Role of Reversed Sural Artery Flap in Reconstruction of Lower Third of the Leg, Ankle and Foot Defects

Abstract

Introduction: Coverage of defects of the distal lower extremity and foot remains a challenging reconstructive prcedure. Free tissue transfer remains the standard for the management of these defects. However, there are some disadvantages like; longer operative times, bulky contour, and the need for highly skilled expertise. The reverse superficial sural artery flap (RSSAF) is a distally based fasciocutaneous or adipo-fascial flap that is used for coverage of defects that involve the distal third of the leg, ankle, and foot. A significant advantage of this flap is a constant blood supply that does not require sacrifice of a major artery. Methods: Twenty RSSAF flaps were harvested for reconstruction of different traumatic soft tissue defects of the lower third of leg, ankle and foot. Follow up for 6 months postoperative. Results: Twenty Patients; twelve males and eight females underwent reconstruction of different soft tissue defects over the foot and ankle using RSSAF. The overall complications occurred in 6 flaps; 4 minor and 2 major complications. The remaining 14 flaps passed an uneventful follow up. Conclusions: The reverse superficial sural artery flap RSSAF can be used as a reliable alternative to free tissue transfer in reconstruction of defects over the lower third of leg, ankle, and foot. Venous congestion is the major threat to the flap but its incidence can be minimized by wide pedicle, less kink of the flap, and keep the venae comitants around the artery.