Repair of the soft tissue defects at legs with free tissue flap anastomosed with descendant branch of lateral femoral circumflex artery

Objective To investigate the therapeutic effect of free tissue flap anastomosed with reverse descendant branch of lateral femoral circumflex artery for severe soft tissue defect at leg. Methods The severe soft tissue defect at leg, without any vessels for anastomosis of free tissue flap, was reconstructed with free tissue flap, which was anastomosed with proximal end of descendant branch of lateral femoral circumflex artery and great saphenous vein. From Oct. 2004 to Dec. 2009, 36 cases were treated with 15 cases of latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flaps, 12 cases of anterolateral femoral flaps,and 9 cases of thoracoumbilicus flaps. Results All the 36 free flaps survived completely. The patients were followed up for 6 months to 2. 5 years with good cosmetic results. Conclusions It is effective and practical to repair the severe soft tissue defects at legs with the reverse descendant branch of lateral femoral circumflex artery to carry the free flaps. Key words: Descendant branch of lateral femoral circumflex artery;  Surgical flaps;  Legs; Microsurgery