Cross Leg Free Flap for the Reconstruction of Defects in Replanted or Revascularized Lower Extremities / 대한정형외과학회잡지

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study was designed to evaluate the benefits of the cross leg free flap for the hereconstruction of soft tissue defects in replanted or revascularized lower extremities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 1992 to 1999, six cross leg free flap procedures were performed using the latissimus dorsi muscle for the reconstruction of soft tissue defects in patients with a vascularly compromised lower limb after replantation or revascularization. Four male and two female patients were included in this study, and the average age of these patients was 34 years (from 22 to 56 years). This procedure was applied to four patients for soft tissue defects in the lower leg, and in two for foot reconstruction. RESULTS: All of the flaps survived after pedicle division. The average period of immobilization was 32 days (from 23 to 43 days). There were minor complications, such as joint stiffness, partial loss of skin graft and hematoma formation. CONCLUSION: The cross leg free flap provides the possibility for the reconstruction of complicated and unfavorable cases, otherwise considered, unreconstructable. The indication for this procedure is extensive soft tissue defect with lack of adequate recipient vessels, especially in patients after replantation or revascularization.