ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the efficacy of the combined saphenous nerve-great saphenous vein flap and cutaneous branches of posterior tibial artery flap in repairing refractory wounds. Methods Eighteen cases of pedal chronic ulcers were treated with the combinedsaphenous nervegreat Saphenous vein flap and cutaneous branches of posterior tibial artery flap, in which the wounds were treated with vacuum suction techniques before the operation in 6 cases. Wounds were from 8 cm× 13 cm to 1 cm× 17 cm in zine after debricement, and the designed size of the flaps was from 8 cm× 14 cm to 11 cm× 18 cm. Results After the treatment, 18 cases were evaluated as excellent in 10 cases, and good in 8 cases, in which the primary sealing of the wounds was achieved in 17 cases, but one case presented with focal necrosis of smaal size owing to vein drainage disturbance in a distallypedicled flap, and was healed after flap transplantation. Follow-up for 6 months to 2 years showed that all the patients were satisfied with the results. Conclusions The combined flap has reliable blood supply, skin pedicle of the flap is longer, superior texture and satisfied appearance, and incisive area of the flap is larger. It is particularly useful in repairing refractory wound in foot.