Microvascular free musculocutaneous flaps for the treatment of avulsion injuries of the lower leg.

Microvascular free flap transfer has added new dimensions in reconstructive surgery. The use uf musculocutaneous units as free flap donors may have additional advantages over skin units. Microvascular free musculocutaneous flaps were utilized to cover avulsion wounds in the lower leg of six patients and satisfactory results were obtained. The latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap proved to be well suited for free transfer to the traumatized lower extremity, because of its long dominant vascular pedicle, its large size, and the minimal functional problems that result from its use.