Annales de chirurgie plastique et esthétique
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Ann Chir Plast Esthet · Aug 2016
[Reconstruction of lower limb involving free serratus anterior with rib myo-osseous composite flap: 20 patients followed for 5 years].
In our team, free flap and especially serratus anterior muscle is the first option for the coverage of lower limb post-traumatic defects. For complex tissue loss, it may be advantageous to harvest the free serratus anterior with rib myo-osseous composite flap. We performed 20 osteomuscular serratus anterior composite flap between 2008 and 2010. ⋯ Use of vascularized rib in the treatment of lower limb traumatic defects is rare. The bone quality of rib is lower than fibula, but the coverage provided is better, due to serratus anterior muscle. The length and diameter of the vascular pedicle is very useful too. Our results are comparable to other series using this flap. Its coverage properties and the possibility of simultaneous bone reconstruction is useful. It allows one stage procedure for complex tissue losses with satisfactory results in the short and long term. The further realization of a free fibular transfer in cases of persistent non union remains possible.