Abstract: Objective To summarize clinical results of free thoracodorsal perforator flaps or muscle flaps by the bridge transplantation in the repair of soft tissue defect of the leg.Methods From September 2006 to January 2009,11 patients with soft tissue defect of the leg underwent reconstruction with free thoracodorsal perforator flap or muscle flap by the bridge transplantation.Soft tissue defect ranged from 4 cm × 8 cm to 8 cm × 22 cm.The thoracodorsal artery perforator flaps or muscle flaps were elevated with subscapular and circumflex scapular vessels forming a T pedicle.The T shaped vascular pedicle of the thoracodorsal artery perforator flaps or muscle flaps were anastomosed to the two vascular ends of the posterior tibial artery of normal leg by end-to-end anastomosis.Immediate coverage of the vascular pedicle were performed by a meshed split-thickness skin graft.Results One flap developed minor superficial skin infection and distal part,the wound healed after change dressing.The thoracodorsal artery perforator flaps or muscle flaps survived completely without major complications and with satisfactory clinical results.Follow-up period ranged from 9 months to 3.6 years(mean 2.9 years).There was no remarkable donor site morbidity.All cases had good appearance in recipient and donor site.The patency of the posterior tibial artery of contralateral legs were demonstrated by Doppler examination.Conclusion This technique is particularly useful in the reconstructive of the leg.The patency of the posterior tibial artery of contralateral leg are preserved in clinical application of the bridge free thoracodorsal artery perforator flaps or muscle flaps.This technique can reduce the injury at the donor site.

Key words: GetLinkList(KeywordFilter(''Perforator flaps, Muscle flaps, Bridge transfer, Thoracodorsal artery''),''kw'',''CJFQ'')