FREE OSTEOCUTANEOUS FLAP FROM A RIB TO THE TIBIA

Abstract

A large bony defect of the tibia, covered with thin unstable scar, was repaired successfully with a free osteocutaneous flap composed of 10 cm of the ninth rib with a 9 X 6 cm area of overlying muscle and skin. Microvascular anatomoses were done between the intercostal vessels in the transplant and the anterior tibial vessels in the recipient area.