Outcomes of Free Muscle Flaps versus Free Fasciocutaneous Flaps for Lower Limb Reconstruction following Trauma: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

The rate of total flap failure, re-operation, or limb salvage is not significantly different between muscle and fasciocutaneous free flaps after lower limb reconstruction following trauma. Partial flap failure rates appear to be lower with fasciocutaneous free flaps. Outcomes traditionally thought to be managed better with muscle free flaps, such as osteomyelitis and rates of fracture union, were comparable.