VERSATILITY OF A CROSS-LEG FREE RECTUS-ABDOMINIS FLAP FOR LEG RECONSTRUCTION UNDER DIFFICULT AND UNFAVORABLE CONDITIONS

A cross-leg free rectus abdominis flap, anastomosing to utilized ''car rier'' vessels of the contralateral noninjured leg,was used for recons truction in six cases of extensive traumatic defects and deformities o f a lower extremity. This method provides great advantages in free-fla p reconstruction of complicated and unfavorable cases in which utiliza tion of what would be suitable recipient vessels in the injured leg is most difficult, but there is good blood circulation of the leg.