title: Distal lower leg local random fasciocutaneous flaps.
abstract: Significant open wounds of the distal third of the lower leg that require some form of vascularized flap have historically been covered with distant cross-leg flaps or more appropriately with microsurgical tissue transfers. The rediscovery of the "random" fasciocutaneous flap as a reliable single-stage option for proximal lower leg defects has been extended distally to allow an expedient alternative in lieu of these more complicated procedures. Over the past 7 years, 17 selected patients had closure of distal leg and ankle wounds with 19 local antegrade-oriented fasciocutaneous flaps. All eventually healed without serious sequelae, although 5 (26 percent) had minor complications, except for one case that could only be salvaged with a free-tissue transfer in order to prevent limb amputation. For small- or moderate-sized, uncontaminated injuries, this approach warrants consideration under appropriate circumstances as a simpler option that may permit satisfactory healing and avoids the known risks of microsurgical tissue transfers.
authors.affiliation: Division of Plastic Surgery, Allentown Hospital, Pa.
authors.forename: G G
authors.initials: GG
authors.lastname: Hallock
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000842:Ankle / Q000098:blood supply / Q000601:surgery; D062109:Dermatologic Surgical Procedures; D005206:Fascia Lata / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000379:methods*