title: [The distally pedicled suralis flap for the defect coverage of posttraumatic and chronic soft-tissue lesions in the "critical" lower leg].
abstract: Vascular diseases and/or sequelae of various systemic diseases are frequently associated with therapy-resistant soft tissue lesions in the lower extremity. Neurovascular pedicled island flaps without the need for the sacrifice of major vessels offer the possibility to save the lower limb from amputation. The long pedicle allows for a wide, tension-free arc of rotation. Major studies of clinical applications at the critical lower extremity have not been reported yet. 14 patients with chronic ulcerations in problematic areas (e.g. ankle, tibia) underwent definitive reconstruction using this flap. Complications were mostly observed at the donor site. In one patient major amputation was necessary due to the development of sepsis. In all other cases adequate coverage and limb salvage was achieved. Excellent padding, variable size and the modest nature of the flap enlarges the variety of plastic-reconstructive procedures in the lower extremity.
authors.affiliation: Abteilung für Verbrennungen, Plastische und Handchirurgie, BG-Unfallklinik Ludwigshafen.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Schepler
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sauerbier
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Germann
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002908:Chronic Disease; D016638:Critical Illness; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007869:Leg Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017695:Soft Tissue Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D013497:Sural Nerve / Q000601:surgery*; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply / Q000294:innervation
vernacular_title: Der distal gestielte Suralislappen zur Defektdeckung posttraumatischer und chronischer Hautweichteilläsionen am "kritischen" Unterschenkel.