Outcomes of free flaps in patients with diabetes mellitus and open lower limb fractures: a retrospective cohort study

Key Points

• The aim is to evaluate the outcomes of free flap procedures in diabetic patients with open lower limb fractures and identify factors influencing success.
• Retrospective cohort analysis of patients with diabetes mellitus undergoing free flap surgery for lower limb fractures.
• Assessment of surgical complications and flap failure rates among this patient population.
• Patients with diabetes mellitus exhibited higher rates of flap failure compared to those without diabetes.
• A multidisciplinary approach to perioperative care showed potential for improving surgical outcomes.