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 "carrier" vessels of the contralateral noninjured leg, was used for reconstruction in six cases of extensive traumatic defects and deformities of a lower extremity. This method provides great advantages in free-flap reconstruction of complicated and unfavorable cases in which utilization of what would be suitable recipient vessels in the injured leg is most difficult, but there is good blood circulation of the leg.