OBJECTIVETo explore the feasibility and the effect of free chimeric perforator flap with deep inferior epigastric artery for the soft tissue defect on the lower extremity with deep dead space.

METHODSFrom Mar. 2010 to Aug. 2011, 8 patients with soft tissue defects on the lower extremities combined with dead space, bone or joint exposure were reconstructed with free hinged perforator flaps with deep inferior epigastric artery. The muscle flap was inserted into the deep dead space, with perforator flap for superficial defect. The defects on the donor sites were closed directly.

RESULTSAll the flaps survived with primary healing. Good color and texture was achieved. The patients were followed up for 12-24 months, with an average of 16 months. 2 over-thick flaps were treated by flap-thinning surgery. Only linear scar was left on the donor site on abdomen with no malfunction.

CONCLUSIONSThe free chimeric perforator flap with deep inferior epigastric artery can simultaneously construct the dead space and superficial defect with only anastomosis of one set of vascular pedicle. It is an ideal method with good results on recipientsites and less morbidity on donor sites.

Cicatrix ; Epigastric Arteries ; transplantation ; Feasibility Studies ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Leg Injuries ; surgery ; Lower Extremity ; Perforator Flap ; transplantation ; Soft Tissue Injuries ; surgery ; Time Factors ; Wound Healing

Objective To investigate the clinical results,indications and precautions of a variety of special forms of the perforator flap for reconstructing limb soft-tissue defect.Methods From January 2008 to December 2013,480 cases suffering from limb soft-tissue defect were treated with special forms of the perforator flap.Types of special forms of the perforator flap included flow-through perforator flaps,micro-dissected perforator flaps,conjointed perforator flaps,polyfoliate perforator flaps and chimeric perforator flaps.Derivative types combined two or three technologies used in basic types.Results Venous crisis of the flap was shown in 10 cases.Through a second surgical exploration,5 cases were diagnosed with anastomotic thrombosis,2 with vascular torsion and 3 with hematoma.After appropriate treatments,flaps survived in 4 cases,but partial necrosis occurred in 6 cases.Twelve cases were found to have infection,which led to arterial crisis followed by total flap necrosis in one of them at postoperative day 5.Other flaps survived and wounds healed by first intention.Donor sites were repaired by skin flap transfer in 8 cases,skin grafting in 3 cases and direct suture in the rest cases.Conclusion Special forms of the perforator flap are optimal for repair of soft-tissue defect of extremities.