Cross Leg Flap Using Septocutaneous Flap and Cast Immobilization

중격피부 피판과 석고붕대 고정을 이용한 하지 교차 피판술

Large soft tissue defect of the ankle and foot can present a difficult reconstructive problem to the surgeon. Local musculocutaneous, local fasciocutaneous or free flap is usually the first choice for providing soft tissue coverage. However, in certain situations, local flaps from the same leg and free flap may not be suitable. These include extensive soft tissue injury, where no suitable recipient vessels can be found, previous local fasciocutaneous flap or free flap failure. In such cases, we have utilized the septocutaneous(fasciocutaneous) branch flap of posterior tibial artery from the opposite healthy limb. We present 5 cases of cross leg flaps, which have been modernized with current understanding of vascular anatomy and current fixation technology. All cross leg flaps were based on the axial blood supply of the fasciocutanous branch of the posterior tibial artery. Cross-clamping with bowel clamp was used to create intermittent periods of ischemia. Adjacent lower extremity joints were exercised during the periods of attachment. The results have been quite encouraging. We conclude that the cross leg flap using septocutaneous flap and cast immobilization can be successfully and expeditiously used to cover defects of the ante and foot.