Clinical application of distally based sural neurovascular flap with anastomosing small saphenous vein / 中国微创外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore the clinical application of sural neurovascular flap with anastomosing small saphenous vein to be transferred distally for repairing soft tissue defect of the leg.Methods Seven patients with soft tissue defects in the distal one third of anterior tibia,the foot dorsum,the heel or the ankle were treated with the distally based sural neurovascular flap with anastomosing small saphenous vein.The size of the flap ranged 8 cm?6 cm ~ 18 cm?10 cm.Results The flaps survived in all the 7 patients,with excellent color and texture.Their appearance and function were satisfactory during 6~40 months of follow-up. Conclusions Use of distally based sural neurovascular flap with anastomosing small saphenous vein is reliable.The performance is simple.This flap has a rich blood supply without the sacrifice of major arteries.Venous blood reflux was unobstructed.It can be used for the reconstruction of soft tissue defects in the distal one third of anterior tibia,the foot dorsum,the heel or the ankle.