The Use of Microvascular Free Skin-muscle Flaps in Management of Avulsion Injuries of the Lower Leg

Abstract
The authors used microvascular free skin-muscle flaps to cover avulsion wounds in the lower leg of ten patients. There were three children and seven adults, ranging in age from 5 to 54 years. Vessels supplying gracilis (four) and tensor fascia lata (six) skin-muscle units were anastomosed to the anterior tibial (nine) and posterior tibial (one) vessels. The tensor fascia lata unit has a more constant anatomy and is preferred. Principles of management include: 1) early adequate, but conservative, debridement; 2) continuous bony stabilization; 3) preoperative arteriography; 4) anticoagulation; 5) recipient vessel identification in healthy uninjured tissue; 6) appropriate timing; 7) delayed bone grafting.

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