[Clinical application of the distally based sural island flap and myofasciocutaneous flap].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the clinical efficiency of the distally based sural island flap and myofasciocutaneous flap in reconstruction of defect and osteomyelitic cavity of the ankle and foot.


METHODS
From June 1997 to October 2004, 21 patients with soft tissue defects and osteomyelitis in the ankle and foot were treated with the distally based sural island flap and myofasciocutaneous flap. There were 20 males and 1 female aging from 6 to 78 years. The defect was caused by soft tissue defect trauma (18 cases) and electrical injury (3 cases). Among 21 patients, 17 were treated with island flaps, 4 by the myofasciocutaneous flap. The size of flaps ranged from 4 cm x 5 cm to 16 cm x 22 cm. The donor sites were closed directly in 4 cases.


RESULTS
The flaps completely survived in 21 cases and healing by first intention was achieved. After a follow-up of 3-6 months, no complication occurred. The color and texture of the flaps were good. The appearance and the function were satisfactory.


CONCLUSIONS
Distally based sural flap is a reliable flap. This flap has rich blood supply without sacrifice of major arteries. Flap elevation is easy. It is very useful in repairing large soft tissue defects of the lower leg, the ankle and the foot, especially in repairing deep soft tissue defects and osteomyelitic cavities.
Shen
Yuming
Y
Department of Burns, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Beijing 100035, P R China. shenyuming1963@yahoo.com.cn
Xiang
Dong
D
Wang
Naizuo
N
Mi
Huiru
H
Tan
Fengjun
F
Chen
Hui
H
Shen
Zuyao
Z
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D018409:Foot Injuries / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016038:Skin Transplantation; D017695:Soft Tissue Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D013497:Sural Nerve / Q000098:blood supply*; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply*