An idea for bringing the recipient pedicle of cross leg free flap closer: Fasciocutaneous flap above pedicle

BACKGROUND: Cross leg free flaps are one of the salvage methods used for free tissue transfer in large tissue defects in the absence of recipient vessels. The fasciocutaneous flap above the posterior tibial artery can be harvested to protect the pedicle and to advance a distance to wound, which is equal to the length of fasciocutaneous flap. METHODS: Patients who were operated with cross leg free flap with the supporting fasciocutaneous flap on unwounded side were included in the study between years 2010 and 2020. Age, sex, location and size of the defects, arterial patencies, flap choices, fasciocutaneous flap size, duration of operation, cross flap separation timing, complications, and time to return to work were evaluated. RESULTS: There were six patients with the etiology of high-energy electrical burns and trauma. There was only one arterial refilling for three patients and no refilling for others. Latissimus dorsi skin muscle flap was used in all but one patient. The mean defect size was 6.6×14.8 cm. The mean size of fasciocutaneous flaps was 4.08×5 cm. The mean operation time was 360 min. There was no complication except one dehiscence and one marginal necrosis and infection which were healed with wound care. Average time to return to work was 9 months. CONCLUSION: In similar cases, as wounded lower extremities with one or no artery refill, harvesting a fasciocutaneous flap with recipient vessels will be useful before considering the option of using a bridge free flap in medium to moderate sized defects.