An alternative and new approach to free flap in treatment of calcaneal region and lower third of the lower extremity reconstruction: reverse flow posterior tibial fasciocutaneous skin island flaps.
BACKGROUND
Fasciocutaneous flaps, whether of the upper or lower extremity, have certain distinct advantages. These flaps are very simple to raise, quick to execute, and have a high reliability. On the basis of experimental studies, it is reasonable to accept that a fasciocutaneous flap has a 15% to 20% increased survival over comparable cutaneous flaps.


METHODS
The distal-based posterior tibial fasciocutaneous flap was designed and successfully transferred clinically to cover lower leg and foot defects in four patients.


RESULTS
No complications, including distal ischemia, infection, and failure, in flaps were seen. Although donor site of fasciocutaneous flaps is significant and can often be justified, it is not as significant as the donor area of the free flaps.


CONCLUSIONS
The versatility, advantages, and disadvantages of this new flap in the reconstruction of defects of the lower leg and foot are discussed.
Emsen
Ilteris Murat
IM
Numune State Hospital, Department of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Erzurum, Turkey. ilterisemsen@hotmail.com
D000328:Adult; D005205:Fascia / Q000637:transplantation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D016038:Skin Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D016896:Treatment Outcome