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The use of cross-leg free muscle flaps in the reconstruction of lower extremity injuries

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Abstract

The cover of soft tissue and bone defects of the distal one-third of the leg resulting from crush injuries is a challenging problem. In such injuries healthy recipient vessels for free tissue transfer are frequently unavailable. Three cases of gunshot wounds and a mine explosion were managed successfully with cross-leg free muscle flaps, two latissimus dorsi and one rectus abdominis. The disadvantages of this technique are patient discomfort due to immobilization between the main and the flap division procedures together with the long hospital stay.

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Sengezer, M., Çeliköz, B., Duman, H. et al. The use of cross-leg free muscle flaps in the reconstruction of lower extremity injuries. Eur J Plast Surg 20, 37–39 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01366525

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