[The expanded cross-leg flap for repairing the soft tissue defects of the instep].

Objective: To explore the clinical application of the expanded cross-leg flap for repairing instep soft tissue defects with bone exposure.

Methods: The expanded cross-leg flap was used to repair instep defects in 10 patients. After flap transferring the donor site was closed directly without skin grafting.

Results: Satisfactory results were achieved in all the cases. The flaps survived well. The donor site had less scar and kept good appearance.

Conclusions: The expanded cross-leg flap is a better choice for repairing the soft tissue defects of the instep. It is simple and easy with less trauma to the donor site. After the operation, both the recipient and the donor areas had good appearance.