Repair of Refractory Calf Soft Tissue Defects with Bridged Cross- Leg Anterolateral Thigh Flap Combined with VSD and External Frame

Beibei Liu, Zhao Zhang^*, Duo Li, Zhong Liu, Jian Jiao, Yu Shi, Pin’an Xu & Yadong Zhou

Department of Traumatic Orthopedics, Weapons’ Industrial 521 Hospital, Xi ‘an, Shaanxi, China.

Dr. Zhao Zhang, Department of Traumatic Orthopedics, Weapons’ Industrial 521 Hospital, Xi ‘an, Shaanxi, China.

Keywords: Anterolateral Thigh Flap; Posterior Tibial Artery Perforator Flap; VSD Technique; External Frame Technique; Soft Tissue Repair

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of a bridged cross-leg free anterolateral thigh flap combined with VSD (vacuum sealing drainage) and external frame techniques in repair of refractory calf soft tissue defects. Methods: From September 2017 to August 2021, 13 patients with calf soft tissue defects combined with fractures were repaired in our department using a free anterolateral thigh flap combined with a cross-leg flap graft with the healthy posterior tibial vessels as the blood supply vessel. 8 cases were male and 5 cases were female. with a mean age of 39.2 years (range, 22-54years). There were 8 cases of car accident injury, 4 cases of machine strangulation injury, and 1 case of fall from height injury.

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