Femur-vastus intermedius-anterolateral thigh osteomyocutaneous composite chimeric free flap: a new free flap for the reconstruction of complex wounds.

Among the many bone and muscle flaps described in literature, several have stood the test of time and come forward as the preferred donor sites. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Yet another bone flap that has never been described in literature is introduced here. This is the vascularized femur bone flap based on the periosteal blood supply from the overlying vastus intermedius muscle. The vastus intermedius muscle free flap has the advantage of easy harvest, consistent vascular anatomy, long pedicle with large-caliber vessels, easy patient positioning, two-team approach, large surface area, minimal thickness, minimal donor site morbidity, and minimal functional loss. In this report, the femur-vastus intermedius-anterolateral thigh osteomyocutaneous chimeric free flap based on the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery is used in the reconstruction of a complex composite defect of the lower extremity. © Thieme Medical Publishers.