Reconstruction of Degloving Foot Injuries Performing Free Microvascular Flap: Our Cases and a Comprehensive Literature Review

Katrin M Stanger*

Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany

^*Correspondance to: Katrin M Stanger 

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Abstract:

Background: Degloving injuries are serious and potentially life-threatening traumas that often result from industrial or traffic accidents. The aim of this study is to consolidate the current literature into an overview that is intended to serve as guidance. Further, the study contains four case reports, including a follow-up period of over 10 years. Methods: The entire PubMed database was screened in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines in May 2022, focusing on studies and reports of degloving injuries of the foot. Four cases included complex foot injuries treated between 2009 and 2022. Three of the four patients presented with multiple open fractures or amputations with uncovered tendinous or osseous structures. In one patient, the entire foot was affected, whereas in the other three patients, the skin was partially avulsed. Outcomes were evaluated using the American Orthopaedic Foot Association score questionnaire. Results: All patients were treated interdisciplinary and underwent soft-tissue reconstruction using a free microvascular flap. Between 1973 and May 2022, 45 articles presented cases treated for degloving injuries incorporating 142 treated patients. Soft tissue reconstruction includes free tissue transfer, skin grafting with cryopreservation, and vacuum-assisted closure. Conclusion: Degloving injuries are very demanding and rare injuries. Appropriate treatment should be planned individually in an interdisciplinary approach. The area of microsurgery enables the preservation of the limb with good functional outcomes.

Keywords:

Degloving foot injuries; Microvascular free tissue transfer; Microsurgery; AOFAS

Cite the Article:

Katrin M Stanger. Reconstruction of Degloving Foot Injuries Performing Free Microvascular Muscle-Flap: Our Cases and a Comprehensive Literature Review. Ann Clin Case Rep. 2024; 9: 2682..