A fasciocutaneous transposition flap for coverage of defects of the lower extremity

During a three-year period, eleven fasciocutaneous transposition flaps were used in ten patients to cover a defect in the lower extremity that was due to trauma or infection. The patients were subsequently evaluated with respect to survival of the flap, sensation in the flap, healing of the donor site, and postoperative morbidity. Two cases are presented for illustration. Coverage with a fasciocutaneous transposition flap proved to be safe and simple. This technique offers several advantages compared with reconstruction using microvascular free muscle transfer, and it may be preferable for many patients who have a defect distal to the knee.