Use of contralateral rectus femoris flap: an alternative for covering exposed femoral vessels of the thigh.

Myocutaneous coverage of large defects in the thigh following resection of tumors is necessary to ensure adequate protection of the underlying femoral vessels. The usual muscles employed as flaps to achieve this protection are ipsilateral sartorius, rectus femoris, tensor fasciae latae, gracilis, rectus abdominis, or vastus lateralis. However, for situations in which these muscles are not available, the surgeon needs an alternative flap. This report details the successful use of the contralateral rectus femoris muscle to cover exposed femoral vessels in the upper and middle thirds of the thigh. Findings of anatomical dissections confirm that, by freeing the muscle at its origin, its reach can be extended about 6 cm. Postoperatively, no functional deficits resulted from the flap and no damage to the skin graft occurred with radiation therapy. Use of the contralateral rectus femoris flap should therefore be considered when a reliable alternative to conventional flaps must be employed.