DO LOCAL TRANSPOSITION FLAPS OF THE LOWER LEG ENDANGER LEG FUNCTION AND VASCULAR SUPPLY - NEW ASPECTS IN THE COVERAGE OF SOFT-TISSUE DEFECTS

Postoperative clinical examination and isokinetic diagnosis were performed in 18 cases of muscle transposition flaps in the lower extremity out of a group of 40 patients treated in this way. We measured postoperative function in addition to venous backflow and arterial supply. In patients who had no postoperative physical therapy, results of the dynamometric examination showed a significant difference between the healthy and the operated leg. Despite this, 89% were unrestricted in their ability to walk, and all patients returned to their former occupations. There was no functional restriction by using muscular transposition flaps for defect coverage in the lower extremity. To achieve complete muscle rehabilitation, postoperative physical therapy is necessary.