The Bipedicled Flap on the Lower Leg, a Valuable Old Method? Its Indications and Limitations in 12 Cases

Abstract

Covering defects of the lower leg is still an exceptional problem when tendons or bone are exposed within small defects, particularly in the malleolar region. We present 12 cases of successful wound closure on the lower leg with the versatile bipedicled flap. We had a low incidence of minor complications, whether it was used as a cutaneous, fasciocutaneous, or myo-fasciocutaneous flap, in some cases also based on underlying perforators to guarantee perfusion of the flap. If it is limited to selected indications and patients, the bipedicled flap may be a reliable alternative to other, more sophisticated methods of tissue transfer.

Key Words:

• bipedicled flap
• lower leg
• defect cover
• alternative method