The SCIA-based conjoined flap for covering extremely large lower limb defects / 中华显微外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To investigate the results of the superficial circumflex iliac artery(SCIA)-based conjoined flap for covering extremely large lower limb defects.Methods:From February 2017 to June 2019, 15 patients were admitted, who suffered from severe degloved injury for the lower limb, including 9 males and 6 females with a median year of 45 (ranged, 36-67 ) years old. All were taken thorough and radical debridement and covered by the VSD device during the emergency operation. The dimension of defects was ranged from 25.0 cm ×8.0 cm to 50.0 cm ×15.0 cm. Using the lower abdominal wall or side chest wall as the donor site, the conjoined flap was dissected when the wound surface became granulating. The perforator match fashions included bilateral SCIA, and ipsilateral SCIA and thoracodorsal artery(TA). The donor sites were primary closure. The follow-up was accomplished by the same surgeon.Results:Fourteen flaps survived completely without significant complications, and distal necrosis was observed in one longitudinal flap, which was healed with the skin graft in the second stage. All flaps were available for a mean follow-up of 18 (ranged 16-24) months. The aesthetic outcomes were achieved on the recipient site without hairy appearance and hyper-pigmentation. A concealed line scare was left on the donor site, without the hernia and limited function. At the last follow-up, 7 cases were excellent and 1 case was good, evaluated with the LEFS criteria. And 6 cases were excellent and 1 case was good, assessed by the AOFAS criteria.Conclusion:The simultaneous reconstruction of extreme lower limb defects and better salvage treatment could be achieved by the SCIA-based conjoined flap. And as a versatile flap, it was blessed with concealed donor site, various design fashions, and larger dissection size in selected cases.