The gracilis free flap revisited: a review of 25 cases of transfer to traumatic extremity wounds.

Trauma to the extremities often results in a complex bony and soft-tissue injury requiring free flap reconstruction. Muscles from various body sites have been used in extremity reconstruction since the early 1970s. The gracilis muscle is usually not considered the first choice for free flap reconstruction of these defects.

Alternative modalities of ventilation in acute respiratory failure.

Acute respiratory failure continues to complicate the management of critically ill trauma and surgical patients. Despite an increased understanding of the pathophysiology of this process, there is no golden bullet with which to stop or reverse it. Management remains directed toward maintenance of gas exchange and minimizing complications until such time as the process that initiated the respiratory failure has resolved and the lungs have an opportunity to recover.