Journal List > Arch Hand Microsurg > v.22(4) > 1106606

Park, Kim, Kim, Choi, and Yang: Versatility of Delayed Reverse Sural Flap for Reconstruction of the Distal Lower Extremity in High-Risk Patients

초록

Purpose:

Soft tissue defects in the distal lower extremity represent a special challenge for reconstructive surgeons. Vari-ous methods of lower-limb wound coverage have been described, such as local flaps, distant flaps, and free flaps. Among various methods, the delayed reverse sural flap can be one of the several options for the reconstruction of distal lower extremity in high-risk patients. We report our experiences with the versatile, delayed reverse sural flap for coverage of the distal lower extremity in high-risk patients.

Methods:

From September 2015 to October 2016, seven patients with soft tissue defects of the distal lower extremity were treated with the delayed reverse sural flap based on a two-step procedure. All patients had significant medical co-morbidities, such as diabetes mellitus, peripheral arterial disease, and smoking. The delay period ranged from 10 to 14 days, and the flap size was from 7.5×2.0 to 14.5×4.0 cm.

Results:

Six flaps survived without complications. One flap showed partial necrosis due to venous congestion but even-tually survived.

Conclusion:

Because the delay procedure improves flap viability, the delayed reverse sural flap may be a reliable and ef-ficient alternative for reconstructing soft tissue defects of the distal lower extremity in high-risk patients.

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Fig.1.
A case of posterior ankle defect. (A) Defect with exposure of the Achilles tendon. (B) Appearance at 1 week after 2nd stage of operation. (C) Appearance at 6 months postoperatively.
ahm-22-280f1.tif
Fig.2.
A case of heel defect. (A) Defect with exposure of the calcaneus. (B) Intraoperative photograph; the lesser saphenous vein (black arrow) and the sural nerve (white arrow) were identified in the pedicle. (C) Appearance immediately after 2nd stage of operation. (D) Appearance at 2 days after 2nd stage of operation. Venous congestion was seen. (E) Appearance at 15 months postoperatively.
ahm-22-280f2.tif
Fig.3.
A case of lateral malleolar defect. (A) Defect with exposure of the lateral malleolus. (B) Appearance immediately after 2nd stage of operation. (C) Appearance at 2 months postoperatively.
ahm-22-280f3.tif
Table 1.
Summary of patient characteristics
Patient No. Age (yr) Cause of injury Location of defect Defect size (cm) Flap dimension (cm) Medical morbidity Complication Flap design Donor site closure Timing of defect prior to surgery (mo) Follow-up (mo)
1 32 Wound infection Posterior ankle 10.0×3.0 12.0×3.5 Smoking None Teardrop Skin graft 3 8
2 57 Pressure sore Heel 5.5×3.5 13.0×4.0 HTN, DM, PAD, CVD, smoking Venous congestion, partial necrosis Teardrop Skin graft 9 18
3 23 Wound infection Lateral malleolar area 3.0×2.0 7.5×2.0 Smoking None Teardrop Primary repair 1 6
4 27 Pressure sore Heel 3.0×2.5 11.0×3.0 Smoking None Teardrop Skin graft 2 8
5 85 Traffic accident Lower pretibial area 4.0×3.5 12.5×5.0 HTN, PAD, CVD, smoking None Teardrop Skin graft 1 8
6 40 Wound infection Lateral malleolar area 3.0×2.5 14.5×4.0 Smoking None Teardrop Skin graft 2 8
7 51 Wound infection Lateral aspect of heel 3.0×2.0 12.5×2.5 Smoking None Teardrop Skin graft 1 10

All patients are male.

HTN: hypertension, DM: diabetes mellitus, PAD: peripheral arterial disease, CVD: cerebrovascular disease.

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