[Transplantation of the cutaneous iliac flap for the repair of bone and soft tissue defect of metatarsal].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effect of transplantation of the cutaneous iliac flap on repairing bone and soft tissue defect of metatarsal.


METHODS
From October 1999 to December 2003, the cutaneous iliac flap was designed for the repair of bone and soft tissue defect of metatarsal in 4 male patients, whose ages ranged from 26 to 47, with skin graft for the coverage of the iliac flap. The duration of injury ranged from 1 to 5 months. The length of the defect ranged from 4 to 7 cm and the defect area ranged from 5 cm x 3 cm to 9 cm x 5 cm.


RESULTS
One week after transplantation, complete survival of iliac flap was observed in 3 cases and partial survival in 1 case (but later proved survived). Callus was seen 1 month after transplantation and K-wires were removed 4 months after transplantation. Patients were followed up for 5 to 24 months. There were no ulcers. The ability of walking and bearing was satisfying as well as the function and shape.


CONCLUSIONS
With satisfying restoration of function and shape, transplantation of the cutaneous iliac flap with skin graft is an alternative to treat bone and soft tissue defect of metatarsal with one stage surgery.
Wu
Kejian
K
Department of Orthopaedics, PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100037, PR China. wkjian@163.com
Zhang
Weijia
W
Hou
Shuxun
S
D000328:Adult; D016025:Bone Transplantation; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007085:Ilium / Q000098:blood supply / Q000637:transplantation*; D008297:Male; D008682:Metatarsal Bones / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D017695:Soft Tissue Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply