Microsurgical Reconstruction in the Elderly

• Published in: Orthopedics & Traumatology Vol. 48; no. 3; pp. 978 - 981
• Main Authors: Mimura, Hiroshi, Kihune, Masao, Azuma, Eiji, Yugue, Daishiro, Kajiyama, Shiro, Nakamura, Katsumi, Sakai, Kazuhiro, Otsuka, Kazutaka
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: West-Japanese Society of Orthopedics & Traumatology 1999
• Subjects: Complications; Early rehabilitation; Elderly patients; Microsurgery
• ISSN: 0037-1033; 1349-4333; 1349-4333
• DOI: 10.5035/nishiseisai.48.978

We reviewed 10 cases of 9 elderly patients over 70 years of age who underwent microsurgical reconstruction. 4 free tissue transfers, 2 replantations, 2 vascular reconstruction and 2 neural sutures were performed. In 4 cases, in spite of the presence of sclerotic vessels, vascular anastomoses were successful. Veinous thrombosis, replantation failure, donor site wound necrosis, pressure sore of the heel, pneumonia and delirium were found as postoperative complications. The success rate was 87.5 percent. The success rate of microsurgical reconstructions in the elderly did not differ from that in younger patients to a great extent. Complications due to arteriosclerosis, weakness of the skin and gineral complications should be taken into account preoperatively. Preoperative angiography and atraumtic vascular anastomosis to avoid ablation of the internal membrane are inevitable. Short term fixation of the joints and early rehabilitation are to be expected.