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. 2013 Sep;217(3):461-71.
doi: 10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2013.03.029. Epub 2013 Jul 24.

Cross-leg flaps: our preferred alternative to free flaps in the treatment of complex traumatic lower extremity wounds

Lixuan Lu  1 , Antang Liu, Lie Zhu, Jie Zhang, Xiaohai Zhu, Hua Jiang
Affiliations

Cross-leg flaps: our preferred alternative to free flaps in the treatment of complex traumatic lower extremity wounds

Lixuan Lu et al. J Am Coll Surg. 2013 Sep.

Abstract

Background: Cross-leg flaps are a good choice for reconstructing traumatized lower extremities, especially when free flaps cannot be used. In this article, we present our experience in the treatment of traumatic lower extremity wounds by using cross-leg flaps.

Study design: A total of 56 patients suffering traumatic lower extremities were treated with cross-leg flaps. Patients with diabetes mellitus and those who were heavy smokers were also included in this study.

Results: Most flaps survived without complications. Flap necrosis occurred in 2 cases. The hospital stay was 20.0 ± 6.2 days and the flaps were divided at 13.3 ± 2.8 days. The diabetes patients were mostly elderly, and they had longer hospital stays and duration for flap division. Follow-up was an average of 16.2 ± 8.2 months.

Conclusions: The cross-leg flap is an effective and simple method for treating traumatic lower extremity wounds. It should have priority over microsurgery, not just be an alternative to it.

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Comment in

  • Cross-leg flaps: preferred alternative to free flaps?
    Momeni A, Buntic RF, Buncke GM. Momeni A, et al. J Am Coll Surg. 2014 Feb;218(2):308-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2013.10.017. J Am Coll Surg. 2014. PMID: 24440075 No abstract available.
  • Reply: To PMID 23890841.
    Lu L, Zhu X, Liu A, Jiang H, Zhang J. Lu L, et al. J Am Coll Surg. 2014 Feb;218(2):309-11. doi: 10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2013.10.016. J Am Coll Surg. 2014. PMID: 24440076 No abstract available.
  • Pedicled cross-leg flaps.
    Halls MJ. Halls MJ. J Am Coll Surg. 2014 Mar;218(3):503-4. doi: 10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2013.11.025. J Am Coll Surg. 2014. PMID: 24559965 No abstract available.
  • Reply: To PMID 23890841.
    Lu L, Zhu X, Liu A, Jiang H. Lu L, et al. J Am Coll Surg. 2014 Mar;218(3):504. doi: 10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2013.11.026. J Am Coll Surg. 2014. PMID: 24559966 No abstract available.
  • Cross-leg flaps and reconstructive surgery in the 21st century.
    Lineaweaver W, Zhang F. Lineaweaver W, et al. Ann Plast Surg. 2014 May;72(5):491-2. doi: 10.1097/SAP.0000000000000208. Ann Plast Surg. 2014. PMID: 24732077 No abstract available.

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