USING MEDIAL SURAL ARTERY PERFORATOR FLAP IN RECONSTRUCTION OF LIMB SOFT TISSUE DEFECTS

Abstract

Aims: To evaluate the results of covering limb soft tissue defects with medial sural artery perforator free flap. Materials and Method: Non-randomised interventional study was performed on 10 cases of limb soft tissue defects exposing tendons, bones, blood vessels or nerves covered by medial sural artery perforator free flap. The lesion characteristics and flap features have been described. The effectiveness of defect coverage and the impact of the donor site were evaluated at the time of hospital discharge and 3 months after surgery. Results: 7 soft tissue defects of the lower limbs and 3 defects of the fingers, exposing tendons and bones were included in research. The average size of flaps was 5.9x11.2 cm2, the average thickness of flaps was 10.2±2.1mm, the average length of vessel pedicles was 10.3±2.6 cm and there were average of 1.9 perforators per flap. No postoperative complications were recorded. 100% of the flaps survived and covered the defects complettly. 100% of the donor sites were closed directly. After 3 months, 8/10 patients showed good limb function, 2/10 patients suffered from limited function at recontructed limb due to severe primary injury despite of good results in covering and healing. 7/10 flaps were flat, 3/10 flaps were thicker than expectation. 100% of the donor sites showed normal function. Although 6/10 cas appeared hypertrophic scars and 7/10 cas showed hyperpigmentation but all of the patients were sactisfied. Conclusions: The medial sural artery perforator flap has the advantages of being thin, less morbidity at the donor site and being suitable for medium soft tissue limb defects. Key words: Soft tissue limb defects, medial sural artery perforator flap, free flap.