Versatile Use of the Local Muscle Flaps Pedicled by Gastrocnemius and Hemisoleus Muscle with a Longer Reach for Coverage of Lower Extremity Defects

Purpose: To report the usefulness of the multiple local muscle flaps pedicled by gastrocnemius and hemisoleus muscle for the treatment of the soft-tissue defects in the lower extremity, including the distal femur and more distal one third of the tibia without resorting to a free flap. Methods: From January 2014 to January 2023, the multiple local muscle flaps were designed to reconstruct the lower extremity in 13 patients. Results: All the patients had complete healing of their wounds with only minimal complications. Conclusions: The local muscle flaps pedicled by gastrocnemius and hemisoleus muscle are a useful alternative for coverage of lower extremity defects with a longer reach without resorting to a free flap.