Advances in functional limb reconstruction in the irradiated setting

Abstract

The management of extremity soft tissue sarcoma is constantly evolving, and, in recent decades, limb salvage has been the main goal. More commonly, this is being achieved with a combination of neo-adjuvant radiotherapy, followed by wide excision and soft tissue reconstruction in the form of vascularised soft tissue transfer. Although limb salvage is now readily achievable, the resultant functional disabilities following excision of major musculotendinous and neurovascular structures can be life changing. In recent years, there has been a move towards functional limb reconstruction in the form of free functioning muscle transfer. This paper reviews the advances in functional limb reconstruction in the setting of preoperative radiation and reports our experience in this challenging reconstructive field.

Keywords

Sarcoma / radiation / functional limb reconstruction / free functioning muscle transfer / nerve transfer

References

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