Coverage of extensive tibial bone exposure in burn patients with three local flaps

Abstract

Covering tibial bone exposure from third degree burns to the lower limbs is a challenging task for the plastic surgeon. We present our experience of covering tibial exposure from burns in three different patients, where four limbs were involved and three muscular flaps were used in conjunction with one another; i.e. the tibialis anterior flap, the medial gastrocnemius flap and the hemisoleus flap. Through the use of this technique, tibial bone exposure, ranging from 15–30 cm, was successfully covered. This technique constitutes a good solution for surgically challenging wounds.

Keywords: hemisoleus flap, lower limb burns, medial gastrocnemius flap, tibial bone exposure, tibialis anterior flap