title: [An algorithm for reconstruction of soft tissue defects of the distal lower leg, ankle and heel].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of the study was to establish an algorithm for the reconstruction of soft tissue defects of the distal lower leg, ankle and heel.
  
  
  METHODS
  81 patients presenting with soft tissue defects in these regions underwent flap coverage. The average age was 44.1 years. Small defects (up to 4 x 4 cm) were covered by local flaps. The neurovascular sural flap was the predominant flap procedure for medium size defects (up to 10 x 15 cm). Free flaps were used for larger defects or in cases of stenosis or occlusion of the peroneal artery. Femoro-crural bypasses were performed in three cases to improve peripheral arterial perfusion.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The reconstructive goals were achieved in 95% of the cases by performing reconstruction according to the established algorithm. Minor complications occurred in 29.6% of the cases.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results appear to be very good considering a patient population with complex and predominantly contaminated wounds. A preoperative angiography represents an important part of the algorithm for flap reconstruction to detect abnormal arterial vascular conditions and thus to plan vascular reconstruction prior to or simultaneously with free flap coverage. Additionally, a non-patency of the peroneal artery represents a contraindication for sural flaps.
authors.affiliation: Abteilung für Hand-, Replantations- und Mikrochirurgie des Unfallkrankenhauses Berlin, Germany.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Eisenschenk
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Noack
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lautenbach
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Hartmann
authors.forename: M V
authors.initials: MV
authors.lastname: Küntscher
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000465:Algorithms; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D038061:Lower Extremity Deformities, Congenital / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D017695:Soft Tissue Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D016896:Treatment Outcome