Use of cross-leg fibula flap for difficult reconstruction of extensive injuries in the lower extremities

Objective To study clinical outcomes of cross-leg fibula flap for difficult reconstruction of an extensive injury in the lower extremity,which included large soft-tissue defects and long infected bone and tibia defects combined with vascular injury.Methods From September 2004 to September 2008,8 cases with an extensive injury in the lower extremity,which included large soft-tissue defects and long infected bone and tibia defects with vascular injury,were retrospectively analyzed,including 6 males and 2 females with an average age of 36 years (range,19-55 years).The course of disease ranged from 2 weeks to 3 months (average,2 months).The bone defect length ranged from 8 to 20 cm (average,13 cm),and the skin defect area varied from 10 cm×7 cm to 22 cm×12 cm.After thorough debridement,cross-leg fibula flap was used to repair the tibial defect and concomitant soft tissue defect.The pedicles were divided at 4-6 weeks after the initial surgery.The important technical considerations were outlined.Results All 8 patients were followed up for 6 to 36 months (average,24 months).The flaps survived in all 8 patients,and no infection and osteomyelitis happened.The flap transplantations healed at two weeks after operation with good shape.The fractures healed in all of patients with an average period of 11 months (range,6-15 months).All of patients recovered to walk without aid.According to Edwards classification of tibial fractures,4 cases were classified as good,2 as acceptable,and 2 as poor.Conclusion The cross-leg fibula flap is relatively simple,liable for the treatment of an extensive injury in the lower extremity. Key words: Surgical flaps; Fibula; Tibia; Infection