[Clinical applications of the anterolateral skin flap and the fascial flap in the lower leg]

Abstract

Objective: To introduce the applied anatomy, operative method and clinical application of the anterolateral skin flap and fascial flap of the lower leg.

Methods: Anatomic dissection was performed on 14 adult cadavers' legs and one amputated lower limb. The origin, course and distribution of cutaneous branches of the superficial peroneal vessels were traced. Four types of anterolateral flaps were designed in the lower leg including the island skin flap, the island fascial flap, the rectangular flap, and the cross-leg flap. Since 1988, twenty-six cases of leg defects(21 patients), chronic osteomyelitis of the tibia(3 cases) and defects on the back of the opposite heel and ankle(2 cases) were treated with the operative methods.

Results: All the flaps survived. Primary healing occurred in 23 and secondary in 3 cases. Twenty cases were followed-up for 4 months to 5 years. The flaps were growing well, the tibia fracture healed 3 months after the treatment and the chronic osteomyelitis of tibia had no recurrence.

Conclusion: This flap is a useful method for repairing various defects in the leg and adjacent regions. It is simple, safe and reliable in manipulation and has minimal influence to the donor site.