[Reconstruction of the distal lower extremity defects with distal pedicled fasciocutaneous flaps]

Soft-tissue coverage of defects in the distal lower extremity has its limitations because of minimal blood supply to the skin and the thin muscle layer. Split-thickness skin grafting is impossible in cases of defects of tendons or bones. Local flaps are applicable only for smaller defects. With the cross-leg flaps, it is necessary to immobilize the patient for a long time. Special microsurgical technique and knowledge are needed for the free flaps. Fasciocutaneous flaps of the lower extremity after Donski and Fodgestam are simpler and safer than the other methods. From 1987 to 1992, this method was successfully used on 15 patients in the Department of Plastic Surgery of Sişli Etfal Hospital in Istanbul. In the two-thirds of those patients, accidents were the cause of the defects. The advantages of this methods are: simpler technique, larger flap-surface, earlier mobilisation of patients, better adaptation of the flap to its neighbourhood regarding colour and thickness.