Free functional rectus femoris muscle transfer for restoration of extension of the foot after lower leg compartment syndrome

In severely injured lower extremities with loss of the anterior compartment, the free functional rectus femoris musculocutaneous flap was used to restore extension of the foot and in soft-tissue reconstruction. From June 2000-July 2002, 3 patients were treated with this technique. Mean follow-up of the 3 patients was 27 months. Electromyography and the Stanmore system (recording pain, need for orthosis, ability to wear normal shoes, activity level, muscle power, active extension of the foot, and foot posture) were used to assess results of functional rectus femoris transfer. One patient had an excellent result, one patient had a good result, and one patient had a poor result, as assessed by the Stanmore system. Free functional rectus femoris transfer can obtain excellent results in treating foot-drop and soft-tissue defects due to lower leg compartment syndrome and loss of all muscles of the anterior compartment. (c)