Reverse Superficial Sural artery flap for the Reconstruction of Soft Tissue Defect on Posterior side of heel exposing Achilles tendon

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Soft tissue defect on posterior side of heel exposing Achilles tendon is vulnerable and require thin flap to improve aesthetic and functional results. Reverse superficial sural artery flap is simple and fast procedure, and it can preserves major arteries, supplies reliable constant blood, causes less donor site complication. Authors reviewed our cases and report the clinical results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nine cases of soft tissue defects on the posterior side of heel exposing Achilles tendon were treated with distally based superficial sural artery flap. There were 6 male and 3 female and mean age was 48.4 years. The size of flap was from 4x4 cm to 10x15 cm and mean follow-up period was 23 months. Flap survival, postoperative complications were evaluated. RESULTS: All flaps were survived completely without necrosis. There was one case of partial wound dehiscence that needed debridement and repair, and other one case had recurrent discharge that was healed after removal of calcaneal plate. All patient showed acceptable range of ankle motion. CONCLUSION: Authors suggest that the reverse superficial sural artery flap could be one of the useful treatment options for the soft tissue defect on posterior side of heel exposing Achilles tendon.