MICROVASCULAR RECONSTRUCTION OF REVASCULARISED DIABETIC LIMB

AIM -Reconstruction in a revascularised diabetic limb should result in the useful,shoeable and stable foot or remnants of foot that renders the patient ambulant.METHODS 14 cases of revascularised diabetic feet were reconstructed in the Department of Plastic surgery in Madras Medical College.12 males and 2 females aged between 55 to 62 years with 6 Latissimus Dorsi flaps,4 Gracilis flaps,1 Radial free forearm flap,2 Antero Lateral Thigh flaps and 1 Medial Plantar Artery Flap. RESULTSMean time taken from revascularisation and reconstruction to shoeable and stable foot or foot remnants is 3 months. Complications were seen in 3 cases .Conclusion- vascular free flaps bring in well vascularised tissue for stable cover of the diabetic foot with minimal complications.