[Clinical applications of island and myocutaneous flaps].

Objective: This is to introduce the experience in clinical applications of the island and myocutaneous flaps.

Methods: Since 1985 fifteen types of vascularized island and myocutaneous flaps have been applied in 52 cases (21 positions) for the following purposes: repairing traumatic soft tissue defects on the limb, scar contracture, congenital recto-vaginal fistula, reconstructing congenital nasal deformity and rehabilitating function. The non-major artery island flap was used in 47 cases (90.38%) and the retrograde island flap was used in 24 cases (46.15%). The size of the flap ranged from 2.5 cm x 1.5 cm to 15 cm x 12 cm.

Results: All the flaps survived with primary healing. Follow-up for 8 months to 11 years showed aesthetically and functionally satisfactory results in all cases.

Conclusion: These island and myocutaneous flaps have rich blood supply and are highly anti-infective. The operation is easy and the success rate is high.