Repairation of large soft tissue defects of lower limbs with combined transplantation of bilateral perforator flap based on the descending branch of lateral circumflex femoral artery / 中华显微外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To investigate the feasibility and clinical effect of combined transplantation of bilateral perforator flap based on the descending branch of lateral circumflex femoral artery in the reconstruction of large soft tissue defects of lower limbs.Methods:From January, 2014 to September, 2019, 35 cases of large soft tissue defects of lower limbs were repaired by combined transplantation of bilateral perforator flap based on the descending branch of lateral circumflex femoral artery, and the donor sites were directly closed. The wound involved the shank, ankle and foot; The areas of defect ranged from 17.0 cm×12.0 cm to 33.0 cm×18.0 cm. External fixation were performed on 19 cases with open comminuted tibia fracture, and flap transplantation was preformed after through debridement and negative-pressure wound therapy for 5-7 days. The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve was remained in the flap, which was anastomosed with sensory nerves in the recipient site. The colour, texture, sensation, secondary ulcer of the flap and limb function were followed-up after the operation.Results:Of the 35 cases, 34 cases completely survived, and necrosis occurred in 1 case. The donor sites were closed primarily and complication was not observed in any of the cases. The followed-up period ranged from 6 to 38 months, at 17.6 months in average. The appearance and function of the reconstructed lower limbs were satisfactory.Conclusion:The combined transplantation of the perforate flap of descending branch of lateral femoral circumflex artery is safe and reliable. It can be used to repair large defect and the damage of the donor site is limited. It is an effective method to repair large area of soft tissue defects of lower limbs.