OBJECTIVETo study the safety and effects of free composite tissue flaps in repairing devastating wounds in early stage.

METHODSOne hundred and twenty-three patients with 128 devastating wounds hospitalized in our burns center from 2005 to 2009 were repaired with free flaps or composite tissue flaps. Flap types used included 58 latissimus dorsi muscular flaps, 32 anterolateral thigh flaps, 21 circumflex scapular flaps, 6 dorsalis pedis composite flaps, 3 big toe nail skin flaps, 3 forearm flaps, and 1 lateral thoracic flap. One wound was repaired with lateral lower leg flap with fibula, and 3 wounds with free latissimus dorsi muscular flap plus skin graft.

RESULTSVascular crisis was observed in 10 transplanted flaps 1 to 5 days after operation; 6 flaps with this complication were saved after emergency surgical exploration. Total survival rate of transplanted flaps and composite tissue flaps was 95.3% (122/128). All patients were followed up for 3 months to 4 years; satisfactory appearance and restoration of partial function were found in all of them.

CONCLUSIONSFree composite tissue transplantation reduces amputation rate, achieves primary reconstruction of function with good appearance, shortens length of hospital stay, and reduces surgical operation time, complications, and treatment cost. It is a good approach in the repair of massive devastating soft tissue injury.