The Chimeric Myo-Osseous Medial Femoral Condyle Flap for Tibial Nonunion: A Case Report

Objective: The descending genicular artery provides the dominant pedicle for the medial femoral condyle and medial femoral trochlear free flaps. Variations of the flap include using a skin paddle for monitoring, a vastus medialis muscle component, and the medial superior geniculate artery for the pedicle. We present a case of a 49-year-old man with a distal tibial fracture from a motor vehicle accident complicated by chronic osteomyelitis, poor soft tissue envelope, and tibial nonunion. Methods: The composite lower extremity defect was reconstructed with a chimeric myo-osseous variant of the medial femoral condyle free flap since no perforator was available to the skin and there was a large amount of dead space. Results: At 9 months postoperatively, there was successful tibial union, adequate coverage of the defect, and a return to unassisted ambulation. Conclusions: The chimeric myo-osseous variant of the medial femoral condyle free flap adds to the versatility of this flap and has application in reconstructing defects of bone that also require soft tissue coverage.