Superficial lateral sural artery perforator flap for hand reconstruction

Abstract

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of superficial lateral sural artery perforator flap for hand reconstruction. Methods From March, 2012 to April, 2015, 15 superficial lateral sural artery perforator flaps were planned for hand reconstruction. Of all cases, 11 cases were male, 4 cases were female, age ranged from 21 to 51 years old, with average age of 38.2 years. The skin defects ranged from 1.5 cm × 3.5 cm to 5.0 cm × 6.5 cm. Superficial lateral sural artery perforator flap were harvested uneventfully in 12 cases, the flaps were converted to superficial medial sural artery perforator flap in 3 cases. The flap size ranged from 1.8 cm × 3.8 cm to 5.5 cm × 6.5 cm. All reconstructive surgeries were performed secondarily. Results All of 15 flaps survived well, all donor sites were closed directly. During a mean follow-up of 9 months, the flaps were thin and pliable, none of the patients needed secondary flap thinning. The appearance of donor site was satisfactory, no patients complained about functional restrictions. Conclusion The superficial lateral sural artery perforator flap is feasible for reconstruction of middle-sized defects of the hand. Key words: Hand; Perforator flaps; Superficial sural artery; Microsurgery