title: The gastrocnemius myocutaneous flap in lower-extremity injuries.
abstract: Coverage of full-thickness lower extremity wounds has been the bane of surgeons who care for patients with skin and soft-tissue losses. A prolonged period of convalescence may be avoided by immediate coverage with a gastrocnemius myocutaneous flap. Case reports demonstrating the successful use of medial and lateral gastrocnemius myocutaneous flaps are presented. Advantages are that large amounts of tissue can be moved in one step, shortening hospitalization, and most are reliable because of their excellent blood supply. Care must be taken to preserve deep fascia and to dissect the fascia from the Achilles tendon. Fluorescein examination is recommended.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005402:Fistula / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007869:Leg Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D007871:Leg Ulcer / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013524:Surgical Flaps