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Free Flap Neurotization: Indications, Techniques, and Future Directions | Journal CME Article
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Availability
On-Demand
Expires on Jan 01, 2029
Credit Offered
1 CME Credit
0.5 Patient Safety Credit

This CME article reviews the recent trends and techniques in free flap neurotization.  As techniques have advanced in autologous free tissue transfer, increasing focus has been placed on functional reconstruction that not only achieves soft-tissue coverage but also maximizes overall function. One recent trend is the increasing use of neurotized free flaps to improve the sensibility of free flap reconstruction. Restoration of sensation to a reconstruction not only provides critically protective sensation but can also help to restore a sense of self and incorporation of the reconstructed tissues 

Learning Objectives
After viewing this course, the participant should be able to:
1.  Understand operative techniques for harvesting several different types of free flaps with sensory innervation.
2. Describe options for donor nerves for common recipient locations.
3. Discuss the clinical outcomes, advantages, and special considerations for free flap neurotization  

Christopher M. Frost, MD
Grant Kleiber, MD
Sami Tuffaha, MD
Bernard T. Lee, MD, MPH, MBA
Samuel J. Lin, MD, MBA
Kyle R. Eberlin, MD

Editor-in-Chief: Kevin Chung, MD

Co-Editor: Amy Colwell, MD

Section Editors: John Y.S. Kim, MD

The following ABMS core competencies will be addressed:
  • Patient Care and Procedural Skills
  • Medical Knowledge
  • Practice-based Learning and Improvement

Accreditation

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

 

Designation

The ASPS designates this enduring material for a maximum of 1.0AMA PRA Category 1 Credit. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Of the 1.0 credits, 0.5 have been identified as applicable to patient safety. 

AMA PRA Category 1 CreditTM :1.0

Patient Safety Credit:0.5

Media:Journal Article, video

Release Date: 04/010/2026

Expiration Date: 04/10/2029*

Estimated time to complete this course:1 hour

*Course access ends on course expiration date

 

Disclosure Policy
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) requires all faculty, authors, planners, reviewers, managers, staff and other individuals in a position to control or influence the content of an activity to disclose all relevant financial relationships or affiliations. All identified conflicts of interest must be resolved and the educational content thoroughly vetted by ASPS for fair balance, scientific objectivity and appropriateness of patient care recommendations. The ASPS also requires faculty/authors to disclose when off-label/unapproved uses of a product are discussed in a CME activity or included in related materials. 

Disclaimer: All relevant financial relationships for planners, faculty, and others in control of content (either individually or as a group) are reviewed by the ASPS Continuing Education Committee and have been mitigated, if applicable. 

Kyle R. Eberlin, MD is a consultant for AxoGen, Integra, Checkpoint, Tissium, Tulavi, and Biocircuit.

The following planners/faculty members/reviewers have no relevant financial relationships or affiliations to disclose:  
Christopher M. Frost, MD
Grant Kleiber, MD
Sami Tuffaha, MD
Bernard T. Lee, MD, MPH, MBA
Samuel J. Lin, MD, MBA

Recognition Statement
The Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits offered by this activity are enhanced by ASPS Learner Credit Reporting for learners who have opted into this reporting. Successful completion of this CME activity enables active American Board of Surgery (ABS) members the opportunity to earn credit toward the CME requirement of the ABS's Continuous Certification program when claimed within 30 days of completion of the activity.

Participants in ASPS-accredited education who want their CME credits reported to certifying and state licensing boards must opt-in to reporting and add their NPI as well as state license ID and/or collaborating board ID(s) before claiming credit.

 

Directly provided by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons® (ASPS®)