The anterograde sural neurovascular flap based on the popliteal artery perforator for covering tissue defects in middle and distal upper leg

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the clinical effect of popliteal artery perforator-based sural neurovascular flap for repairing soft tissue defects in middle and distal upper leg. Methods Between December, 2011 to September, 2015, 18 cases with skin soft tissue defects on the middle and distal upper leg were treated with popliteal artery perforator-based sural neurovascular flap, in which 12 cases were males, and 6 cases were females. The age was from 24 to 55 years, with the average age of 35.9 years. The size of tissue defects ranged from 3.0 cm × 3.0 cm to 7.0 cm × 9.0 cm. Results All flaps survived completely in 18 cases, 1 case of marginal infection heated after dressing, and the rest cases in Ⅰhealing. The outline and function of survived flap were satisfactory during 3-16 months follow-up, with two-point discrimination of 4.0-10.0 mm. Conclusion The anterograde sural neurovascular flap based on the popliteal artery perforator provides a practical option for covering tissue defects in middle and distal upper leg. This flap is characteristiced by reliable blood supply without sacrificing main vesses, good contour and texture, in addition, the operation is easy of handling. Key words: Upper leg; Popliteal artery perforator; Sural neurovascular flap; Soft tissue defects; Microsurgical operation