Repairing a large area of soft tissue defects on leg with free chain-link flap

Abstract

Objective To explore the clinical results of the series of free incorporating flaps repairing the leg which have a large area of soft tissue defects. Methods In 12 cases,there were not only a large area of soft tissue defects on leg, but also had a large area of bone exposure, the maximum of the wound was 45 cm× 21 cm, the minimum was 36 cm × 15 cm. After thorough debridement, using microsurgical techniques to incorporating two free flap by microvascular anastomosis, in those cases, there were 2 cases using medial leg skin flap combined latissimus dorsi flap and 2 cases using the flap that anterolateral thigh flap combined myocutaneous flap of gastrocnemius medial head and 8 cases using the flap that the anterolateral thigh flap combined latissimus dorsi flap. Results All flaps were survived, in which 10 were with primary healing and 2 were healed after dressing change. Follow-up 3 months to 18months, the lower limb functions were well, satisfied with the lower limb flap form and felt soft. Conclusion Free chain-link flap is the good way in the treatment of large areas of the lower leg soft tissue defects. Key words: Leg; Surgical flaps; Transplantation; Microsurgical operation