Soft-Tissue Reconstruction of Open Fractures of the Lower Limb: Muscle versus Fasciocutaneous Flaps

Early vascularized soft-tissue closure has long been recognized to be essential in achieving eventual infection-free union. The question of whether muscle or fasciocutaneous tissue is superior in terms of promoting fracture healing remains unresolved. In this article, the authors review the experimental and clinical evidence for the different tissue types and advocate that the biological role of flaps should be included as a key consideration during flap selection. (Plast. Reconstr. Surg. 130: 284e, 2012.)