Lateral Supramalleolar Flap Research Articles

Foot and Ankle Reconstruction Using Retrograde Lateral Supramalleolar Flap

Abstract Background Treatment of soft-tissue defects in the foot and ankle is a challenge. The use of a retrograde lateral supramalleolar flap is a promising technique for reconstruction. This study aims to assess the efficacy and outcomes of the technique. Materials and Methods A prospective observational study was conducted from December 2017 to December 2022. Patients with soft-tissue defects in the foot and ankle underwent reconstruction using the retrograde lateral supramalleolar flap. Data on demographics, injury details, flap dimensions, complications, and outcomes were recorded and analyzed. Results Forty-six flaps were used in the study. The average flap length was 17.47 cm. The maximum size of the flaps was 104 cm2 with an average of 48.43 cm2. Venous congestion occurred in nine flaps, leading to partial necrosis in four cases. The overall success rate was 91.3%. Conclusion The retrograde lateral supramalleolar flap is effective in covering soft-tissue defects in the foot and ankle.

Ortho-oncoplastic surgery in foot and ankle: A narrative overview on reconstruction of soft-tissue defects after oncologic resections.

Malignant tumors of the foot are rare, and treatment strategies are challenging considering the complex anatomy of this area. In recent years, dramatic advances in technology and collaborations between different specialties (such as orthopedic, oncology, radiology, plastic, and vascular surgery) significantly changed the approach to complex malignant tumors without resorting to limb removal. The combination of the strengths of both orthopedic surgery and plastic surgery constitutes the modern definition of "orthoplasty." The aim of this review article is to provide treatment strategies that are available for reconstruction of foot and ankle in limb-salvage surgery after tumor resection, with a specific focus on microsurgical techniques in plastic surgery. We conducted a comprehensive search for relevant papers across PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science. We included patient-based studies reporting on procedures for soft-tissue reconstruction with small and large soft tissue defects. Indications, pros and cons, and technique tips are discussed for each type of reconstructive technique. The search was done using literature of the past 30 years (from 1990 to date), resulting in about 725 articles describing over 2000 cases. Cutaneous flaps included lateral supramalleolar flap, medial plantar flap, reverse sural neurocutaneous island flap, medial leg flap, and lateral leg flap. Free flaps included anterolateral thigh flap, radial forearm flap, latissimus dorsi flap, gracilis muscle flap, lateral arm flap, and rectus abdominis flap. The orthoplastic approach in musculoskeletal oncology is a collaborative model of orthopedic and plastic surgeons working together, resulting in a higher rate of successful limb salvage in patients at risk for amputation. Protocols, biologic substitutes, and surgical techniques are largely improved in the last decades increasing the possibility of functional reconstruction. Microsurgical strategies represent the new frontiers in these demanding reconstructions.

Distally based lateral supramalleolar flap for reconstructing distal foot defects in India: a prospective cohort study.

Defects involving the ankle and foot are often the result of road traffic accidents. Many such defects are composite and require a flap for coverage, which is a significant challenge for reconstructive surgeons. Various locoregional options, such as reverse sural artery, reverse peroneal artery, peroneus brevis muscle, perforator-based, and fasciocutaneous flaps, have been used, but each flap type has limitations. In this study, we used the distally based lateral supramalleolar flap to reconstruct distal dorsal defects of the foot. The aim of this study was to analyze the efficacy of the flap in reconstructing distal dorsal defects of the foot. The specific objectives were to study the adequacy, reach, and utility of the lateral supramalleolar flap for distal defects of the dorsum of the foot; to observe various complications encountered with the flap; and to study the functional outcomes of reconstruction. The distal dorsal foot defects of 10 patients were reconstructed with distal lateral supramalleolar flaps over a period of 6 months at a tertiary care center, and the results were analyzed. We were able to effectively cover distal foot defects in all 10 cases. Flap congestion was observed in two cases, and minor graft loss was seen in two cases. The distally based lateral supramalleolar flap is a good pedicled locoregional flap for the coverage of distal dorsal foot and ankle defects of moderate size, with relatively few complications and little morbidity. It can be used as a lifeboat or even substitute for a free flap.

Empirical Evidence on the Reliability of Lateral Supramalleolar Flap over Reverse Sural Flap for Local Soft Tissue Coverage of Dorsum of the Foot and Ankle Defects.

Background Soft tissue coverage of the distal foot and ankle region has been an area of debate due to the paucity of local flap options. To provide empirical evidence on the reliability of an underreported local alternative for foot and ankle defects, we aim to compare the lateral supramalleolar flap (LSMF) to the reverse sural flap (RSF). Methods During 2016-2019, 48 patients were divided randomly into two equal groups, LSMF and RSF groups respectively. The patients' demographic, surgical, and clinical outcome details were recorded and analyzed. Results Flap necrosis was found in five patients in the group treated with RSF and none in the LSMF group. The mean total number of stages in RSF group was significantly higher than in LSMF group ( p < 0.05). The mean operative time for patients in LSMF group was 85.8 ± 18.5 and 54.2 ± 11.2 in RSF group ( p < 0.05). Five patients in the RSF group needed additional procedures following flap complications. Nine patients in the LSMF group reported satisfaction outcomes to be "excellent," five patients reported "good" whereas, in the RSF group, 14 patients reported "excellent," 5 reported "good," 3 reported "fair," and 2 reported "poor" outcomes. Compared to the RSF (46.4 ± 4.3) group, the LSMF group had significantly better foot function indices (34.03 ± 3.9). Conclusion The lateral supramalleolar flap for foot and ankle defects offers better results, reduced complications as well a lesser number of stages and secondary procedures over the traditionally used reverse sural flap.

Initial results of covering soft tissue defects in the foot using the lateral supramalleolar flap nourishing by the dorsal vessels anastomosis with the peroneal artery.

Covering of skin defects in the foot region endures a significant challenge because of the anatomical characteristics of soft tissue. This research estimated the initial results of reconstruction of foot skin defects using lateral supramalleolar flap. This is a prospective observational study conducted from Dec 2017 to Dec 2021 at the Hospital for Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Gathered information about demography, etiology, size of skin defect, size of flap, time of surgery, and post operation data. Using Stata 16.0 to analize data. Patients in this research included 21 males and 6 females. The mean age was 42 (ranging from 15 to 68) years. The range of size of skin defects was from 9 to 80 cm2. The success rate was 89%. Twenty-three cases had covered uneventful, and partial flap necrosis occurred in 4 cases (in which three patients were treated by skin graft later and one case got minor surgery suturing). Foot skin defects can be covered with good results by using the lateral supramalleolar flap nourishing by the dorsal vessels anastomosis with the peroneal artery.

Efficacy of Locoregional Perforator Flaps for Resurfacing of Peri-ankle Soft Tissue Defects: A Single Centre Prospective Cohort Study

Introduction: The foot and ankle serve as vital components in supporting mobility. When afflicted by trauma, infections, burns, or tumours, they often present challenging defects that expose tendons, bones, joints, and nerves. Managing softtissue reconstruction in this area is complex, primarily due to limited local tissue resources and inadequate muscle coverage. A range of reconstructive options exists, encompassing local, locoregional, and distant flaps, with microvascular free flaps as the gold standard. Recent studies have explored newer pedicled and perforator-based flaps as promising alternatives for lower extremity soft-tissue defects. Aim: To explore the efficacy of perforator-based local and locoregional flaps for resurfacing peri-ankle defects. Materials and Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted at the Department of Plastic Surgery, SSKM Hospital, and IPGME&amp;R, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, from April 2019 to March 2022. A total of 49 patients with soft-tissue defects around the ankle were included. The reconstructive approach primarily involved perforator-based flaps from various arterial sources. Outcomes were categorised as complete defect coverage, minor flap necrosis without intervention, or major necrosis necessitating additional surgical intervention. For this descriptive study, proportion was used to compare categorical variables such as the number of cases with different aetiology, and the number of different flaps used were compared. For the continuous variable like age, mean has been used as a measure of central tendency. Results: The mean age of the study population was 39.6±4.1 years. Thirty-four out of 49 patients (69.38%) presented with defects stemming from Road Traffic Accidents (RTA), and the posterior aspect of the ankle was the most common defect location (14 out of 49 patients, 28.57%). Peroneal Artery Perforator Flaps (PAPF) exhibited the highest success rate, with 18 out of 20 cases where this flap was used (90%), closely followed by Lateral Supramalleolar Flaps (LSF), with 13 out of 15 cases (86.7%). Overall, in 42 out of 49 cases (85.7%), the perforator-based flaps effectively resurfaced the defects. Conclusion: Pedicled perforator-based flaps, including those based on the peroneal artery and lateral supramalleolar, have emerged as valuable options for the reconstruction of softtissue defects around the ankle.

Evaluation of Medial and Lateral Supramalleolar Flaps for Reconstruction of Soft Tissue Defects around Ankle

Evaluation of Medial and Lateral Supramalleolar Flaps for Reconstruction of Soft Tissue Defects around Ankle

Lateral supramalleolar flap for soft-tissue coverage of ankle and foot defects

The reconstruction of soft tissue defects in the foot and ankle remains a big challenge due to the anatomical characteristics of this area. This study evaluated the long-term effectiveness of covering by lateral supramalleolar flap in patients with soft tissue defects around the ankle and foot. We conducted a retrospective study from January 2017 to December 2020 at the Hospital for Traumatology and Orthopedics, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Data about patients’ characteristics, detailed injuries, perioperative information, intraprocedural dossier, and complications of this method were recorded and analyzed. There were 31 male and 17 female patients, with an average age of 39.8 (ranging from 11 to 77) years. The skin defects ranged from 8 cm2 to 120 cm2. The blood supply for the flap included a mixed-flow pattern (n = 30) and retrograde flow (n = 18). The success rate was 94%. Forty-two patients had been successfully covered, five patients had partial flap necrosis (in which two cases needed skin graft afterwards and three cases got spontaneous healing), only one patient had total flap necrosis. In conclusion, the lateral supramalleolar flap can cover the soft tissue of ankle and foot defects in both mixed-blood supply pattern or retrograde pattern with high success rates. However, the risk of venous congestion should be considered, particularly when using the retrograde pattern flap.

The lateral supramalleolar flap for the treatment of open foot and ankle fractures

The purpose of this study is to describe the efficacy of lateral supramalleolar flap as an option for soft tissue repair in open fractures of foot and ankle and to present the experience in 2 trauma units: Hospital Susana López de Valencia, Popayán Colombia, and Hospital Universitario de Santander, Bucaramanga Colombia. This is an observational, case series study including all patients with open fractures of foot and ankle who were treated from January 2016 to June 2021 and who required soft tissue coverage. Patients whose soft tissue injury was located on the anatomical area of the perforating peroneal artery, those with less than 6 months of follow-up and those who refused the proposed treatment were excluded. On the other hand, although literature reports flaps of up to 100 cm 2 [1], in our hands, this flap unsuitable for skin defects larger than 60 cm 2 , and other procedures such as free flaps should be considered in these cases. Thirteen patients were selected, 9 men and 4 women, with a mean age of 30 years (12–62 years) and mean follow-up duration of 10.3 months [ [6] , [7] , [8] , [9] , [10] , [11] , [12] , [13] , [14] ]. In 11 patients, the mechanism of trauma involved a motorcycle accident. Mean flap size was 40 cm 2 (30–48 cm 2 ). Ten flaps survived with no acute problems, 2 presented with venous congestion and epidermolysis, which were treated conservatively, and 1 developed complete necrosis requiring reintervention. All interventions were performed by the authors belonging to the orthopedic trauma units from the involved hospitals. The lateral supramalleolar flap is an excellent alternative for the treatment of coverage defects caused by open foot and ankle fractures, producing satisfactory and predictable results in the hands of orthopedic surgeons with no specific training in microsurgical techniques. Level of clinical evidence: 4. • The treatment of open distal tibial, ankle, and foot fractures, represents a significant challenge, and it needs early coverage. • Microvascular techniques and free flaps are demanding procedures not always available in trauma centers. • The supramalleolar flap is a reproducible option for soft tissue coverage in distal tibial, ankle, and open foot fractures.

Foot and ankle reconstruction using the lateral supramalleolar flap versus the anterolateral thigh flap in the elderly: A comparative study.

The purpose of this study was to compare the reconstructive outcomes of soft‐tissue defects around the foot and ankle with anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap or lateral supramalleolar (LSM) flap and attempt to provide an optimal strategy for elderly patients. A retrospective review of all continuous patients with foot and ankle reconstruction using different flaps from October of 2010 and October of 2020 was performed. Based on the flap types, the patients were divided into two groups: ALT flap group (n = 50) and LSM flap group (n = 46). Outcomes were assessed according to the flap survival rate, early complications, general complications, late complications, cosmetic appearance, functional outcomes and Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS). We found that there was no difference in average age, gender, aetiology, size of the defect, debridement times between the two groups; however, a significant difference in operation time, hospitalisation time and cost were noted between them. What's more, the early flap complications between them were not significantly different. The LSM flap group showed less general complications, less flap bulky and lower cosmetic appearance. Moreover, the functional evaluation and VSS seem similar (P > .05). Thus, The ALT flap and LSM flap are both flaps available for foot and ankle reconstruction in elderly patients. However, the LSM flap offers short operation time, short hospitalisation time, and less cost with a lower frequency of postoperative complications. Thus, we advocate the LSM flap for the reconstruction of moderate‐size defects of the foot and ankle region in elderly patients.

Comparison of distally based sural artery and supramalleolar flap for coverage of dorsum of foot and ankle defects; a cross-sectional study of 53 patients

BackgroundSoft tissue defects over the foot and ankle region are most challenging in reconstructive surgery. Sural artery and supramalleolar flaps have been commonly used for the reconstruction of non-weight-bearing surfaces of the foot. This article aimed to evaluate the long-term outcome comparisons between a sural artery and Supramalleolar flap in the reconstruction of extensive defects of foot and ankle only. MethodsBetween 1996 and 2020, a retrospective analysis of 53 fasciocutaneous flaps (27 sural and 26 Supramalleolar) used for reconstruction of soft tissue defects of foot and ankle were reviewed in this study. The parameters included were demographics data, causes, site and size of the defect, flap size, hospital stay, complications, and outcomes in a pre-structured proforma. The clinical outcome was assessed by a Self-Designed Tool based on flap survival, coverage of defect, weight-bearing status, functional activities of daily living, and cosmetic appearance. Data were analyzed through SPSS version 25. ResultsAmong 53 flaps, the major cause of the defect was Trauma (60.4%). The maximum flap size harvested was 25*10 for sural and 20*8 cm for supramalleolar. Complications were seen in 8 (15%) cases in both flaps. Flap tip necrosis and venous congestion were seen in 4 cases. 2 each in Supramalleolar whereas 1 partial necrosis, 1 venous congestion, and 2 infections were seen in the sural artery flap. The flap survival rate in both flaps was 96.2%. Based on the self-designed Tool, flaps were graded Excellent in 43, Good in 8, and Fair in 2 cases. There was no case of Poor in both flaps. ConclusionCompared with the sural artery flap, the lateral supramalleolar flap demonstrated higher rates of functional outcomes although flap tip necrosis was higher in Supramalleolar.

Lateral supramalleolar flap: Is it based on perforator of peroneal / anterior tibial artery; A cross-sectional study at tertiary care centre

BackgroundTo determine the anatomical basis of supramalleolar flap; retrograde versus antegrade and its clinical outcome based on the vascular pattern. MethodsThis analytic cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. Patients who underwent coverage of soft tissue defects around the foot and ankle with supramalleolar flaps were included. Data collection was through medical records including demographic parameters, mechanism of injury, per-operative findings of perforator origin, and patient interviewing for final assessment. Patients with peripheral vascular disease, unavailability of skin, and radiation injuries were excluded. All analysis was done using SPSS version 25.0. Results49 patients were included in the study from May 1999 to December 2020. The male to female ratio was 37:12. The cause of soft tissue defects was trauma in 9 (38.7%) followed by Infection in 16 (32.6%) and Blast injury in 5 cases (10.2%). The maximum flap size harvested was 20 × 8 cm. In 19 cases the peroneal artery perforator was absent and the flap was based on the perforator of an anterolateral malleolar branch (antegrade) while the remaining 30 flaps were based on the perforator of the peroneal artery (retrograde). Overall, the flap survival rate was 98%; as 1 case had partial necrosis and required skin grafting. However, there were 9 minor complications. In 8 patients, the flap was rotated as a ‘delay flap’. All patients had satisfactory functional outcomes without significant morbidity of the donor site. ConclusionThe lateral supramalleolar flap provided coverage to almost all regions of the foot and ankle with a cosmetically acceptable donor and recipient site. There were no problems with shoe wear, as only 2 patients required defatting for cosmetic reasons. Microvascular expertise was required for a predictable outcome.

Chimeric free fibula lateral supramalleolar flap in selected cases of mandible &amp; maxilla defects- A pilot study

Chimeric free fibula lateral supramalleolar flap in selected cases of mandible &amp; maxilla defects- A pilot study

Different Modalities of Flap Coverage of Achilles Tendon Region Defects: Functional and Aesthetic Outcomes

Abstract Background: In the decision-making process toward covering various Achilles' tendon region, knowledge about patient related outcomes after surgery and rehabilitation is important. Therefore, we aimed to present an overview of outcomes and select the most appropriate flaps used for covering soft tissue defects over Achilles' tendon region. Aim of Study: Study aimed to analyse and determine the suitable reconstructive surgical options for Achilles' tendon coverage and to evaluate the clinical, functional and aesthetic outcomes. Patients and Methods: Between September 2017 and December 2019, 25 patients with skin loss over Achilles' tendon region were admitted to Menoufia University Hospital and Shebin-Elkom Teaching Hospital. The soft tissue defects ranged from 3x2 to 16x12 cm. Six types of flaps were used for the coverage of concomitant skin defects. Results: There was no complete flap loss and all flaps survived. Lateral supra malleolar flap (28%) was used in seven patients, distally based peroneus brevis muscle flap (16%) in four patients, posterior tibial artery perforator flap (24%) in six patients, peroneal artery perforator flap (4%) in one patient, reversed sural artery flap (24%) in six patients, and free latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap (4%) in one patient. Two patients were subjected to debridement and covered with split thickness skin graft (STSG). One patient suffered from chronic ulcer formation which was covered with lateral supra malleolar artery flap. The algorithm of one-stage reconstruction was established, according to the defect size of skin. Conclusion: Perforator flaps, lateral supra malleolar artery flap, and the distally based peroneus brevis muscle flap were a suitable option for coverage of small to intermediate sized defects; reversed sural artery flap is best for coverage of moderate to large size defects and free flaps are the best choices for complex wide reconstructions.

The Interest of the Modified Lateral Supramalleolar Flap in the Management for Defect of Ankle

Covering the defect of ankle substances as well as the defect of distal leg substances has long been a challenge for plastic surgeons. Through the experience of two clinical cases, we show the ease of survey, the clinical result and the effectiveness of the use of an externally supra-malleolar flap modified according to the Valenti technique for the coverage of the defects of substances.

The lateral supramalleolar flap as solution for lower leg, ankle and foot defects: a surgical case series

Introduction. One of the most challenging regions of the body to cover is the lower part of the leg, the ankle, and the foot, especially with the exposure of bones or tendons. Many options for covering soft tissue defects in this area have been proposed. This article describes the lateral supramalleolar flap, which is used for the reconstruction of defects of the lower leg, ankle, heel, and foot. This flap is a surgical technique to salvage the lower extremity due to its large skin paddle and a wide rotation arc. In this case series, patients with lower leg and ankle defects requiring flaps had the lateral supramalleolar flaps performed. This article discusses the overview, technique, and outcomes.Methods. These flaps were performed under spinal anesthesia and tourniquet control. The upper limit of the flap was about 8 cm from the popliteal crease, and the lower border was 5 cm from the axis of the ankle joint. The lateral extent of the flap was up to the fibula, contrary to mid-calf. The flap was harvested in the sub-facial plane, and the donor site was grafted.Results. The Flap was generally easy to raise and secure in place at the donor site. Partial necrosis of the flap was reported in one case. The overall donor site morbidity was minimal.Conclusion. The lateral supramalleolar flap is a reliable and useful flap for coverage of the lower third of the leg, ankle, and dorsal foot defects. It is a viable option available to the reconstructive surgeon, especially with the exposure of bones or tendons.Â

A clinical study on reconstruction of small and medium sized defects of tendo Achilles and heel regions with fascio cutaneous flaps

Background: Soft tissue defects of tendo Achillis and heel regions are difficult to reconstruct because of less vascularity and limited mobility of the skin. Most of these defects result from trauma, infection and excision of malignancy. Well vascularized tissues with sensation are needed to cover these defects as these regions are more prone for repeated friction and weight bearing. Aim was to study the versatility and applications of various flaps in the reconstruction of soft tissue defects of tendo Achillis and heel regionsMethods: This retrospective study was conducted in the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Thanjavur Medical College, Tamil Nadu, India from 2015-2019. About 22 patients with soft tissue defects of tendo Achillis and heel regions were studied. The aetiology of the defect, size of the defect and the outcome of treatment with various flaps were evaluated.Results: Of the 22 patients 20 patients were males and 2 patients were females. The age group ranged from 12 years to 68 years. Most of the defects were due to road traffic accidents. The soft tissue defects were classified into small, medium and large sized defects based on the area of the defects. Reverse sural artery flap extended lateral calcaneal artery flap, posterior tibial artery perforator flap and lateral supra malleolar flap were the various flaps used to cover these defects.Conclusions: Fascio cutaneous flaps play a major role in the reconstruction of tendo Achillis exposed defects and heel defects. Long term follow-up with physiotherapy is essential to achieve excellent function of tendo Achillis.

Reverse neurocutaneous vs propeller perforator flaps in diabetic foot reconstruction

Introduction Reverse neurocutaneous and propeller perforator flaps are both used to reconstruct diabetic distal lower limb defects. Our study aims to compare outcomes between these two groups of flaps with an emphasis on indications and complication rates.Method A retrospective analysis was conducted, reviewing data from 54 diabetic patients who underwent reconstruction of acute or chronic wounds of the foot and ankle between 2005-2018. Thirty-four patients (Group A) had a reverse neurocutaneous flap (NCF): nineteen sural and fifteen lateral supramalleolar flaps. Twenty patients (Group B) had a propeller flap (PF) based on peroneal (n = 13) or posterior tibial artery perforators (n = 7). All patients had a preoperative Doppler examination to identify the nutrient artery of the flap. In both groups, we recorded patients’ demographics, characteristics of the defect, postoperative complications and time to heal. Follow-up ranged from 6 to 59 months. Student's t-test and chi-squared test were used for statistical analysis.Results Mean patients’ age was 59.1 and 50.8 years for Group A and B, respectively. Defects were located at the Achilles zone (n = 16), posterior heel (n = 14), foot dorsum (n = 9), lateral and medial malleolar areas (n = 8), anterior ankle (n = 5) and lateral foot (n = 2). Mean size of the defect was 42.8 cm2 in Group A and 23 cm2 in Group B. Uneventful healing was recorded in 20/34 neurocutaneous flaps and in 12/20 propeller flaps; complications included two complete flap losses (one NCF, one PF), seventeen distal flap necroses (10 NCFs, 7 PFs), fifteen delayed wound healing events over the donor or recipient site (12 NCFs, 3 PFs). Secondary surgeries were required in 15 NCF and 8 PF patients. Mean healing time was 48.1 and 40.7 days for Group A and B, respectively. All patients, except one NCF case, which resulted in leg amputation, returned to previous levels of ambulation.Conclusion Reverse neurocutaneous and propeller flaps may provide stable reconstruction of diabetic lower limb defects; neurocutaneous flaps are specially indicated for larger and more distally located defects, although they might be associated with longer healing time and additional revision surgeries. Propeller flaps were more frequently used in younger patients for smaller and more proximally located defects.

Clinical Study of the Lateral Supramalleolar Flap in the Soft Tissue Reconstruction around the Ankle Region.

Objective The purpose of this study is to present the efficiency of the lateral supramalleolar flap which is a very useful and yet underutilized in the soft tissue reconstruction of the regions extending from the distal leg, ankle, and foot. Methods Over a period of 3 years, 20 flaps were used in the reconstruction of soft tissue defects in the region extending from the distal leg, ankle, and foot. The location of the defects, the etiology, possible alternative flaps, outcome, and the complications were studied and presented. Results The follow-up period of the cases was from 1 month to 18 months after surgery. Seventeen flaps survived and three were lost. All the three lost flaps were those used over the tendocalcaneal region. The lost flaps were later replaced with split skin graft after the wound was debrided and was later covered with granulation tissue. Conclusion The lateral supramalleolar flap is a very useful flap in the regional soft tissue reconstruction around the ankle except in the tendocalcaneal region.

Repair of lateral calcaneal wound with the lateral supramalleolar flap pedicled with the end perforator of peroneal artery

Objective To explore the method and effect of repairing the soft tissue defect of the lateral heel with the retrograde lateral supramalleolar flap pedicled with the end perforator of peroneal artery. Methods From May, 2015 to February, 2018, 16 cases of lateral calcaneal soft tissue defect were repaired with the retrograde lateral supramalleolar flap pedicled with the end perforator of peroneal artery. All wounds were treated with one-stage dilatation and VSD to control infection. In cases of chronic calcaneal bone infection, the bone defect formed after extensive resection of infected bone was temporarily filled with antibiotic bone cement. The area of soft tissue defect on the lateral heel was 3.0 cm×2.0 cm-8.0 cm×5.0 cm, and the area of flaps was 3.5 cm×2.5 cm-8.5 cm×5.5 cm. The small donor area of the flap was sutured directly, and the larger area was repaired by skin grafting. Patients with chronic calcaneal bone infection underwent bone cement removal and autogenous bone transplantation after inducing membrane formation 6 to 8 weeks after flap transplantation. All cases were followed-up, including 7 cases outpatient follow-up and 9 telephone follow-up. Results All the 16 flaps survived smoothly. The donor and recipient areas of the flaps healed primarily. All cases were followed-up for 3 to 13 months. The flaps had good shape, no swelling, similar color to heel skin and no pigmentation. Ankle flexion and extension were not restricted. Four cases with chronic osteomyelitis of calcaneus healed well after second-stage bone grafting, with an average healing time of 8.5 months. Conclusion The retrograde lateral supramalleolar flap with the end perforator of peroneal artery is an ideal method for repairing the soft tissue defect on the lateral heel with simple operation and reliable blood supply. Key words: Lateral supramalleolar flap; Perforator of peroneal artery; Repair; Heel wound; Microsurgical technique