[Fibular head composite flap for bone and skin defect at medial malleolus in children: a report of 4 cases].

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the therapeutic effect of fibular head composite flap for bone and skin defect at medial malleolus in children. METHODS: From Aug. 2005 to Apr. 2009, 4 children cases (2 male, 2 female, from 3 to 11 year) with bone and skin defect at medial malleolus were reconstructed with fibular head composite flaps pedicled with lateral inferior genicular vascular bundle. The skin defect was 3- 6 cm x 8-10 cm in size. RESULTS: All the 4 composite flaps survived completely. The patients were followed up for 4 months to 4 years with good bony healing. Both esthetic and functional results were satisfactory in ankle joint. CONCLUSIONS: The fibular head composite tissue flap has a good therapeutic effect for bone and skin defect at medial malleolus in children.