Ewha Med J.  1993 Dec;16(4):407-412. 10.12771/emj.1993.16.4.407.

Cross-Leg Flap Imobilized with External Fixator Brace

• Lee SB

• KMID: 1965096
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12771/emj.1993.16.4.407

Abstract

Cross-leg flaps are used to provide thick skin coverage of bone and tendons. The calf is the donor site. The flap is based along the medial aspect of the tibia. Immobilization of both leg is essential. The commonly used cross-leg plaster casts cannot adjust the position of the legs when the flap is subjected to kinking or pressure. Author developed a External Fixator Brace with universal joint that enables the position of the legs to be controled. Six cases of cross leg flaps were immobilized by the External Fixator Brace and the fo11owing results were obtained. 1) Observation of the flap circulation was more feasible through the wider exposure when the External Fixator Brace was applied. 2) Cleansing of both the donor and recepient sites was easier because of the wider exposure when the Extemal Fixator Brace was applied. 3) Adjustment of position of the flap was possible using universal joint incorporated in the External Fixator Brace when the circulation of the flap was found to be compromised.

MeSH Terms

Braces*
Casts, Surgical
External Fixators*
Humans
Immobilization
Joints
Leg
Skin
Tendons
Tibia
Tissue Donors