One hundred and fifty-six free skin flap transfers have been performed for reconstruction of the extremities in recent decade at our clinic. There were 56 dorsal foot flaps, 52 peroneal flaps, 16 latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flaps, 15 groin flaps, 8 medial leg flaps, 7 scapular flaps, one fillet flap, and one medial thigh flap.
95 flaps have been used for reconstruction of the upper extremity, and 61 for the lower extremity.
From review of our experience of clinical cases, our selection of the free flap in reconstruction of the extremities is as follow.
For covering of skin defect, latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap is useful for large defect. Scapular flap, groin flap, and medial leg flap were useful for middle and small defect. If the composite tissue transfer (bone, nerve, nail, etc) is also required, peroneal flap, dorsal foot flap, and latissimus dorsi. musculocutaneous flap are useful according to the needs of recipient site. For thumb reconstruction and sensory reconstrction of the finger, dorsal foot flap will be used.
