title: [Coverage of the lower leg defects using the reversed island skin flap based on the nutrient vessels of the saphenous nerve].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To report the application of the distally based neurocutaneous saphenous island flap for the coverage of soft tissue defects in the lower limb.
  
  
  METHODS
  According to the size and site of the defect and the rotation point, the flap was designed, and it was based on the arterial axis associated with the saphenous nerve and the greater saphenous vein.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Six neurocutaneous saphenous island flaps were used and all survived. Flap dimensions were as large as 6 cm x 8 cm. The results were satisfactory after 6 to 20 months' follow-up.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The vascularity of the saphenous nerve is closely connected with the vascularity of the skin. The flap supplied by the accompanying vessels of the cutaneous nerve can be utilized with good results.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic Surgery, Hainan Provincial Hospital, Haikou 570311.
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Pan
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Chai
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016512:Ankle Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D018409:Foot Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012867:Skin / Q000098:blood supply*; D017695:Soft Tissue Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D013524:Surgical Flaps