Application of sural neurouascular flap in repair of soft tissue defect of foot and ankle / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective:To summarise the experience in use of sural neurouascular flap in repair of the soft tissue defects of foot and ankle, and explore the methods in promoting the survival and appearance of the flap.Methods:Data of 10 patients who underwent sural neurocutaneous flap surgery for repairing soft tissue defects in the foot and ankle in the Department of Foot and Ankle of Xuzhou Renci Hospital from October 2019 to June 2020 were retrospectively analysed. Among the 10 patients, 8 were males and 2 were females, and the age ranged from 18 to 54 years old, with an average age of 42.5 years old; Causes of injury: 8 patients injured by traffic accident and 2 by incision necrosis after calcaneal fracture operation. The areas of soft tissue defect were 4.0 cm×6.0 cm-16.0 cm×10.0 cm. Sural neurouascular flap was used for the defect repairs. Method of optimisation: ①The small saphenous vein in the flap was separated and retained in the limb to optimise the venous circulation. ②Freed peroneal perforator vessels that entered the pedicle, and made the point where the vessels entering the pedicle as the rotation point. The pedicle contained the sural neurovascular bundle, the main trunk of the small saphenous vein and the fascia tissue, with a width about 2.0 cm. It not only increased the blood supply of the flaps, but also a good appearance of the pedicle. ③ The torsion of the pedicle was covered by an arc-shaped flap and transferred through an open channel to prevent compression. ④The donor site was covered with relay flap. According to the location of the donor site, a proximal peroneal artery perforator flap or medial and lateral sural artery perforator flap was selected. ⑤Sural nerve was anastomosed with the peripheral sensory nerve in some cases. The survival of the flap, Maryland Foot Function Score and British Medical Research Council (BMRC) sensory function evaluation were investigated in the follow-up to evaluate the functional recovery of the flap and limb.Results:All the 10 patients received the follow-up for 6 to 12 months, with an average of 8.5 months. The donor and recipient flaps survived completely with good appearance in lower limb, good soft texture, good elasticity and wear resistance. The sensation of the flap with nerve anastomosis in 3 cases was evaluated according to BMRC, and they achieved sensation recovery up to level of S 3 or above. The patients had great satisfactions. At the last follow-up, the curative efficacy was evaluated according to the Maryland scoring system. It ranged from 85 to 98 points, with an average of 91.6 point, 8 patients in excellent and 2 in good. Conclusion:Sural neurouascular flap can achieve a sufficient blood supply, a reasonable venous circulation and a high survival rate. The donor site was covered with relay flap to obtain a good appearance, and the anastomosed sensory nerve offered a good sensation. The function of foot and ankle recovered well, and the clinical effect was satisfactory.

Avaliação da termoablação com endolaser da veia safena parva com anestesia local / Evaluation of endolaser thermoablation of the small saphenous vein under local anesthesia

Resumo Contexto Na insuficiência venosa crônica (IVC), a veia safena parva (VSP) é afetada em 15% dos casos. A cirurgia convencional é a técnica padrão para o tratamento da insuficiência da VSP, sendo a lesão no nervo sural uma complicação bastante temida. O tratamento de termoablação com endolaser tende a ser um método cirúrgico que diminui complicações da terapia cirúrgica da IVC. Objetivos Avaliar os pacientes com IVC submetidos à terapia por endolaser da VSP ao menos 30 dias após o procedimento. Métodos Foram analisados 54 membros inferiores de 46 pacientes submetidos à terapia por endolaser 1470 nm, sob anestesia local, para o tratamento da IVC em um hospital terciário. Os pacientes foram avaliados no período pré-operatório, intraoperatório e pós-operatório de 30 dias, através da clínica, exame físico e achados ecográficos. Resultados Nos 54 membros inferiores submetidos ao tratamento, comparando-se o período pré-operatório e o 30º dia pós-operatório, houve diferença significativa (p < 0,003) na redução do diâmetro da VSP tratada (6,37 mm pré-operatório e 5,15 mm no 30º dia pós-operatório) (IC95% 4,58-5,72) e na melhora do escore de gravidade clínica venosa (VCSS) (média de 8,02 pré-operatório e 6,11 no 30º dia pós-operatório) (IC95% 5,01-7,21) (p < 0,02). Complicações pós-operatórias, como parestesia e flebite, estiveram presentes e foram diagnosticadas em cinco e três pacientes, respectivamente, sem significar alteração na qualidade de vida e nas atividades de rotina. Conclusões A técnica de termoablação com laser da VSP mostrou-se segura e eficaz na redução dos sintomas clínicos e na melhora da qualidade de vida.

Abstract Background The small saphenous vein (SSV) is affected in 15% of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) cases. Conventional surgery is the standard technique for treatment of SSV insufficiency, but sural nerve injury is a complication of great concern. Endovenous laser ablation is a surgical technique for treatment of CVI that is considered likely to reduce morbidity and mortality. Objectives To evaluate patients with CVI undergoing endovenous laser ablation of the SSV at least 30 days after the procedure. Methods We analyzed 54 lower extremities in 46 patients scheduled for 1470-nm endovenous laser ablation under local anesthesia to treat CVI in a tertiary hospital. Patients were evaluated preoperatively, intraoperatively, and postoperatively over 30 days with clinical examination, physical examination, and ultrasound. Results In the 54 lower extremities treated, there was a significant difference (p < 0.003) in terms of reduction in the diameter of treated veins (6.37 mm preoperatively and 5.15 mm on the 30th postoperative day) and improvement in the venous clinical severity score (VCSS) (means of 8.02 preoperative and 6.11 on the 30th postoperative day) (95%CI, 5.01—7.21) (p < 0.02). Postoperative complications such as paresthesia and phlebitis were present and diagnosed in 5 and 3 patients, respectively, but did not affect their quality of life or routine activities. Conclusions Intravenous laser ablation of the SSV proved to be safe and effective for reducing clinical symptoms and improving quality of life.

Comparison of different approaches to small saphenous vein reflux treatment: a retrospective study in two centers

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Diagnosis and treatment of small saphenous vein (SSV) insufficiency is of utmost importance for relieving chronic venous insufficiency symptoms. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the efficacy and safety of five different treatment approaches among patients with SSV insufficiency. DESIGN AND SETTING: Two-center retrospective clinical study, conducted at cardiovascular surgery clinics in a local training and research hospital and a state hospital. METHODS: A total of 282 extremities of 268 patients with SSV insufficiency alone who were treated for symptomatic varicose veins between January 2012 and January 2017 were included in the study. All extremities included in the study were divided into five groups as follows: high ligation + stripping; radiofrequency ablation (RFA); cyanoacrylate closure (CAC); and endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) at the wavelengths 980 nm and 1,470 nm. RESULTS: Although the recurrence rate at six months was similar among the treatment groups, we found significant differences in recurrence rates at one year, with lower rates in the CAC, RFA and 1,470 nm EVLA groups, compared with the other treatments (P = 0.005). No sural neuritis was observed in the CAC group. The pigmentation rate was higher in the two EVLA groups (980 nm and 1,470 nm). CONCLUSIONS: Our study results showed that although CAC, RFA and EVLA at 1,470 nm seemed to be effective methods for treating SSV insufficiency alone, CAC and RFA had better aesthetic results than EVLA at 1,470 nm. We consider that endovenous non-thermal techniques for treating SSV insufficiency may be preferable because of relatively low risk of nerve injury.

Análisis de expresión de calreticulina en vena safena parva / Calreticulin expression analysis in small saphenous vein

La proteína chaperona Calreticulina (CRT), ha sido identificada en retículo endoplásmico (RE) y últimamente en la matriz extracelular (MEC) de predentina y arterias, atribuyéndole diferentes funciones extracelulares entre las que destacan la adhesión celular, regulación de la MEC y prevención en la formación de trombos. El objetivo del estudio fue identificar la presencia de CRT en MEC de vena safena parva. Se extrajo una muestra de vena safena parva de un espécimen masculino y luego fue procesada por medios histológicos e inmunohistoquímicos para identificar su presencia. Mediante técnicas de inmunohistoquímica se pudo evidenciar la presencia de CRT en la MEC de la adventicia de vena safena parva. La presencia de CRT en MEC de safena parva orienta a que CRT tienen funciones de tipo extracelular en esta localización, pero es necesario realizar estudios más precisos para dilucidar sus principales funciones en la zona.

Calreticulin (CRT) protein, has been identified in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and lately in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of predentine and arteries. It is responsible for different extracellular functions, such as cell adhesion, ECM regulation, and the prevention of thrombosis. The aim was to identify the presence of CRT in ECM of small saphenous vein. A sample of small saphenous vein from a male specimen was extracted and then processed by histological and immunohistochemical assays to identify its presence. The presence of CRT in the ECM of the small saphenous vein was observed by immunohistochemical techniques. The presence of CRT in the small saphenous vein ECM, indicates that CRT have extracellular functions in this area, however, more precise studies are necessary to determine its main functions.

Anatomy of the sural nerve related to calcaneal tendon, intermalleolar line and small saphenous vein / Anatomía del nervio sural en relación con el tendón calcáneo, la línea intermaleolar y la vena safena parva

Sural nerve (SN) courses from the posterior aspect of leg to the lateral side of ankle and foot. Anatomy of the SN is of clinical importance due to its involvement in nerve biopsy, nerve graft harvesting including injuries during calcaneal tendon repair. Despite substantial knowledge in the literature, more easily located landmarks and data regarding the symmetry are still needed. Ninety-eight lower extremities from 31 males and 18 females were dissected in this study. The SN originated from the union between the medial and lateral sural cutaneous nerves in 52.0 % of the legs. The distance from the union point to the intermalleolar line (IML) was 16.3±8.4 (SD) cm. The ratio of this distance to the fibular length (apex of head to lateral malleolus or LM) was 0.47±0.23 cm. In 84.7 % of the legs, the SN initially coursed medial to and then crossed the lateral border of calcaneal tendon at the distance of 8.4±2.1 cm above the IML. The ratio to the fibular length was 0.25±0.06 cm. At the level of IML, the SN was posterior to the most prominent part of the LM in 95.9 % of the legs with the distance of 2.6±0.5 cm. At the closest point, the SN was lateral to the small saphenous vein in 74.5 % of the legs and the distance from this point to the IML was 10.6±4.7 cm. The ratio to the fibular length was 0.31±0.14 cm. Side difference or asymmetry was observed in a substantial number of specimens. These data are crucial for not only localizing the SN during biopsy and graft harvesting but also avoiding the nerve injury during relevant surgical procedures.

El nervio sural (NS) transcurre por la región posterior de la pierna, el tobillo y el pie. La anatomía del NS es de importancia clínica durante la realización de una biopsia, el desarrollo de injerto de nervio, incluyendo lesiones del nervio durante la reparación del tendón calcáneo. A pesar del conocimiento sustancial en la literatura, aún se necesitan puntos de referencia más fáciles de localizar e información sobre la simetría. Noventa y ocho miembros inferiores de 31 hombres y 18 mujeres fueron disecados. El NS se originó a partir de la unión entre los nervios cutáneo sural medial y cutáneo sural lateral en el 52,0 % de las piernas. La distancia desde el punto de unión a la línea intermaleolar (IML) fue de 16,3±8,4 (SD) cm. La relación de esta distancia a la longitud de la fíbula (vértice de la cabeza al maléolo lateral o LM) fue de 0,47±0,23 cm. En el 84,7 % de las piernas, el NS se ubicó inicialmente medial y luego cruzó el margen lateral del tendón calcáneo a una distancia de 8,4±2,1 cm proximal a la IML. La relación de longitud de la fíbula fue de 0,25±0,06 cm. A nivel de la IML, el NS se localizaba posterior a la parte más prominente de la LM en el 95,9 % de las piernas, con una distancia de 2,6±0,5 cm. En el punto más cercano, el NS se localizaba lateral a la vena safena parva en 74,5 % de las piernas y la distancia desde este punto hasta la IML fue de 10,6±4,7 cm. La relación de longitud de la fíbula fue 0,31±0,14 cm. La diferencia entre los lados o asimetría se observó en un número considerable de ejemplares. Estos datos son esenciales no sólo para localizar el NS durante la biopsia y la realización del injerto sino también para evitar la lesión del nervio durante procedimientos quirúrgicos relevantes.

Popliteal-to-Dorsalis Pedis In-Situ Small Saphenous Vein Bypass under Planning with Mapping Using Computed Tomography Volume Rendering Technique

The small saphenous vein (SSV) is an important graft in limb salvage surgery. It is frequently translocated for bypass surgery. Sometimes, the use of the SSV as an in-situ graft for posterior tibial artery or peroneal artery reconstruction offers the advantages of reduced vein graft injury and improved patency. Recently, saphenous vein mapping through computed tomography (CT) volume rendering technique offers a great quality view to the surgeon. We experienced a patient in whom a CT image with volume rendering technique revealed an aberrant SSV connected with the great saphenous vein at the medial malleolus level. This case indicates that an aberrant SSV may be successfully used as an in-situ conduit for bypass to the dorsalis pedis artery. Here, we present the case of a popliteal-to-dorsalis pedis in-situ vein bypass using a LeMaitre valvulotome (LeMaitre Vascular Inc., USA) under mapping of the aberrant SSV by CT volume rendering technique.

"The application of""sluice gate"" technology in 1 6 cases of sural neurovascular flap" / 重庆医学

Objective To explore the sluice gate technology in the control of nutrient vessel retrograde island skin flap with sural nerve small saphenous vein blood flow.Methods Totally 32 cases were divided into group A and group B,group A flap with no special treatment to the return of small saphenous vein,group B applied river gate principle,in operation around the small saphenous vein reserved suture,postoperative through a rubber band traction control flap blood circulation and skin flap swelling. Observation and comparison of two groups of skin flap necrosis.Results There had 4 cases in group A flap incomplete necrosis,the incidence rate was 25.0%,1 cases of skin flap incomplete necrosis in B group,the incidence rate was 6.2%.Conclusion The use ofsluice gate technique to control the small saphenous vein reflux of blood,relieve skin flap swelling,improve the survival rate of the flap is simple and effective.

Small saphenous vein: where does reflux go? / Veia safena parva: para onde se dirige o refluxo?

BACKGROUND:The anatomy of small saphenous vein (SSV) is very variable because of its complex embryological origin. SSV incompetence often causes reflux that goes to the perforating veins, sometimes not respecting the anatomical course. OBJECTIVE: To analyze differences in reflux direction and reentry in the SSV. METHODS:In this prospective, observational study, 60 lower limbs with SSV incompetence of 43 patients were assessed using a color Doppler ultrasound protocol. RESULTS: Reentry variations were grouped into four types and subtypes. Percentage results were: Type A, perforating veins on the medial side = 25/60 cases (41.66%); subtypes: Cockett, Sherman, paratibial and vertex; Type B, lateral malleolus and perforating veins on the lateral side (fibular 17-26 cm) = 15/60 cases (25%); subtypes: fibular and malleolus; Type C, two branches = 19/60 cases (31.66%); subtypes: gastrocnemius and Cockett, gastrocnemius and malleolus, and/or fibular, Cockett and malleolus, Cockett-vertex and fibular; Type D, reflux in the superficial system = 1/60 cases (1.66%. CONCLUSION:On most of the lower limbs assessed, reflux did not follow the classical anatomic course. Our findings demonstrated a high degree of variation in reflux/reentry, but no SSV anatomical variations. Reflux seems to, either look for the most accessible anatomical connection for reentry or be originated in the distal area and then reach the SSV.

CONTEXTO:A veia safena parva (VSP) apresenta grande variabilidade anatômica graças à sua complexa origem embriológica. Na VSP insuficiente, o refluxo que se dirige para a perfurante de reentrada nem sempre obedece ao mesmo trajeto anatômico. OBJETIVO: Estudar a variabilidade da direção do refluxo da VSP e sua reentrada. MÉTODOS:Neste estudo prospectivo e observacional, 60 membros inferiores com insuficiência de VSP em 43 pacientes foram avaliados por protocolo de eco-color Doppler. RESULTADOS: As variações de reentrada foram agrupadas em quatro tipos, com seus respectivos subtipos. A porcentagem dos achados foi: Tipo A, perfurantes de face medial = 25/60 casos (41,66%), subtipos Cockett, Sherman, paratibiais e do vértice; Tipo B, maléolo externo e perfurantes da face lateral (externa) (fibulares 17-26 cm) = 15/60 casos (25%), subtipos fibulares e maléolo; Tipo C, em dois ramos = 19/60 casos (31,66%), subtipos gastrocnêmias e Cockett, gastrocnêmias e maléolo e/ou fibulares, Cockett e maléolo, Cockett-vértice e fibular; Tipo D, terminação no sistema superficial = 1/60 casos (1,66%). CONCLUSÃO: Na maior parte desta casuística, o refluxo não obedeceu ao percurso anatômico clássico. Demonstrou-se a variabilidade do trajeto do refluxo ou sua reentrada, e não a variabilidade anatômica da veia safena parva. Pode-se interpretar que o refluxo buscaria, como reentrada, a conexão anatômica mais acessível, ou então se originaria no setor distal, alcançando depois a veia safena parva.

Preoperative Assessment of Small Saphenous-Type Varicose Veins by Three-Dimensional CT Venography with Dual-Route Injection / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

The saphenopopliteal junction (SPJ) is found at various levels and has various patterns compared with the saphenofemoral junction. Although this can cause difficulty in the surgical treatment of varicose veins and affect the outcome, there have been few reports on preoperative assessment of the small saphenous vein (SSV) regarding this point. This study was undertaken to evaluate three-dimensional CT venography with dual-route injection for the preoperative assessment of a small saphenous-type varicose vein. We examined a total of 15 legs in 15 patients with a small saphenous-type varicose vein, which were preoperatively evaluated by CT venography and then surgically treated. The patients included 4 men and 11 women with ages ranging from 50 to 80 years old (mean age, 66 years). The grading of varicose veins according to the CEAP classification was C2, C3, C4, and C5 in 3, 4, 6 and 2 legs, respectively. The CT imaging was performed with contrast medium diluted ten-fold, which was injected into the great and small saphenous veins simultaneously. CT venography clearly visualized the lower extremity veins. Whereas the popliteal vein coursed deep above the level of the femoral intercondylar groove, it followed a shallow course below the level of the knee joint. In 11 legs (74%), the SPJ was located in the shallow portion, whereas it was in the deep portion in 4 legs (26%). Among the former group, the SSV was connected to the great saphenous vein via the Giacomini vein in 2 cases, and the gastrocnemius vein was connected to the SSV before the SPJ in 3 cases. Among the latter group, a localized large venous aneurysm with thrombus before its termination was found in one case. In another case, the SSV showed branched termination in the deep portion. Our three-dimensional CT venography with dual-route injection provides more accurate information on venous anatomy in the lower extremity. The accuracy of images acquired by CT venography with dual-route injection was verified by intraoperative findings. Although Doppler ultrasound is essential for examining the presence of regurgitation in the veins and locating the course of a varicose vein in the surgical field, all 15 cases had scheduled surgery under local anesthesia based on accurate preoperative diagnosis. This study suggests that CT venography with dual-route injection is beneficial in preventing undesired complications during surgery and avoiding additional procedures for recurrent varicose veins.

The Incidence of Giacomini Vein and Its Association with Lower Extremity venous Insufficiency: An Ultrasonographic Study

PURPOSE: We wanted to evaluate the incidence of Giacomini vein and its association with lower extremity venous insufficiency by performing US. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From September 2006 to July 2007, 173 patients (58 males and 115 females, mean age: 52.7 years, age range: 22-72 years) who had been diagnosed with unilateral/bilateral varicose veins or telangiectasias were evaluated with duplex Doppler ultrasonography. The presence of Giacomini vein, superficial/deep vein reflux, the anatomical sites of the venous reflux and the abnormal perforating veins was investigated in 346 legs. RESULTS: Giacomini veins were found in 33 limbs (9.5%) of 21 patients (12.1%). Bilateral Giacomini veins were found in 12 patients. Of the 33 limbs that had Giacomini veins, 20 limbs had great saphenous vein (GSV) reflux and 4 limbs had small saphenous vein (SSV) reflux. The patients with Giacomini veins were classified into two groups according to the presence of Giacomini vein. There was no significant difference of the GSV reflux (p = 0.155), the SSV reflux (p = 0.760) and the mean velocity of the GSV reflux or the SSV reflux (p = 0.685, p = 0.431, respectively) between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicated that Giacomini vein is not associated with either GSV or SSV reflux, and this is contrary to conventional belief.

Transcatheter thrombolysis via the small saphenous vein for acute lower limb deep venous thrombosis / 中华普通外科杂志

Objective To evaluate transcatheter thrombolysis via the small saphenous vein in the treatment for lower limb acute mix-deep venous thrombosis. Method From Jan 2005 to Mar 2007.37 patients with lower limb acute mix-DVT underwent catheter-directed thrombolysis via the small saphenous vein with urokinase(149 ±71)×104 IU continuous infusion.The venous patency score and the rate of patency improvement were observed by venograms before and after therapy.Twenty-two patients were followed up for(12 ±4)months. Results Venous patency score were significantly improved(Z=-5.330,P＜0.01).The mean rate of venous patency was 50.17%±15%,and there was no complication.Venogram on 6～12 month follow up showed a venous patency of 58%±13%(Z=-3.545,P＜0.01),and that on 13～18 months was 68%±20%(Z=-2.201,P＜0.05). Conclusion This preliminary experience suggests that catheter-directed thrombolysis via the small saphenous vein with urokinase for acute lower limb mix-DVT iS safe and effective.

Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT) with High Ligation of Small Saphenous Vein Varicosities

PURPOSE: Endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) of great saphenous vein (GSV) varicosities is a widely accepted procedure. However, EVLT of small saphenous vein (SSV) varicosities is not so popular due to concern about sural nerve damage and popliteal thrombosis. In addition, higher rates of recanalization and recurrence of tributaries make clinicians reluctant to use EVLT for SSV incompetence. The purpose of this study is to assess the safety and efficacy of SSV EVLT and the advantage of a combined high ligation and EVLT to reduce the complications and recurrence. METHOD: Between November 2003 and March 2006, 47 patients (55 limbs) with SSV incompetence and enlarged truncal varicosities, documented by duplex ultrasound, were included in the study. All patients were treated with an EVLT combined with ambulatory phlebectomy (AP) of the residual varicosities. High ligation of the sapheno-popliteal junction (SPJ) was performed in 26 limbs (47.3%, HL group); the EVLT without high ligation was performed in another 29 limbs (52.7%, NHL group). The patients were followed by clinical examinations at 1 week, 4 weeks and 12 weeks and with duplex ultrasound at 12 weeks after the operation. Symptomatic improvement, complications, recanalization of the SSV and recurrence of tributaries were recorded and compared between the two groups. RESULT: Mean follow-up was for 5.0 months. Most of the patients (95.4%) showed symptomatic improvement at 12 weeks with better venous clinical severity scores (VCSS). The overall complication rate was 27.3% (15 limbs), most of them were minor problems including 4 cases of transient sural nerve numbness (7.3%). The duplex US-confirmed saphenous vein recanalization rate and recurrence rate of tributaries at 3 months were 5.4% and 9.1%, respectively. There were no differences in the rate of symptomatic improvement and complications between the HL and NHL groups. However, the HL group showed a lower tendency for recanalization and recurrence compared to the NHL group. CONCLUSION: EVLT combined with AP might be an effective minimally invasive treatment modality for SSV varicosities with an acceptable complication rate and low recanalization rate of the saphenous veins. The simultaneous high ligation of the SPJ decreased the rates of recanalization and recurrence. Long-term data from large randomized prospective trials with more objective measure of the outcomes are needed to confirm the effectiveness and durability of this operative procedure.

Clinical application of distally based sural neurovascular flap with anastomosing small saphenous vein / 中国微创外科杂志

Objective To explore the clinical application of sural neurovascular flap with anastomosing small saphenous vein to be transferred distally for repairing soft tissue defect of the leg.Methods Seven patients with soft tissue defects in the distal one third of anterior tibia,the foot dorsum,the heel or the ankle were treated with the distally based sural neurovascular flap with anastomosing small saphenous vein.The size of the flap ranged 8 cm?6 cm ~ 18 cm?10 cm.Results The flaps survived in all the 7 patients,with excellent color and texture.Their appearance and function were satisfactory during 6~40 months of follow-up. Conclusions Use of distally based sural neurovascular flap with anastomosing small saphenous vein is reliable.The performance is simple.This flap has a rich blood supply without the sacrifice of major arteries.Venous blood reflux was unobstructed.It can be used for the reconstruction of soft tissue defects in the distal one third of anterior tibia,the foot dorsum,the heel or the ankle.