Abstract
Background Microsurgical reconstruction of upper extremity injuries is often challenging, and
the resulting impact on the quality of life (QoL) may be significant. However, there
is a lack of knowledge on long-term patient-reported QoL.
Methods In a retrospective long-term follow-up study, all consecutive patients with an upper
extremity injury who had undergone a free flap reconstruction were identified and
categorized into three groups based on the type of injury. Patient-reported upper
extremity function and QoL were assessed using three validated questionnaires: the
36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and
Hand (DASH) questionnaire, and the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ).
Results A total of 61 patients were identified, of whom 10% had undergone a free flap reconstruction
for soft tissue loss only, 62% for an injury accompanied by a fracture, and 28% for
a (sub) total amputation. Twenty-one (44%) patients responded to the questionnaires,
with a mean follow-up time of 9.7 ± 6.2 years. Patients, on average, reported poorer
SF-36 “physical component score” and “role limitations due to physical health” scores
compared with Dutch norms. Also, they reported poorer mean DASH scores compared with
the general population, indicating worse upper extremity function. Mean MQH scores
were lower for the injured side compared with the noninjured side. Pain correlated
negatively with the total scores of DASH, MHQ, and SF-36.
Conclusion Free flap upper extremity reconstruction is challenging. At 10 years of follow-up,
the injury and its treatment continued to have a significant impact on the upper extremity
function and daily QoL, with chronic pain being an important factor negatively affecting
these outcomes.
Keywords
upper extremity - free flap - patient-reported outcomes
