods We performed a retrospective review of all free flaps performed for upper extremity
reconstruction at our institution from 2000 to 2010. Only acute, isolated traumatic
defects of the upper extremity requiring a free flap for reconstruction were included
in this study. A review of medical records was performed to assess, among others,
comorbidities, timing of reconstruction, and platelet levels.
Results A total of 41 patients were included in this study, 70% of whom were male. Mean age
at the time of surgery was 40.8 ± 15.4 years. Patients who were directly referred
to our hospital underwent reconstruction significantly faster than those who were
transferred secondarily (p = 0.0001). The number of surgical revisions as well as the flap loss rate was higher
in patients undergoing reconstruction more than 1 week after trauma (p = 0.09 and 0.033, respectively). A significantly higher platelet count was seen in
the patients undergoing delayed reconstruction (p = 0.002).
Conclusion In our study, early microsurgical reconstruction of the upper extremity yielded better
results in terms of lower rates of surgical revisions and flap loss. This might be
partly because of a trauma-induced thrombocythemia, with a maximum level of platelets
in the 2nd week post trauma. We, therefore, advocate a timely coverage of these defects
along with an anticoagulatory regimen including some form of platelet inhibition.
Keywords
free flap - timing - microsurgical reconstruction - upper extremity - coagulation
- platelets - trauma
