title: [Application of the thoraco-umbilical flap for the repair of large infected wounds on the limb].
abstract: We have repaired large infected wounds on the limb in 18 cases using the thoraco-umbilical flap. Of them, 6 were island flaps and 12 were free flaps. The size of the flap ranged from 10 cm x 12 cm, to 10 cm x 40 cm. All flaps survived. The advantages of the flap were (1) rich blood supply providing good anti-infection property; (2) the muscle carried by the flap could be used to fill a bone cavity, aiding to cure osteomyelitis; (3) the flap could be made rather big and has long vascular pedicle that was flexible for transferring.
authors.affiliation: Center of Traumatic Surgery, 89th Hospital of Pepole's Liberation Army, Weifang.
authors.forename: Q
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Fan
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Zou
authors.forename: Q
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Li
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005542:Forearm / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017695:Soft Tissue Injuries / Q000601:surgery; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D014946:Wound Infection / Q000601:surgery*