Local Fasciocutaneous Flaps for Cutaneous Coverage of Lower Extremity Wounds

Severe lower extremity trauma frequently results in a soft-tissue deficit that mandates wound coverage using some form of vascularized flap. The recent rediscovery of inclusion of the deep fascia during elevation of random skin flaps has enhanced the viability of large local flaps as a reconstructive option in the lower leg. In selected cases of relatively uncontaminated, moderate-sized defects, the choice of this maneuver has permitted closure of many defects which previously might have required a complex microsurgical tissue transfer. This series of 41 random-based local fasciocutaneous flaps in the lower leg in 38 patients has in all cases except two been successful in achieving preferred wound healing. Flap necrosis occurred only in these two cases presumably due to peripheral vascular insufficiency necessitating limb amputation in one patient. Eight (19%) had some form of complication, most occurring in the subset of flaps used for distal third lower leg wounds. The fasciocutaneous flap is conceptually simple, rapidly elevated and inset, and minimizes the region of surgical insult for many multitrauma patients who otherwise might have to forego any attempt for limb salvage.