Early Weight-Bearing After Fibula Free Flap Surgery.

ABSTRACT:

Importance

Despite the widespread use of fibula free flap (FFF) surgery for head and neck reconstruction, there are no studies assessing if early weight-bearing (EWB) affects postoperative recovery, and the timing of weight-bearing initiation following FFF surgery varies considerably across institutions. Therefore, it is important to understand the effect of EWB in these patients and whether it could improve postoperative recovery.

Objective

To assess the association of EWB after FFF surgery with donor-site complications, length of stay, and discharge to home status.

Design, setting, and participants

This retrospective cohort study took place at Massachusetts Eye and Ear, a single tertiary care institution in Boston, Massachusetts. A total of 152 patients who received

SUBMITTER: Kim M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10853825 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature