Perforator propeller flaps for lower extremity soft-tissue defect reconstruction: Shortening the learning curve

BackgroundThe perforator propeller flap is an advantageous option for soft tissue reconstruction in the lower limb as it ensures the preservation of the main artery and muscle, eliminates the need for microsurgical reconstruction as well as provides “like with like” resurfacing of the defects. Despite this, it remains a technically demanding reconstructive option for residents and surgeons with little experience in perforator dissection. We aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of our patients whose soft tissue defects were addressed with propeller flaps.MethodsA retrospective study of all propeller flap based reconstruction done on patients with soft tissue defects involving the distal third of the leg was undertaken from August 2018 to December 2020.Results28 patients were treated with propeller flaps for various lower extremity defects. The median defect size was 12 cm². The posterior tibial artery (PTA) was used in eleven cases (39.3%) and the peroneal artery (PA) in seventeen of the cases (60.7%). The complication rate was 28.6% (n = 8). The complete flap necrosis rate was 10.7% (n = 3) and partial flap necrosis rate was 7.1% (n = 2), The rate of venous congestion was 7.1% (n = 2) and wound dehiscence occurred in 3.5% (n = 1). There was a significant negative correlation between the number of cases performed by a resident and the operative time.ConclusionAlthough propeller flaps are a reliable option to address lower extremity defects, they have a long learning curve and require a good amount of experience and perforator dissection skills to reduce the probability of flap failure. We are of the opinion that residents should be adequately trained in this procedure to ensure optimal outcome delivery.     

小腿穿支血管筋膜蒂皮瓣修复下肢软组织缺损

目的:探讨小腿穿支血管筋膜蒂皮瓣转移的手术方法和临床效果.方法:1998年5月至2009年1月临床应用带小腿内、后、前外、后外侧穿支血管的筋膜蒂皮瓣邻近转位,对下肢皮肤软组织缺损创面进行修复共62例,男50例,女12例;年龄7～78岁.其中应用带胫后动脉穿支的小腿内侧筋膜蒂皮瓣23例,带腓动脉终末穿支小腿前外侧筋膜蒂皮辩9例,带腓动脉穿支腓肠神经营养血管筋膜蒂皮瓣22例,带腘外侧动脉小腿后外侧筋膜蒂皮瓣8例.结果:除2例术后皮辩远端表皮坏死结痂,1例皮瓣远端部分皮肤坏死行Ⅱ期植皮,其余皮瓣均完全成活.随访1个月～3年,皮瓣外观满意,功能良好.结论:小腿部单个穿支血管供血面积有限,应用带穿支血管营养血管链的筋膜蒂度瓣可扩大小腿皮瓣的裁取面积,保证皮瓣的血供及回流.     

Perforator Propeller Flap “Relay” for Distal Lower Extremity Soft Tissue Reconstruction

The peroneal artery perforator propeller flap is commonly used for distal lower extremity reconstruction; however, closure of the donor site defect can limit the utility of this flap. To overcome this limitation, we introduced a perforator propeller flap relay technique to reconstruct the donor-site defect. Between July 2015 and February 2019, the propeller flap relay technique was applied in 9 patients. In each case, a peroneal artery perforator propeller flap was transferred to repair a defect in the distal lower leg or the foot. In addition, a neighboring perforator propeller flap was transferred to close the donor-site defect. The peroneal artery perforator propeller flaps ranged from 14 × 4 to 29 × 8 cm² in size. Donor-site closure was accomplished using the relaying propeller flaps based on perforators from the peroneal, medial sural, and lateral sural arteries. Normal contour of the lower leg was preserved with acceptable scars. Additional time for the second flap procedure was less than 1 hour in each case. One peroneal artery perforator flap presented with partial flap necrosis. Other flaps survived completely without complication. Coverage of the donor-site defects of the peroneal artery perforator flaps can be achieved using various perforator propeller flaps. The perforator propeller flap relay technique allows surgeons to harvest a large peroneal artery perforator flap without being limited by significant donor-site morbidity. This technique can reconstruct defects at distal lower extremity with low morbidity and improved overall reconstructive results.     

Combined multi-lobed flaps: A series of 39 extensive hand and multi-digit injuries one-staged reconstructions using modified designs of ALT,DPA and chimeric linking flaps

IntroductionThe use of multiple small flaps linked in a “chain-linked” flap microanastomosed chimeric system is recommended in distal hand and digital defects reconstruction. The aim of this study is to demonstrates our experience utilizing microsurgical fabrication, multi-lobed and linking combined flaps for the reconstruction of hand degloving injuries with complex multidigit soft tissue defects.MethodsMicroanastomosed chimeric flap systems using ALT and DPA modified designed flaps were combined in five selections to cover extensive soft tissue defects involving the hands and multiple digits of 39 patients (M:F − 36:3) from October 2009 to February 2013. Five different microsurgical combined chimeric flap systems utilised in extensive hand and multidigit injuries; innervated ALT flaps, multilobed DPA flaps, innervated ALT flap with multilobed DPA flap, innervated ALT flap with sensate ALT flap and bilobed ALT flap with multilobed DPA flap. All DPA donor sites were reconstructed using free ALT flap and anterior tibial artery propeller flap.ResultsThirty-nine combined free flap extremities reconstructions on 39 patients (M:F − 36:3) with average age 28.5 (18–45) years sustained traumatic degloving injuries, 24 from road traffic accidents and 15 from industrial devices. Five different designs of combined multi-lobed flaps have be successfully used without any peri-operative complications. Average follow-up of 12 months, all flaps survived without complications. Operated extremities showed favorable functional recovery with restoration of the diminished protective sensation on the flap through reinnervation. All flaps survived uneventfully with coverage matching the texture and color of the recipients. Donor sites healed without complication.ConclusionThe microsurgical fabrication of chimeric ALT flaps and multilobed DPA flaps is a valuable alternative for the reconstruction of hand degloving injury with complex multidigit soft tissue defects.Level of evidence: Level IV, therapeutic study.     

Distally based sural fasciomyocutaneous flap: Anatomic study and modified technique for complicated wounds of the lower third leg and weight bearing heel

The reconstruction of the distal third leg and weight‐bearing heel, especially when complicated with infection and/or dead space, remains a challenge in reconstructive surgery. The distally based sural neurofasciomyocutaneous flap has been proved a valuable tool in repair of the soft tissue defects of those areas. In this report, we present the results of the anatomical study on vascular communication between the suprafascial sural neurovascular axis and the deep gastrocnemius muscle and a modified technique in clinical applications for reconstruction of the soft tissue defects in the distal lower leg and heel. Six lower limbs of fresh cadavers were injected with red gelatin and dissected. A constant vascular connection with average four musculo‐fasciocutaneous perforators with diameter 0.2–0.5 mm was identified in the overlapping area between the suprafascial sural neurovascular axis and the deep gastrocnemius muscle. Based on these findings, a modified distally based sural neurofasciomyocutaneous flap including the distal gastrocnemius muscle component was designed and used for repairs of the soft tissue defects in the distal lower limb and plantar heel pad in six patients. The blood supplies of flaps comprised either the peroneal perforator and adipofascial pedicle or the peroneal perforator only. The average size of the fasciocutaneous flap was 51 cm², and the muscle component 17.7 cm². All flaps survived uneventfully. Our results suggest that this technical modification could provide wider range for applications of the distally based sural neurofasciomyocutaneous flap in repair of the soft tissue defects of the lower extremity and heel. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2009.     

顺行及逆行腓肠神经营养血管皮瓣的临床应用

目的:探讨腓肠神经营养血管皮瓣顺行及逆行转移的临床特点。方法:应用顺行(4例)及逆行(15例)腓肠神经营养血管皮瓣修复下肢软组织缺损19例,男14例,女5例;年龄16~55岁。其中足背5例,足跟3例,踝部1例,胫骨远端6例,胫骨近端及膝部4例。8例为避免神经血管束与皮瓣脱套,连同少量腓肠肌纤维一起带入皮瓣;3例采用不带皮切取筋膜瓣的方式,以改善静脉回流。皮瓣切取面积6 cm×5 cm~16 cm×8 cm。结果:15例皮瓣成活,随访2个月~1年,皮瓣质地满意。2例部分坏死,2例皮瓣有水泡、边缘坏死或部分表皮坏死。结论:腓肠神经营养血管皮瓣血运丰富,覆盖范围广,是修复下肢软组织缺损的理想皮瓣。分离皮瓣时注意保护上下节段动脉的血供,同时改善皮瓣的静脉回流,可大大提高皮瓣的存活率。     

Reconstruction of soft tissue defects of the Achilles tendon with rotation flaps,pedicled propeller flaps and free perforator flaps

Introduction. Soft tissue defects exposing the Achilles tendon are challenging. Local perforator flaps represent a valuable option gaining increasing popularity. Despite preoperative planning an adequate perforator cannot always be found intraoperatively. The free peroneal artery perforator flap can serve as a back‐up option limiting the donor site morbidity to the same extremity without sacrificing major vessels or nerves. Methods. Nine patients with soft tissue defects exposing the Achilles tendon were treated with local perforator flaps, seven were scheduled for 180° propeller flap coverage after Doppler‐ultrasound examination. However, in two patients (22%) no adequate perforators were found intraoperatively. As the perforators for the free peroneal artery perforator flap were routinely mapped out, this flap was harvested for microsurgical reconstruction. Results. One patient with a 180° propeller flap developed a partial flap necrosis, another patient developed superficial epidermolysis, both requiring skingrafting. No complications were seen with free tissue transfer. Conclusion. Pedicled perforator flaps as propeller flaps add options to the armamentarium of microsurgeons. Despite thorough preoperative planning the surgeons must be prepared to perform a different method of reconstruction if inadequate vessels are encountered. To limit additional donor site morbidity, local options are preferred. The free peroneal artery perforator flap represents a good option as it matches the original tissue properties closely. The complication rate of propeller flaps in this series is tolerable. Propeller flaps should therefore be considered an alternative but not as a replacement of local fasciocutaneous flaps. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery 30:608–613, 2010.     

小腿肿瘤保肢术皮肤缺损的修复

目的：比较游离皮瓣和局部皮瓣转移对于肢体肿瘤保肢术中皮缺损修复的安全性。方法：1995年9月-1999年10月，分别用游离皮瓣移植和局部皮瓣转移修复15例小腿恶性骨肿瘤和软组织肿瘤保肢术后形成的皮缺损，9例游离皮瓣移植，6例局部旋转皮瓣。结果：游离皮瓣移植切口均一期愈合，无感染，皮瓣坏死，化疗对游离皮瓣成活无影响。6例局部皮瓣3例在术后5d出现皮瓣循环障碍，皮瓣坏死，伤口开裂，灭活的肿瘤骨外露。结论：小腿肿瘤保肢治疗中，采用局部皮瓣安全性较差。带血管蒂皮瓣游离移植是小腿肿瘤保肢术修复皮肤缺损的理想方法。     

The reverse sural artery flap for the reconstruction of distal third of the leg and foot

Soft tissue defects around the distal third of the leg and the foot present a major reconstructive challenge. There is limited expertise with free tissue transfers in many developing countries, necessitating consideration of other options for the closure of such defects. The versatility and reliability of sural artery flap have made it an emerging popular option for the reconstruction of such defects. Twenty patients comprising of 13 males and 7 females with soft tissue defects of the lower third of the leg and foot requiring soft tissue cover were treated between January 2006 and December 2010. The age range was 7–58 years with a mean age of 30 years. Nineteen (95%) of the defects were post‐traumatic while one (5%) was post‐infective. All the defects were covered with reversed sural artery flaps, which were raised on the posterior aspect of the junction of the upper and middle third of the leg. The smallest flap was 4 × 4 cm² while the largest measured 20 × 12 cm². The donor defect was closed directly in 7 (35%) patients, while split skin graft was applied in the remaining 13 (65%) patients. There was satisfactory flap healing in 17 patients (85%), while 3 patients (15%) had complete flap necrosis. Two of these patients had significant comorbidities of haemoglobinopathy and poorly controlled diabetes mellitus. Sural artery flap remains a viable option for the reconstruction of soft tissue defects of the distal third of the leg and foot. Caution should, however, be exercised in patients with some significant systemic diseases.     

Reconstruction of distal lower extremities defect using the free peroneal artery perforator vessel based flap

Soft tissue defects of the distal lower extremities are challenging. The purpose of this paper is to present our experiences with the free peroneal artery perforator flap for the reconstruction of soft tissue defects of the distal lower extremity. Nine free peroneal artery perforator flaps were used to reconstruct soft tissue defects of the lower extremities between April 2006 and October 2011. All flaps were used for distal leg and foot reconstruction. Peroneal artery perforator flaps ranged in size from 2 cm × 4 cm to 6 cm × 12 cm. The length of the vascular pedicle ranged from 2 to 6 cm. Recipient vessels were: medial plantar vessels in seven cases, the dorsalis pedis vessel in one, metatarsal vessel in one. All flaps survived completely, a success rate of 100%. Advantages of this flap are that there is no need to sacrifice any main artery in the lower leg, and minimal morbidity at the donor site. This free perforator flap may be useful for patients with small to medium soft tissue defects of the distal lower extremities and feet. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 34:629–632, 2014.     

Der Einsatz des Neuro-Fasziokutanen Suralisinsellappens zur Defektdeckung im Bereich des Unterschenkels und des Fußes

BackgroundThe closure of soft tissue defects in areas of the distal third lower leg anterior, ankle, heel and foot dorsum especially with exposed bony or tendinous tissue, in case of infections or difficult healing tendency is still challenging. These defects need a stable and sufficient soft tissue cover.With the introduction of the Neuro-Fasciocutaneus suralis island flap (hereinafter called suralis flap) we do have a good alternative with stable results and less operation complexity.Material and methodsSince 2005 we are using this technique for the coverage of complicated defect wounds, especially for complete heel and extensive foot dorsum defects.The most frequent area was the lateral malleolus and the Achilles tendon area with and maximum dimension of 7 cm by 11 cm.Results2 suralis flaps get lost; in 6 cases we saw superficial skin necrosis.In most of the harvest areas we could directly close the defects, in 7 cases we had to close the defects with split skin grafts.Technically it is easy to learn the harvest of the suralis flap and none of ourpatient's complaint about the reduces sensitivity after necessitated cutting of the suralis nerve.ConclusionDefects in areas of the distal third lower leg anterior, ankle, heel and foot dorsum does need a stable and sufficient soft tissue cover, especially with exposed bony or tendinous tissue or in case of infections or difficult healing tendency.The suralis flap as an alternative to the commonly used free flaps and reduces the surgical effort.     

以腓动脉远端穿支血管供血为蒂的小腿后外侧（复合）组织瓣的临床应用

目的探讨腓动脉穿支供血的小腿后外侧（复合）组织瓣在足踝部软组织缺损、骨感染修复中的临床效果。方法2007年3月至2010年9月,对23例足踝部软组织（跟腱）缺损及骨感染的患者,设计以腓动脉终末穿支为血管蒂,沿腓肠神经营养血管轴线切取皮瓣转位修复小腿下段及足踝部皮肤软组织缺损。采用腓动脉下段穿支供血携带腓肠神经逆行岛状（复合）皮瓣或肌皮瓣进行修复。皮瓣切取范围3cm×5cm～10cm×18cm。结果术后21例皮瓣完全成活,创面一期愈合,2例皮瓣边缘部分坏死,后经过二期扩创游离植皮后痊愈,平均住院时间21d。随访2～9个月,皮瓣质地优良,外观满意,无色素沉着、溃疡,皮瓣感觉恢复约S2,跟腱重建患者踝关节达功能位,恢复了劳动能力。结论以腓动脉远端穿支血管供血为蒂的小腿后外侧（复合）组织瓣血供可靠,变异率低,切取方便,供区隐蔽,可恢复部分感觉,且不牺牲肢体主要血管,是修复小腿中下部、踝关节周围及足部软组织缺损的一种良好方法。尤其对修复足踝部骨外露,骨髓炎,跟腱缺损,复合组织瓣（携带跟腱及肌肉）是一种较好的选择。     

应用穿支皮瓣治疗下肢远端慢性骨髓炎并皮肤缺损

目的 探讨游离或带蒂穿支皮瓣在治疗下肢远端慢性骨髓炎并皮肤缺损创面修复中的应用价值.方法 应用穿支皮瓣游离或带蒂移位修复胫前及足踝部慢性骨髓炎并皮肤缺损28例.游离移植13例:采用股前外侧穿支皮瓣修复胫前2例,踝前3例,足背2例,足跟2例;小腿外侧腓动脉穿支皮瓣修复足背4例.带蒂移位15例:胫后动脉穿支皮瓣修复胫前4例,修复内踝2例;腓动脉外踝后上穿支皮瓣修复足跟6例,外踝及足背各1例;第1跖背动脉穿支皮瓣修复近节(足母)趾背侧1例.抗生素液灌流伤口7例,万古霉素明胶海绵残腔填塞8例.结果 1例胫后动脉穿支皮瓣出现静脉回流不足,表浅坏死,自行愈合,其余皮瓣无坏死.随访6个月～2年,2例复发,分别经1次和2次手术后愈合,其余均一期愈合,皮瓣外形满意.3例行二期骨移植.最后一次随访时,患者可行走,患肢完全负重,按足部疾患治疗效果标准评定平均为84.5分.结论 游离或带蒂穿支皮瓣血供良好,可用于治疗残腔不大的慢性骨髓炎并皮肤缺损.     

大隐静脉-隐神经营养血管皮瓣的临床解剖与应用

目的探索大隐静脉-隐神经营养血管皮瓣游离移植与移位修复的临床解剖与应用.方法选取福尔马林常规固定的成人下肢标本20侧,自愿捐献新鲜成人下肢标本8侧;其中左下肢12侧,右下肢16侧.解剖20侧成人下肢标本,观察大隐静脉、隐神经及其营养血管的起源、大小、分支、分布和吻合;4侧新鲜成人下肢标本股动脉灌注朱砂滤过液,静脉灌注泛影葡胺后,钼靶X线片显示静脉周围血管网分布;另4侧新鲜成人下肢标本行大隐静脉显微解剖,观察静脉周围血管分布及吻合情况.临床应用大隐静脉-隐神经营养血管皮瓣游离修复虎口、带蒂逆行皮瓣修复足跟部及小腿下段、顺行皮瓣修复胫前及膝关节周围创面18例,其中男12例,女6例.年龄7～53岁.车祸伤7例,碾压伤4例,炸伤1例,中厚皮术后瘢痕2例,足底肿瘤扩大切除1例,外伤术后长期溃疡3例.创面部位:虎口1例,小腿上段及膝关节周围3例,小腿下段及足部14例.其中骨质外露7例,肌腱外露3例,钢板外露1例.创面范围:4 cm×4 cm～13 cm×7 cm.皮瓣切取范围6 cm×4 cm～15 cm×8 cm,蒂长8～11 cm,筋膜蒂宽2.5～4.0 cm,蒂部带窄条皮肤宽1～2 cm.结果膝降动脉在股骨内侧髁上9.33±0.81 cm处发出,分出隐动脉支伴隐神经下行,在股骨内侧髁下平均7.21±0.82 cm浅出,位于大隐静脉旁,隐动脉与胫后动脉穿支成"Y"或"T"形吻合,接力构成纵行血管链,达内踝前下方,形成皮瓣的轴心血管.大隐静脉周围5～8 mm内分布有波浪状小血管,直径约0.05～0.10 mm,也吻合成纵行链状,钼靶X线片示小血管沿静脉一侧或双侧呈平行波浪状走行.临床应用18例,术后皮瓣均成活, 2例远端3 cm出现小水泡,经拆线减张、换药后愈合.13例经6～12个月随访,修复后创面获得保护性感觉,功能接近正常,外观满意,无溃疡.结论隐神经及大隐静脉周围均有血管网伴行,大隐静脉-隐神经营养血管皮瓣可游离移植,也可形成近端蒂或远端蒂皮瓣移位修复小腿近侧或足踝部创面.皮瓣血运可靠,不牺牲主要血管,是下肢创面修复的良好供区.     

Consecutive flap transfer for repairing massive soft tissue defects in the opisthenar with improved donor site closure

Objective：To explore a surgical model of utilizing consecutive free scapular flap and adjacent pedicled flap transfer for repairing massive soft tissue defects on the dorsum of the hand while minimizing the donor site morbidity.Methods：Six patients with massive soft tissue injuries on the opisthenar and forearm were treated with free scapular flaps.Afterwards,a pedicled flap adjacent to the donor site was transferred to cover the donor site defect by direct closure.Results：All six free scapular flaps survived without signs of infection.Three adjacent pedicled flaps presented minor signs of insufficient blood flow on the distal apex,which resolved after six weeks with only conservative therapy.All the incisions healed without other complications.At six-month follow-up,the patients regained full shoulder function.Conclusion：With the assistance of an adjacent pedicled flap,the scapular flap is a highly applicable approach in repairing massive soft tissue defects in the opisthenar.It can achieve positive outcomes in both reconstructive and aesthetic aspects.     

Comparison between distally based peroneal and posterior tibial artery perforator-plus fasciocutaneous flap for reconstruction of the lower extremity

BackgroundDistally based peroneal artery perforator-plus fasciocutaneous (DPAPF) flaps and distally based posterior tibial artery perforator-plus fasciocutaneous (DPTAPF) flaps are widely used to reconstruct soft-tissue defects of the distal lower leg, ankle, and foot. However, a comparative study of both flaps in a considerable sample size is lacking. This retrospective study aimed to compare the efficacy of the flaps and provide referential evidence for selection of flaps.MethodsBetween April 2001 and October 2016, 227 patients underwent reconstruction with DPAPF flaps (peroneal group; n = 150) or DPTAPF flaps (posterior tibial group; n = 82). The distal lower leg, ankle, and foot were divided into Zones I and II. Flap viability-related complications and their risk factors, reconstruction outcomes, and donor-site morbidities were compared.ResultsIn Zone I, the partial necrosis rate was lower in the peroneal group than in the posterior tibial group (p > 0.05). In Zone II, the partial necrosis rate was significantly lower in the peroneal group (p < 0.05). Significantly lower incidences of donor-site morbidities in terms of hypertrophic scarring, itching, and pigmentation were observed in the peroneal group (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThe DPAPF flap was superior to the DPTAPF flap with respect to reliability and decreased donor-site morbidities. The former is the recommended preferential choice between the two.     

不同节段的穿支蒂腓肠神经营养血管皮瓣修复下肢缺损

目的：探讨不同节段的穿支蒂腓肠神经营养血管皮瓣修复下肢缺损的适应证和临床效果。方法：2004年至2012年治疗13例下肢软组织缺损患者,男8例,女5例;年龄15～76岁,平均38．6岁。采用3种不同节段的穿支蒂腓肠神经营养血管皮瓣进行修复,包括外踝尖后上4～7 cm处腓动脉穿支蒂腓肠神经营养血管皮瓣修复足、踝部缺损8例;外踝尖后上9～11 cm处腓动脉穿支蒂腓肠神经营养血管皮瓣修复小腿下段缺损3例;外踝尖后上1～2 cm处外踝后动脉穿支蒂腓肠神经营养血管皮瓣修复足跟缺损2例。皮瓣切取面积为4．5 cm×2．5 cm～16 cm×10 cm。供瓣区创面移植皮片修复。结果：13例皮瓣术后均未发生血管危象及切口感染,皮瓣均顺利成活,切口均Ⅰ期愈合。8例患者获得随访,时间1～12个月,平均6个月,皮瓣色泽、质地良好,厚薄适中,无烫伤及溃疡发生;供、受区外形及功能恢复较为满意。结论：灵活选用不同节段的穿支蒂腓肠神经营养血管皮瓣修复下肢缺损,可获得理想效果。     

The 180-degree perforator-based propeller flap for soft tissue coverage of the distal, lower extremity: a new method to achieve reliable coverage of the distal lower extremity with a local, fasciocutaneous perforator flap

BACKGROUND: Traumatic and nontraumatic defects of the distal third of the tibia are challenging in regard to soft tissue coverage. While local, pedicled fasciocutaneous perforator flaps allow adequate coverage, the donor site often requires skin grafting. When a local perforator flap is designed as a 180-degree propeller flap, an excellent esthetic result and direct closure of the donor site can be achieved, with minimal morbidity. METHODS: Eight patients with defects in the malleolar region were treated with 180-degree propeller flaps based on perforators from the tibial and peroneal vessels. RESULTS: One partial flap loss was encountered in an insulin-dependent diabetic. Partial superficial epidermolysis was encountered in 2 cases and healed without further interventions. No other complications were encountered. All patients returned to full ambulation within 8 weeks. CONCLUSION: The 180-degree propeller flap is an elegant and versatile method to achieve soft tissue coverage with local tissue in defects of the distal tibia. Contrary to other local perforator flaps, this specific design facilitates direct closure of the donor site. As only local, thin tissue is used, no interference with normal shoe wear occurs. Even in older patients, this flap has proven to be a reliable option.     

The use of cross-leg free muscle flaps in the reconstruction of lower extremity injuries

The cover of soft tissue and bone defects of the distal one-third of the leg resulting from crush injuries is a challenging problem. In such injuries healthy recipient vessels for free tissue transfer are frequently unavailable. Three cases of gunshot wounds and a mine explosion were managed successfully with cross-leg free muscle flaps, two latissimus dorsi and one rectus abdominis. The disadvantages of this technique are patient discomfort due to immobilization between the main and the flap division procedures together with the long hospital stay.     

Use of pedicled latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap to reconstruct the upper limb with large soft tissue defects

ObjectiveTo report the technique of reconstruction of large skin and soft tissue defects in the upper extremity using pedicled latissimus dorsi myocu-taneous flaps.MethodsSix patients with large skin and soft tissue defects were included in this report. There were 5 trauma patients and the rest one needed to receive plastic surgery for his extremity scar. All wounds were in the upper extremity. The sizes of defects ranged from 15 cmx6 cm to 30 cmx18 cm. Pedicled latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps were designed according to the defect area and raised with part of latissi-mus dorsi. The thoracodorsal artery and its perforators were carefully protected during surgery.ResultsAll flaps healed primarily without flap congestion, margin necrosis or infection. The skin donor sites either received split-thickness skin graft (3 cases, mostly from the anterior thigh) or was closed primarily (3 cases) and had minimal morbidity. Follow-up of 6-12 months showed that the contour of flap was aesthetic and the function of limb was excellent.ConclusionOur experience indicates that the pedicled latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap is favorable for reconstruction of large skin and soft tissue defects in the upper extremity.