Medial sural artery perforator free flap for the reconstruction of leg, foot and ankle defect: an excellent option.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The defects over the leg, foot and ankle are best covered with a thin pliable flap. The use of muscle flap for the reconstruction of these defects leaves a grafted, aesthetically inferior result. The medial sural artery perforator (MSAP) free flap gives a thin pliable tissue for the reconstruction with better aesthesis. METHODS: The study design was retrospective case analysis over a period of 2 years. All the patients who underwent flap for leg, foot and ankle defect reconstruction in the form of MSAP free flap were included in the study. The flap characteristics and aesthesis were assessed along with the patient satisfaction. The flap complication and donor site morbidity were also analysed. RESULTS: A total of seven MSAP free flaps were done for leg, foot and ankle reconstruction. The mean flap size was 14.29 × 6.6 cm and mean pedicle length was 9.71 cm. One flap had venous congestion post-operatively resulting in marginal flap loss. All the flaps had acceptable aesthesis with good patient satisfaction. There was donor site morbidity in two patients, in the form of wound dehiscence. CONCLUSION: MSAP free flap is a reliable choice for leg, foot and ankle defect reconstruction.