Application of improved sural neuro-fasciocutaneous perforator flap harvesting and it’s application / 中华显微外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To investigate the therapeutic effect of modified sural neuro-fasciocutaneous perforator flap in reconstruction of foot and ankle soft tissue defects.Methods:Sixteen patients undergoing the modified flap for foot and ankle reconstruction were included in this study between June, 2016 and June, 2018. The 16 patients were 11 males and 5 females with an average age of 32.5 (range 21 to 51) years. Ten defects were in heel and 6 in ankle and dorsal side of foot. A "Z" -shape skin incision was performed to explore the perforator vessels. A peroneal-based perforator, a superficial vein, and the vascular axis of the sural nerve were included in the pedicle. A relaying island perforator flap was used to close the donor site without skin graft. Follow-up was carried out through outpatient service, telephone follow-up and Wechat photo transmission.Results:The patients were followed-up for 12 to 18 months. All flaps survived completely without complications. The colour, texture and apperance of the flaps were good. The area of the flaps ranged from 12 cm×5 cm to 30 cm×15 cm. The diameter of the pedicle ranged from 1 to 2 cm. No complication occurred in the donor sites. A relaying perforator island flaps were used in 10 cases for donor site closure and without a skin graft. All cases were satisfied with appearance and function at the final followed-up.Conclusion:It is possible to use the modified sural neuro-fasciocutaneous perforator flap to repair foot and ankle soft tissue defects. A relaying island perforator flap can be used as a relaying flap to cover the donor site without skin graft.