ABSTRACT
Objective To explore the feasibility of repairing the large area skin and soft tissue defect in thefront upper of tibia by free flap with anastomosis of saphenous vessels.Methods From June,2009 to April,2014,16 cases (10 males and 6 females) of large area skin and soft tissue defect in the front upper of tibia were treatedwith free flap.The ages ranged from 24 to 56 years old,averaged of 34.5 years old.The supportive therapy and repeated debridement combined with VSD,and designed to use free anterolateral thigh flap with anastomosis of saphenous vessels before repairing operation.Results Fourteen patients accorded with preoperative design,in which 2 cases were adopted cross leg flap anastomosis posterior tibia vessels of the healthy side (1 case of saphenous artery diameter too small,and 1 case of saphenous artery long injury degeneration,unsuitable for vascular anastomosis).All 14 flaps survived,expect 2 cases were part-necrosis in the end of the flap,and gradually healed by dressing exchange.Conclusion Reconstruction of large area skin and soft tissue defect in the front upper of tibia with free flap can use anastomosis of saphenous vessels.