Free-flap harvesting from paralytic limbs of poliomyelitis patients: a safe and feasible option

Abstract

Background: Many patients who had childhood poliomyelitis are still suffering from the late sequalae of the condition. Free-flap harvesting from the paralytic limbs from these patients is a logical approach for functional preservation. However, concerns have been raised regarding its safety due to its hypoplastic vascular system and potential donor site healing problems. Case report: A 53-year-old man with known childhood poliomyelitis presented with left facial sarcoma. After wide excision, the defect was reconstructed with a dual-island fasciocutaneous-free anterolateral thigh flap harvested from his paralytic limb. The pedicle and perforators were found to be no different from those in normal limbs. His recovery was smooth without complications. Conclusions: On the basis of our experience and current evidence in the literature, we believe that free-flap harvesting from the paralytic lower limb in poliomyelitis patients is a safe option that incurs no additional risk and allows maximal function preservation. © 2011 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.