Functional Muscle Transfer In Extremity Reconstruction

Removal or large tumours of the extremities, bad infections or high-energy trauma can sometimes lead to most of the muscles of the extremity being compromised. Inadequate reconstruction and rehabilitation of these wounds can lead to long-term loss of function.

Functional muscle transfer is the term used when muscle along with its supplying blood supply and nerve are transferred as a flap and reattached to the nerve and vessels at the recipient site, with the muscle transferred replacing what is lost. Over time, the muscle and nerves reintegrate to achieve movement. Though this may not ever achieve the original strength of the muscles lost and do require a long period of nerve regeneration and rehabilitation, there is usually significant improvement in quality of life and function.

Our surgeon at Polaris Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery is trained in functional muscle reconstruction and routinely performs these complex surgeries for oncological related extremity wounds.