Resurfacing of Amputation Stumps using free Tissue Transfer

Loss of limb is a catastrophic event in the life of an individual. It takes a long time for him to come to term with the reality. The amputation stump requires a well-padded, stable, pain free and sensate soft tissue cover to allow wearing of a well fitted prosthesis. Providing such a cover is difficult at times due to paucity of soft tissue in the vicinity of the stump. Such cases may be treated by bringing tissue from a distant site. Cross leg flaps place the patient in an awkward, uncomfortable position for a long time and involve multistage surgery. Free tissue transfer using micro-vascular technique offers a single stage surgery in difficult cases. Three cases are reported, using the latissimus dorsi myocutaneous free flap in two cases and the radial artery forearm free flap in one patient.