ABSTRACT
Large soft tissue lower leg defects in children, especially those around joints, can
cause severe secondary and progressive deformity and can interfere with growth of
the affected limb. If function is to be restored and possible amputation prevented,
repair procedures are necessary. Eight children with such defects, ranging from six
to nine years of age, have been treated successfully, using bilateral latissimus dorsi
myocutaneous flaps. All the flaps survived, and both functional recovery and cosmetic
improvement of the repaired limbs have been satisfactory. Cross-bridge flaps from
the contralateral leg were used in four of the cases because no vessels were available
for anastomosis at the recipient site. No significant functional impairments at the
donor site have been noted. Operative techniques, indications for the procedure, and
related problems are discussed.
