Application of rhomboid skin flap in expanded skin flap transfer

Abstract

Objective To explore the use of rhomboid skin flap in expanded skin flap transfer. Methods A rhomboid skin flap was designed if the top soft part could not be fully utilized after expanded in a rotation skin flap. The flap pedicels were designed near the incision side. It should be ensured that ra-tio of the length to the width of the composite flap, which was composed of the rhomboid skin flap and the rotation skin flap, was 2.5∶1.0. Results Among these 11 patients with re-designed rhomboid skin flaps in the rotation skin flaps, the ratio of the length to the width reached to 3∶1 in some cases, but 2. 5∶1.0 in most cases. All the skin flaps survived, except one patient with disturbance of blood circulation in a small area and one with mild congestion. Conclusion The expanded soft tissue can be fully and rationally utilized to repair the skin defect in this design. Attention should be paid to the ratio of the length to the width of the composited flap, and it is better to select axial flap as the composite flap for safety. This method is safe, and worthy of recommendation. Key words: Rhomboid skin flap; Expanded shin flap; Skin and tissue expansion