[Myocutaneous and fasciocutaneous free flap for covering the lower leg and foot--a comparative study]

A comparison is presented of free myocutaneous flaps, e.g. latissimus dorsi flap, gracilis flap and the inferior gluteal flap, with fasciocutaneous flaps, especially the scapular/parascapular flap, for covering defects of the lower leg and the foot. Myocutaneous flaps are especially suited to cover deep defects with loss of bone and provide a good basis for free bone grafting. Fasciocutaneous flaps are better suited to cover plain defects, having a good blood supply due to the rich epifascial vascular network. They are thinner than the myocutaneous flaps and in extensive defects they do not need additional free skin transplantation in the recipient area.