The Gastrocnemius Flap for Lower Extremity Reconstruction.

The gastrocnemius flap is a versatile flap when muscle, or, muscle and skin is desired for coverage of bone of the proximal one-third of the leg, and about the knee. Both the medial and lateral heads, or both combined, may be used as flaps. Typically, the reach of only the muscle will restrict reach to just below the knee. Release off the medial femoral condyle permits increased reach, and a bit more is obtained by scoring the deep fascia and gently slow expansion of the muscle.