Comparison of Patient-Reported Outcomes after Local Flap Coverage versus Amputation for Complex Lower Extremity Trauma

Abstract

Background: There is a paucity of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) data in lower extremity salvage. Limb salvage can often be achieved with the use of local muscle flaps or fasciocutaneous flaps. The purpose of this study was to compare PROs of patients who underwent lower extremity salvage using local fasciocutaneous flaps or muscle flaps to lower extremity amputation. Materials and Methods: The outcomes of 61 patients that underwent lower extremity local flap reconstruction ( n = 33) or amputation ( n = 28) between 2014 and 2020 were recorded. Chart reviews were performed to collect perioperative data. Patients were contacted via telephone for participation in the survey portion of our study. PROs were recorded utilizing both the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) and the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). Results: Surveys were completed by 61 patients (response rate 59.2%). The mean time of survey after flap reconstruction or amputation was 2.7 ± 1.4 years. Recent trauma (within 90 days) was the most common indication for local flap coverage ( n = 23). LEFS score and SF-36 physical functioning scores were significantly lower in patients who underwent muscle flaps compared with fasciocutaneous flaps ( p = 0.021 and p = 0.022). Muscle flap patients had similar LEFS and SF-36 scores to amputation patients, while fasciocutaneous flap patients had significantly higher LEFS ( p = 0.01), SF-36 physical functioning ( p = 0.031), physical role functioning ( p = 0.031), and emotional role functioning ( p = 0.047) scores than amputation patients. Conclusion: Patients who underwent local fasciocutaneous flaps for limb salvage reported higher PRO scores than those undergoing amputation, while patients undergoing muscle flaps reported outcomes similar to those undergoing amputation. PROs for muscle flap patients were significantly lower than those of fasciocutaneous flap patients. These data suggest that while fasciocutaneous and muscle flaps are both useful limb salvage procedures, fasciocutaneous flaps may confer advantages that result in improved patient-perceived outcomes. Further study is needed to better characterize outcomes in limb salvage.