Reconstruction of complex tissue defect of forearm with a chimeric flap composed of a sural neurocutaneous flap and a vascularized fibular graft: A case report.

ABSTRACT

One-stage reconstruction of composite bone and soft-tissue defects in the forearm remains a tough challenge. Here, we present a case of reconstruction of complex tissue defect at forearm with a chimeric flap consisting of a sural neurocutaneous flap and a fibular graft. A 61-year-old man suffered from a machine crush injury in his left forearm, resulting in a complex tissue defect including extensive dorsomedial soft-tissue, digit extensor muscles of 2-4 fingers, the muscle flexor carpi ulnaris, the ulna bone with 5.5 cm in length, segmental injuries of ulna nerve and vessels, and the radius fracture. The defects were reconstructed by a modified chimeric flap, in which the sural neurocutaneous flap supplied by a peroneal perforator was used to repair the soft-tissue defect and the vascularized fibular graft was used to repair the ulna defect. The two components were supplied by the peroneal vessels. The ulnar nerve defect was bridged by a sural nerve graft. The venous congestion caused by thrombosis was observed at 24 hours postoperatively. After the venous anastomosis was reperformed, the flap survived completely without other complications. Bone healing was achieved at the 7-month follow-up. The index and middle fingers reached nearly full range of motion, while the ranges of motion of metacarpophalangeal joint of the ring and little fingers were less than 60 degrees. The results showed that the modified chimeric flap may be an option for reconstruction of complex tissue defect in the forearm.