Sural Neurofasciocutaneous Flap Research Articles

Comparison of “complications” and functional outcome of anterolateral thigh flap and sural neurofasciocutaneus flap for foot and ankle reconstruction: A single center cohort study

BackgroundSkin and soft-tissue defects around the foot and ankle remain a challenge for orthopedic and plastic surgeons. Anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap and sural neurofasciocutaneous (NFC) flap are both used to reconstruct lower-extremity soft-tissue defects. The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes of the two flaps and attempt to provide an optimal strategy. MethodsA retrospective study was conducted, reviewing data from 93 patients who underwent reconstruction of wounds around the foot and ankle with ALT flap (42 cases) or NFC flap (51 cases) from January 2014 to January 2020. Patients’ demographics, characteristics of the defect, complications, cosmetic appearance, and functional outcome were analyzed, and statistical analysis was performed. ResultThere was no difference in gender and etiology; however, NFC flaps were more frequently used in elderly patients. Mean size of the flap in the ALT group was significantly larger in comparison with the NFC group. The ALT group had longer operation and hospitalization time than the NFC group (P < 0.05). The incidence of partial necrosis in ALT group was significantly lower than that in NFC group, while its general complications rate was higher. In long-term follow-up, esthetic appearance of the reconstructed site was comparable in both groups, the ALT group had a higher ratio of revision surgery. Moreover, the ALT group showed better overall esthetic outcomes in the donor site. ConclusionsThe study showed that anterolateral thigh flaps in wound coverage of foot and ankle achieved better outcomes than neurofasciocutaneous flaps in terms of recipient benefits and donor-site compromise with a special indication for larger and more distally located defects.

Outcome comparison of sural neurofasciocutaneous flap for reconstructing soft tissue defects in forefoot and around ankle.

To summarize our experience with the sural neurofasciocutaneous flap for reconstructing the soft tissue defects over the forefoot distal to the connecting line of midpoints in the metatarsal bones, and to compare the outcomes between the flap for resurfacing the defects distal and proximal to the connecting line. The clinical data of 425 sural neurofasciocutaneous flaps for repairing the soft tissue defects in the middle and lower leg, ankle, and foot between Apr. 2002 and Apr. 2020 were reviewed. Based on the connecting line of midpoints of the metatarsals, the sural neurofasciocutaneous flaps were divided into a forefoot group (flaps with furthest edges distal to the connecting line) and a peri-ankle group (flaps with the furthest edges proximal to the connecting line). The partial necrosis rate in the forefoot group (14.5%, 10/69) was significantly higher than that in the peri-ankle group (7.0%, 25/356), with significant difference (P<0.05). Using the flap alone or in combination with a simple salvage treatment, the ratio of successful coverages of the defects was 98.6% (68/69) in the forefoot group, and 97.8% (348/356) in the peri-ankle group, respectively, with no statistical difference (P>0.05). The sural neurofasciocutaneous flap is a better choice for covering the soft tissue defects over the forefoot distal to the connecting line of midpoints of the metatarsal bones. The survival reliability of the sural neurofasciocutaneous flap reconstructing the soft tissue defect proximal to the connecting line is superior to that of the flap reconstructing the defect distal to the connecting line.

Clinical application of retrograde sural neurofasciocutaneous flap repair combined with jingulian capsules to treat foot and ankle soft tissue defects.

ABSTRACTObjectives:To observe and analyse the efficacy of retrograde sural neurofasciocutaneous flap repair combined with Jingulian capsules to treat foot and ankle soft tissue defects.Methods:One hundred and eighty patients with foot and ankle soft tissue defects were enrolled in the study from January 2016 to June 2019 in The Second Department of General Surgery,Baoding First Central Hospital. They were divided into a study group and a reference group with the same case number. The former group was provided combination treatment, i.e. retrograde sural neurofasciocutaneous flap repair combined with Jingulian capsules; the latter group was given vacuum sealing drainage. Then, the treatment outcomes of the two groups were compared.Results:The study group needed fewer dressing changes, less preoperative preparation time and antibiotic use than the reference group, p<0.05. The study group had a significantly lower incidence of wound infections and flap necrosis than the reference group, p<0.05. The study group was significantly superior to the reference group regarding ankle function scores and the pain visual analogue scores (VAS) p<0.05.Conclusions:Retrograde sural neurofasciocutaneous flap repair combined with Jingulian capsules is a protocol that improves efficacy for soft tissue defects in the foot and ankle, which are worthy of promotion and practice.

A randomized trial of use of a modified reverse sural neurofasciocutaneous flap to extend the reconstruction range.

BackgroundWhen a reverse sural neurofasciocutaneous flap is used to reconstruct a forefoot defect, usually, the transverse length of the flap is increased or the pivot point is lowered to ensure the reconstruction range. Therefore, proximal partial necrosis leading to surgery failure is sometimes caused by insufficient arterial supply if the flap is too long or the pivot point is too low and has no a reliable perforator in the pedicle. Herein, we describe a new method for extending the reconstruction range of the reverse sural neurofasciocutaneous flap that can provide a higher survival rate.MethodsBetween July 2010 and July 2014, 24 patients with forefoot defect were randomly assigned into two groups. In the research group, 12 modified reverse sural neurofasciocutaneous flaps with extended reconstruction range were used to reconstruct forefoot defect. We dissected the septum along the last perforator to locate the main trunk of the peroneal artery, disconnected the proximal end of the peroneal artery at the root of the perforator, and separated the peroneal artery more distally to obtain a lower rotation point to extend the reconstruction range. The last perforator and a section of the peroneal artery were contained in the pedicle. In the control group, 12 traditional reverse sural neurofasciocutaneous flap procedures were performed.ResultsIn the research group, 11 flaps survived with good quality and esthetic contours. Partial distal necrosis occurred in 1 flap. In the control group, 7 flaps survived. Partial necrosis occurred in the other 5 flaps. Compared with control group, the survival rate in the research group was significantly higher while the healing time was significantly shorter. All patients were satisfied with the therapeutic outcome in the research group.ConclusionsOur modified method proved efficacious in extending the reconstruction range of the reverse sural neurofasciocutaneous flap. Meanwhile, partial necrosis was avoided because the length of the flap was shortened, and a reliable perforator was preserved in the artery pedicle.Trial RegistrationChictr.org Identifier: ChiCTR2100046323.

Reliability and Versatility of Reverse Sural Island Neurofasciocutaneous Leg Flaps.

Distally based sural neurofasciocutaneous (NFC) flaps are a commonly used method for foot and ankle reconstruction given that they are much simpler and, at the same time, still efficient alternative to perforator flaps and free style free flaps. This study aims to evaluate the reliability and versatility of reverse sural island NFC flaps as a powerful and efficient method that can be used for repair of lower leg skin defects. This method does not require microsurgical facilities or extensive training. Patients with soft tissue defects of the distal third of the leg and ankle region received reverse sural island NFC flaps. Inclusion criteria included an absence of damage to the sural neurovascular axis or communicating perforators, absence of peripheral vascular disease, and the presence of soft tissue defects deep enough to expose tendon or bone. Patients were assessed for flap (defect) size, pedicle length and location of defects, postoperative flap survival rates, and complications. Donor sites were closed directly or skin grafted. Of 24 consecutive patient (20 male; 4 female), all flaps except 1 (4.16%), survived, although partial necrosis was observed in 2 patients (8.33%). The overall major complication rate was 12.50%. Epidermolysis was noted in 1 patient (4.16%). Three cases of transient venous congestion resolved without additional complications. The overall minor complication rate was 16.66%. Minimal complications were associated with healing of donor sites. Reverse sural island NFC flaps provide adequate and aesthetically very acceptable coverage of soft tissue defects of the distal lower leg and proximal foot with no functional impairment.

Treating Foot Injuries by Grafting Pedicled Distal Peroneal Artery Perforator Flaps.

Treating mid- and forefoot wounds is challenging. We share our clinical experience and describe the treatment of foreand midfoot wounds by grafting pedicled distal peroneal artery perforator (PNAP) flaps. The study enrolled 21 patients with fore- and midfoot injuries, who underwent grafting with a pedicled distal PNAP flap between August 2013 and May 2016. All of the flaps survived and were followed for 2 to 11 months. The appearance and texture of these flaps were good. The range of motion of the injured ankle was similar to the unaffected side. There were no complications, such as scar contracture, ulcer, or tenderness. The pedicled distal PNAP flaps can effectively extend the length of the flap pedicles and are better for repairing fore- and midfoot wounds than the traditional distally pedicled sural neuro-fasciocutaneous flaps.

Distally based sural neuro-fasciocutaneous perforator flap for foot and ankle reconstruction: Surgical modifications for flap pedicle and donor site closure without skin graft

The conventional procedure of the sural neuro-fasciocutaneous flap enables the supply of blood and venous drainage by increasing the width of the adipofascial tissue and preserving tiny venous return routes. Moreover, skin graft is a common method for donor site closure, which may lead to some complications and influence the aesthetic appearance. We report modifications for a distally based sural neuro-fasciocutaneous perforator flap and a relaying flap for donor site closure without skin graft. Twelve patients undergoing the modified flap for foot and ankle reconstruction were included in this study between 2014 and 2016. A peroneal-based perforator, a superficial vein, and the vascular axis of the sural nerve were included in the pedicle. A Z-shape skin incision was performed to explore the perforator vessels and a relaying island perforator flap was used to close the donor site. All flaps survived completely without necrosis. The area of the flaps ranged from 16 × 8 cm to 30 × 15 cm. The diameter width of the pedicle ranged from 1.0 to 2.0 cm. A relaying perforator island flap was used in 10 cases for donor site closure and no skin graft was performed. There were no serious donor site complications. All patients were satisfied with the aesthetic outcome postoperatively at the final follow-up. The distally based sural neuro-fasciocutaneous perforator flap is considered a reliable method for foot and ankle reconstruction. The modification for flap pedicle and donor site closure method without skin graft should be recommended.

Lowering the pivot point of sural neurofasciocutaneous flaps to reconstruct deep electrical burn wounds in the distal foot

Due to the thinness of the skin and soft tissues in the foot, tendons and bones tend to become exposed and necrotic after injury; therefore, it is difficult to reconstruct foot injuries, especially distally. Reconstruction with free skin flaps is highly risky as it demands technologies and equipment, while patients suffer greatly from the use of cross-leg skin flaps. Sural neurofasciocutaneous flaps are often used for reconstruction of wounds in the lower leg, malleolus, and the proximal end of the foot but are not feasible for wound repair in the distal foot; this is because, with the pivot point of 5–7cm above the tip of the lateral malleolus, the flaps are not able to cover defects in the distal foot. In this study, we used a sural neurofasciocutaneous flaps with a lowered pivot point for reconstruction of distal foot wounds caused by electrical burns. An ultrasound flow detector and Doppler flow imaging were used to detect the diameter, the perforating point and the blood flow of the lateral retromalleolar perforator. Twelve patients with the perforator diameter greater than 0.6mm and the peak systolic flow more than 0.15m/s were included. The pivot point of sural neurofasciocutaneous flaps was lowered to 0–3cm above the tip of the lateral malleolus and the size of the flaps ranged from 6cm×5cm to 12cm×18cm. Eleven of the 12 flaps survived completely. One flap developed necrosis approximately 1cm at the far point but was managed successfully by daily dressing. We demonstrated that lowering the pivot point of sural neurofasciocutaneous flaps is feasible for reconstruction of distal foot injury with the advantages of reliable blood supply and easy operation. The use of Doppler flow imaging provides useful information for the design of the flaps.

Delayed Reverse Sural Flap for Cover of Heel Defect in a Patient With Associated Vascular Injury. A Case Report

The delay reverse sural neurofasciocutaneous flap is used to reconstruct soft tissue defects in the lower third of the leg to improve outcome in patients with associated comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia, smokers and ischaemic heart disease. The author reports the use of a delayed reverse sural flap as soft tissue cover for a calcaneal defect in a patient with associated comorbidities who has an ipsilateral Gred 3C (Gustilo) tibial fracture after vascular reconstruction.

One-staged reconstruction of Achilles tendon and overlying skin defects with suppuration: using peroneus brevis tendon transfer and reversed sural neurofasciocutaneous flap

The combined loss of the Achilles tendon and the overlying soft tissue with suppuration has been treated with many single- or multi-staged procedures, most of which are technically complex. The ideal single-stage procedures are needed. Ten patients with combined loss of the Achilles tendon and the overlying soft tissue underwent reconstruction using peroneus brevis tendon transfer and reversed sural neurofasciocutaneous flap. Follow-up was 8-48 months. Of the 10 flaps, 9 survived uneventfully except for 1 flap that had distal marginal necrosis; the flap healed following a dressing change. The flaps were wear-resistant and cosmetically acceptable. All the patients were able to perform heel lift with the operated limb and resumed walking. No Achilles tendon re-rupture or misbalance of ankle joints occurred as of date. The Arner-Lindholm evaluation standard was taken to evaluate the curative effect; the results were excellent in seven cases and good in three cases. As a one-stage procedure, the peroneus brevis tendon transfer and reversed sural neurofasciocutaneous flap is an ideal option to reconstruct the combined loss of the Achilles tendon and the overlying soft tissue.

Perforasomes

Sir: We would like to compliment Dr. Sanit and his team for proposing the concept of the perforasome.1 Mentioned in the article, the concepts of perforasome and “linking vessels” between adjacent perforasomes give evidence to our study2 in 1998 that the perforators have a chain-link vessel in the adipose layer. Based on the advanced anatomical and graphic methods, the authors propose the concept of the perforasome. We consider it to be great progress after the “angiosome” concept of Taylor; however, we have a few questions. Priority of perfusion. The authors describe two forms of linking vessels: Direct linking vessels travel within the suprafascial and adipose tissue layers. Indirect linking vessels communicate with adjacent perforators by means of recurrent flow through the subdermal plexus. There are communicating branches between them. On dynamic computed tomographic angiography, we note the recurrent flow from the subdermal plexus into a communicating branch that connects with a large direct linking vessel (Video 3). Does this video indicate that indirect linking vessels are flooded more easily than direct linking vessels? It is important to understand which type of vessel has priority of perfusion, especially when we design an adipofascial flap without skin. Pressure of perfusion. There is no detailed value of pressure mentioned in this article. We noted that high perfusion pressure through the single perforator opens multiple direct and indirect linking vessels and allows perfusion of four or five perforasomes, as shown in Figure 5. However, by clinical practice, we found that even if the flap is designed according to the linking vessel, the distal part of a long flap has a poor blood supply. Thus, we want to define the area that can be filled by a single perforator by physiologic pressure. Neurovascular axis. Our investigation and many other studies have confirmed that if the superficial sensitive nerves are incorporated in the subcutaneous adipose tissue, the perforators will give specific branches to these structures to form a paraneural vascular plexus to nourish them (i.e., a distally based sural neurofasciocutaneous flap including the sural nerve component could be designed and used for repair of soft-tissue defects in the distal lower limb). We look forward to more detailed information about how the vessels link perforators to the paraneural vasculature. When designing a flap, the surgeon has to estimate the value of taking a nerve in the flap, because he or she has to face the sensible lack of a donor site at the same time. To sum up the above arguments, we think that the anatomical study of vessels has moved from static research to dynamic research. We believe that, in the near future, researchers will be able to simulate physiologic blood flow to help surgeons design the most suitable flaps for patients. Ying-qi Zhang, M.D. Shi-min Chang, M.D. Xin Wang, M.D. Tongji Hospital Shanghai, China

The Free Peroneal Perforator–Based Sural Neurofasciocutaneous Flap: A Novel Tool for Reconstruction of Large Soft-Tissue Defects in the Upper Limb

The sural neurofasciocutaneous flap has been widely used for reconstruction of soft-tissue defects in the lower leg, ankle, and foot. It can provide a large amount of tissue without compromising the function of the leg. The authors report the applications of the free peroneal perforator-based sural neurofasciocutaneous flap. The free sural neurofasciocutaneous flap based on a single peroneal perforator is described. The peroneal perforator, which emerges from the posterior crural septum at the junction of middle and lower thirds of the fibula, was chosen as the pedicle of the flap. Six perforator-based sural neurofasciocutaneous flaps were transferred to resurface large soft-tissue defects in the upper limb. The size of the defects ranged from 15 × 6 cm to 45 × 10 cm. All six flaps survived completely without necrosis. The area of the flaps ranged from 16 × 8 cm to 30 × 10 cm. The average diameter of the peroneal perforator ranged from 1.0 to 1.5 mm, and the length of the perforator pedicles ranged from 4 to 6 cm. One patient developed arterial thrombosis after surgery, which was treated by removal of the thrombus and reanastomosis. No severe venous congestion was observed. All the patients were satisfied with the aesthetic outcome postoperatively at 3 to 12 months' follow-up. There were no serious donor-site complications. The free perforator-based sural neurofasciocutaneous flap is a good alternative for reconstruction of extensive soft-tissue defects in the upper limb.

Relationship between proximal-tip location and partial necrosis in distally based sural neuro fasciocutaneous flap: an analysis of 157 flaps

To explore the influence of proximal-tip location on partial necrosis in distally based sural neuro fasciocutaneous flap. From April 2001 to May 2009,157 distally based sural neuro fasciocutaneous flaps were conducted to repair the soft tissue defect in distal region of lower leg, ankle and feet in 153 patients. Date of the flaps and the patients were retrospectively analyzed. From the tip of lateral malleolus to the popliteal crease, posterior aspect of the lower leg was equally divided into 9 regions that were 1st to 9th region from inferiorly to superiorly, respectively. The flaps were divided into 2 groups: survival group (including uneventfully survived flaps, flaps with distally epidermal necrosis and with wound dehiscence) and partial necrosis group. Based on the location of the proximal tip of flaps, the flaps were stratified into 4 groups: flaps with the proximal tip locating in the 6th or lower region (group A), the 7th region (group B), the 8th region (group C) and the 9th region (group D). Harvesting the flaps started from exploring the perforator of peroneal vessel in the adipofascial pedicle, then the flaps were elevated retrogradely. Of the 157 flaps, 125 survived uneventfully,8 showed distal epidermal necrosis,wound dehiscence occurred in 6 flaps, 18 flaps (11.5%) showed distal partial necrosis. Partial necrosis occurred in zero of 19 flaps in group A (0), 1 of 44 flaps in group B (2.3% ), 7 of 62 flaps in group C (11.3% ) and 10 of 32 flaps in group D (31.3% ). The differences in partial necrosis rate between group A and group B , group B and group C, were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Partial necrosis rate was higher in group D than in group C (P = 0.012), it was lower in group A + group B (1.6%) than in group C + group D (18. 1% ) (P = 0. 001). Distally based sural neuro fasciocutaneous flap can survive reliably when the proximal tip of flap is not beyond the junction between lower 7/9 and upper 2/9 of the lower leg, whereas probability of partial necrosis occurring in the flap increase significantly when the proximal tip of flap locates in upper 1/9 of the lower leg.

The free peroneal perforator-based sural neurofasciocutaneous flap: anatomical study and clinical application

Objective To report the anatomical study and clinical application of the free peroneal perforator-based sural neurofasciocutaneous flap. Methods Latex injection studies were performed on 10 adult cadaveric lower limbs. The presence, prevalence, and location of the peronel perforators that were suitable for vascular anastomosis were documented. From April 2007 to January 2010, 6 patients with large soft tissue defects in the upper limb underwent the reconstructive procedures with the free peroneal perforatorbased sural neurofasciocutaneous flap transfers. 4 patients were men and 2 were women, with the age ranging from 19 to 60 years. The causes of the injury included 4 motor vehicle accidents, and 2 massive machinery trauma. The area of the flap ranged from 16 cm × 8 cm to 30 cm × 10 cm, and the length of the perforator pedicle was 4 cm to 6 cm. Results A mean of 5.3 perforating vessels of the peroneal artery was noted in the specimen. The peroneal perforator that located at the junction of the middle and lower thirds of the fibula was found suitable for microsurgery, with the external diameter and the length being (1.21 ± 0.13)mm and (4.6 ± 0.8)cm respectively. All the 6 flaps survived completely without necrosis. No severe venous congestion was observed. All the patients were satisfied with the aesthetic outcome postoperatively at 3 to 12 months'follow-up. There were no major donor site complications. Conclusion The free sural neurofasciocutaneous flap based on a single peroneal perforator is an excellent tool for reconstruction of extensive soft tissue defects in the upper limb. Key words: Peroneal artery; Perforator; Sural nerve; Neurofasciocutaneous flap; Microsurgery

Effect of length-width ratio on partial necrosis in distally based sural neurofasciocutaneous flap: 157 cases

To explore the effect of length-width ratio (LWR)on partial necrosis in distally based sural neurofasciocutaneous flap. Clinical data and operative pictures of 157 distally based sural neurofasciocutaneous flaps were reviewed and analysed. LWR of the flaps ranged from 2.83:1 to 7.14:1. Based on the LWR of the flaps, the flaps were divided into 5 groups: Group A(LWR≤3:1), Group B(3:1<LWR<4:1), Group C(4:1≤LWR<5:1), Group D(5:1≤LWR<6:1) and Group E (LWR≥6:1). The flaps were harvested by antegrade-retrograde combined method. Of the 157 flaps, 125 survived uneventfully, 8 had distal epidermical necrosis, wound dehiscence occurred in 6 flaps, 18 flaps(11.5%) had distal partial necrosis. Partial necrosis occurred in none of the 6 flaps in Group A(0%), 4 of 26 flaps in Group B(12.5%), 2 of 56 flaps in Group C (3.6%), 8 of 50 flaps in Group D (16.0%), and 4 of 19 flaps in Group E(21.5%). There were no statistical differences in partial necrosis ratio between Group A and B, Group B and C, Group D and E(P>0.05). Partial necrosis ratio was higher in Group D than that in Group C(P<0.05). It was lower in the LWR<5:1 group (Group A+Group B+Group C) (6.8%, 6/88) than that in the LWR≥5:1 group (Group D+Group E) (17.4%, 12/69) (P<0.05). When LWR of the flap is less than 5:1, probability of partial necrosis occurring in distally based sural neurofasciocutaneous flaps is low, and the flap can survive more reliably. The maximum LWR of the surrival flaps can reach 6-7:1.

Surgical management of a diabetic calcaneal ulceration and osteomyelitis with a partial calcanectomy and a sural neurofasciocutaneous flap

The treatment of calcaneal osteomyelitis in diabetic patients poses a great challenge to the treating physician and surgeon. The use of a distally based sural neurofasciocutaneous flap after an aggressive debridement of non-viable and poorly vascularized tissue and bone that is combined with a thorough antibiotic regimen provides a great technique for adequate soft tissue coverage of the heel. In this case report, the authors describe the aforementioned flap as a versatile alternative to the use of local or distant muscle flaps for diabetic patients with calcaneal osteomyelitis and concomitant large wounds.

Application of reversed perforator-plus sural neurofasciocutaneous flap in lower leg

Objective To report the operative technique and clinical results of reversed perforator-plus sural neurofasciocutaneous flap in lower leg. Methods Perforator-plus sural neurofasciocutaneous flaps, which designed along the axis of the sural nerve and based on the dual-pedicle of fasciocutaneous and per-oneal perforator, were used to reconstruct soft-tissue defect in lower extremities. Results Twenfy-four flaps, ranged from 25 cm×12 cm - 8 cm ×7 cm in size, survived completely without venous congestion and distal ischemia and necrosis. The color and texture of the flaps were good. The appearance and functional re-suits were satisfactory with following up for 6 to 12 months. Conclusion The modified technique in pediclehave minimized the complication, enlarged the size of the flap and improved the survive rates. It is a goodmethod in repairing large soft-tissue defects of extremities. Key words: Peroneal perforator; Sural nerve; Surgical flap; Foot; Microsurgery

Experience With the Distally Based Sural Neurofasciocutaneous Flap Supplied by the Terminal Perforator of Peroneal Vessels for Ankle and Foot Reconstruction

The distally based sural fasciocutaneous flap has been proved an excellent option for coverage of the soft tissue defects of the lower third of the leg, ankle, and foot. In this article, we reported on a series of foot and ankle reconstructions with a distally based sural neurofasciocutaneous flap supplied by the terminal perforating branch of the peroneal artery. The vascular pedicle of the flap includes the terminal perforator branch of the peroneal artery and concomitant veins. The pivot point is approximately 5 cm above the tip of lateral malleolus. Fifteen patients with soft tissue defects of the foot and/or ankle underwent the procedures of reconstruction. The flaps were designed with the size measuring 8 x 9 cm to 13 x 31 cm. Thirteen flaps survived completely and 2 with partial or margin necrosis. Our experience has demonstrated that this sural flap with a thin perforator pedicle can be easily rotated, used for coverage of a large tissue defect including the forefoot area, and provide a good texture match and contour for the recipient area.

Lateral Retromalleolar Perforator???Based Flap: Anatomical Study and Preliminary Clinical Report for Heel Coverage

Repair of heel soft-tissue defects remains a challenging problem in reconstructive surgery. The distally based sural neurofasciocutaneous flap is among the flaps of choice for coverage of this difficult region. The authors describe a modified lateral retromalleolar perforator-based neurocutaneous flap with a lower pivot point. This study was divided into two parts: anatomical study and clinical application. In the anatomical study, 12 cadavers were injected with red gelatin, and all fasciocutaneous perforators between the lateral malleolus and Achilles tendon (called the lateral retromalleolar space) were identified. Clinically, based on the anatomical study, five cases of heel soft-tissue defects were reconstructed with the modified lateral retromalleolar perforator-based sural neurofasciocutaneous flap. The anatomical study showed that there are usually two to three retromalleolar cutaneous perforators arising from the terminal part of the peroneal artery in the lateral retromalleolar space. Their outer diameters range from 0.1 to 0.8 mm. A direct venous communicator, usually accompanied by the larger perforator, connected the superficial lesser saphenous vein and the deep peroneal venae comitantes. Five patients with heel soft-tissue defects were treated with flaps ranging from 3 x 6 cm to 5 x 12 cm. The distal pivot point was designed at 1 to 3 cm above the tip of the lateral malleolus. All flaps survived without complications. The lateral retromalleolar perforator is predictable and reliable for the design of a lower pivot point, distally based sural neurocutaneous flap. The procedures are simple and rapid, and the flap can be rotated easily without dog-ear deformity. This flap should be considered among the preferred flaps for heel reconstruction.

Clinical application of distally based sural neurofasciocutaneous flap with muscle

目的 探讨带肌肉的远端蒂腓肠神经营养血管皮瓣修复特殊病例的踝足部软组织缺损.方法2004年2月以来应用带肌肉的远端蒂腓肠神经营养血管皮瓣修复踝足部软组织缺损7例,其中胫骨下段软组织缺损伴慢性骨髓炎1例,足后跟软组织缺损伴死腔3例,足底软组织缺损伴跟骨表层骨质缺失(长度为5～8 mm)3例,皮瓣切取的面积为16 cm×12 cm～10 cm×7 cm,切取的腓肠肌厚度为1～4 cm,肌瓣的面积比相应的皮瓣面积小.结果术中观察15～20 min,切取肌皮瓣的肌肉面活跃渗血,血液循环良好,皮瓣均成活,所有病例均经2～6个月以上随访,骨髓炎治愈,肌皮瓣外形满意,大部分恢复感觉,行走负重良好.结论带肌肉的远端蒂腓肠神经营养血管皮瓣可以成活,该手术操作简便,系特殊病例的踝足部软组织缺损需行肌皮瓣修复的良好供区。