[Free multiple flaps of lower extremity for severely burned hand reconstruction].

OBJECTIVE

To introduce the free multiple flaps of lower extremity based on the anterior tibital vascular pedicle for primary repair of the complex burned hand deformities.

METHODS

From September 2000 to February 2003, the lateral leg flap, dosalis pedis flap and trimmed first toe based on the anterior tibial vascular pedicle were utilized to reconstruct the thumb and repair the first web, thenar, wrist or palmar scar contracture simultaneously in 6 patients. The flap size of lateral leg and dosalis pedis ranged from 4 cm x 10 cm to 7 cm x 10 cm and from 5 cm x 10 cm to 9 cm x 12 cm, respectively.

RESULTS

Six cases were treated and followed up for 6 weeks to 1 year. The transplanted flaps survived with satisfactory recovery in function and appearance of the burned hand. The function of donor lower extremity was not damaged.

CONCLUSION

The procedure of the free multiple flaps of lower extremity based on the anterior tibial vascular pedicle is reliable and effective for primary repair of burned hand.