[Microsurgical repair of the defect with large area of bare tibia].

Objective: To study the best method in repairing the defect with a large area of bare tibia.

Method: Three hundred and twenty-two cases of large bare tibia defects were treated by three microsurgical methods.

Results: The bare tibiae in the 322 cases ranging from 12 x 3 cm to 24.0 x 3.5 cm were covered with myocutaneous flaps. Primary wound healing was achieved in 300 cases and delayed healing in 22 cases. All the cases were followed-up for 1 to 5 years. The function of the lower limbs was evidently improved. None of them was amputated due to deficit of skin coverage. The patients were all satisfied with the operative results.

Conclusion: Transposition of the bridging skin flap pedicaled with the contralateral posterior tibial blood vessels can cover extensive bare tibia to avoid amputation. Other myocutaneous flaps from thoraco-umbilical, tensor muscle of fascia lata and scapular-lateral chest areas are good options too.