Increasing use of the scapula osteocutaneous free flap

Objectives: To determine the appropriate use of the scapula osteocutaneous free flap (SOFF) and to document donor site morbidity. Study Design: Retrospective review and prospective physical therapy evaluation. Methods: A computer database of all free flap procedures performed at a single institution was created. Specific clinical and operative details from cases involving a bone flap were extracted from the database. Rates of usage of the various osteocutaneous flaps were compared over four successive a-year intervals (1992-1999). A single physical therapist performed a structured evaluation of the donor site. Results: Overall, 64 bone flap procedures were performed, of which 24 (37.5%) were SOFF procedures. The SOFF utilization has increased from 6.6% to 63.6%, while fibula and iliac crest utilization has fallen significantly. This is in part because of the greater versatility of the SOFF, with the possibility of separate skin paddles and adequate bone length. The mean cutaneous area harvested with the SOFF was 110 cm(2) (range, 48-200 cm(2)) compared with 55.4 cm(2) (range, 25-102 cm(2)) and 77.6 cm(2) (range, 50-120 cm(2)) for the fibula and iliac crest, respectively. Mean bone flap lengths were 8.37, 7.65, and 10.1 cm, respectively, for the SOFF, fibula, and iliac crest. Dual skin paddles were used in 50% of the SOFF procedures versus 2.8% for the fibula flap procedures. There were no significant complications of the donor site in any patient, and there was only one flap failure (4.1%). Related to the SOFF, donor site morbidity was subjectively judged as mild, for pain, mobility, and strength. There were no complaints of poor appearance of the donor site. Activities of daily living mere judged as not limited or limited a little in the majority of patients. Objective measurements of range of motion revealed an average reduction of 1 degrees to 12 degrees in five different shoulder functions. Elbow and arm ranges of motion mere not limited. Strength was minimally reduced in the shoulder, while the arm and forearm showed no reduction in strength. Conclusions: The SOFF is a versatile osteocutaneous free flap that can be used for a multitude of reconstructive problems. This and its relative lack of significant donor site morbidity have caused its use to increase significantly.