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J Reconstr Microsurg 2021; 37(09): 744-752
DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1726396
Original Article

A Novel Technique for Radiographic Diagnosis of Sarcopenia that Accurately Predicts Postoperative Complications in Lower Extremity Free Flap Patients

Suma S. Maddox   *
1   Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana
,
Patrick A. Palines    *
1   Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana
,
Ryan D. Hoffman
1   Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana
,
Denise M. Danos
2   Department of Behavioral and Community Health, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana
,
Daniel J. Womac
1   Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana
3   University Medical Center–LCMC Health, New Orleans, Louisiana
,
Charles T. Tuggle
1   Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana
3   University Medical Center–LCMC Health, New Orleans, Louisiana
,
Mark W. Stalder
1   Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana
3   University Medical Center–LCMC Health, New Orleans, Louisiana
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Abstract

Background Sarcopenia is linked to poor outcomes throughout the surgical literature and can be assessed on preoperative imaging to potentially aid in risk stratification. This study examined the effects of sarcopenia on surgical morbidity following lower extremity (LE) reconstruction, and also compared two methods of assessment, one of which is novel (“ellipse method”).

Methods A retrospective cohort study of 50 patients receiving free flap-based reconstruction of the LE was performed. Bilateral psoas density and area were quantified at L4 through tracing (“traditional method”) and encircling (“ellipse method”) to calculate Hounsfield unit average calculation (HUAC). Logistic regression and receiving operator curve analysis for the primary outcome of any postoperative complication was used to determine HUAC cutoffs (≤ 20.7 vs. ≤ 20.6) for sarcopenia. Risk of complications associated with sarcopenia was evaluated using Fisher's exact tests.

Results Twelve patients (24%) met criteria for sarcopenia via the traditional method and 16 (32%) via the ellipse method. By both methods, sarcopenic patients were older and more often female and diabetic. These patients also had higher American Society of Anesthesiologists scores and lower serum prealbumin levels. The ellipse method was found to be more accurate, sensitive, and specific than the traditional method in predicting postoperative morbidity (p = 0.009). Via the ellipse method, sarcopenic patients were at higher risk for any complication (p = 0.002) and were at a higher risk for a deep vein thrombus or pulmonary embolism via the traditional method (p = 0.047).

Conclusion Sarcopenia is associated with greater pre- and postoperative morbidity in LE reconstruction. The novel ellipse method is a simplified and accurate method of assessing sarcopenia that can be easily performed in the clinical setting.

Keywords

sarcopenia - lower extremity reconstruction - free flaps

* Co-first authors.




Publication History

Received: 26 October 2020

Accepted: 27 January 2021

Article published online:
14 April 2021

© 2021. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.
333 Seventh Avenue, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10001, USA

 

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