Rotation fasciocutaneous flap repair of lower limb defects.
The rotation design was applied to fasciocutaneous flap repair of lower limb defects to produce a functional and aesthetic result superior to that obtained by the transposition design. A prospective, consecutive series of 21 patients is reported, 14 males and 7 females, ranging in age from 17 to 81 years (mean 43 years). The primary defects, 8 traumatic, 12 cutaneous malignancy excisions, and 1 radionecrotic ulcer, ranged in size from 3.5 x 3 cm to 10 x 8 cm (mean 6.6 x 5 cm). The rotation fasciocutaneous flap base ranged from 5 to 25 cm (mean 12 cm), and the radius ranged from 4.5 to 20 cm (mean 9 cm). The inclusion of a back-cut at the flap base permitted direct donor-site closure in all but one patient, obviating the need for a split-thickness skin graft and avoiding the otherwise inevitable significant contour defect. Postoperative bed rest ranged from 3 to 7 days (mean 5 days). Three minor and no major complications occurred, and there was complete survival of all flaps. The results in this series indicate a role for the rotation fasciocutaneous flap in the management of traumatic and excisional defects in the lower limb. It has proved reliable, gives good aesthetic results, and reduces treatment costs.
Healy
C
C
Department of Plastic Surgery, University College of London Medical School, England.
Tiernan
E
E
Lamberty
B G
BG
Campbell
R C
RC
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000009:adverse effects