title: Extensor digitorum brevis muscle flap: modified approach preserving extensor retinaculum.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Although numerous reconstructive options for covering defects over distal third of leg and dorsum of foot have been suggested, obtaining satisfactory cover remains difficult problem. Extensor digitorum brevis muscle flap as proximally or distally based island flap has been well described to be a promising alternative.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between 2004 and 2005, 10 defects over dorsum of foot and around malleoli were reconstructed with extensor digitorum brevis muscle flap. Six were proximally based and four were distally based flaps. Retrospectively, data were collected from these patients records like age, gender, type of injury, flap used, flap survival, complications, hospital stay, return to work.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Mean follow-up period was 17.5 months (26-12 months). Of 10 flaps, one flap had failed (approximately 10%). Minor donor site problem presented in one case (10%). All patients returned to work after variable periods of rest (average 1(1/2) month). First web hypoesthesia was present only in two patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This flap provides an excellent local option for small defects around ankle and over dorsum of foot. The advantages of this flap are its easy dissection, reliable blood supply. Disadvantages related to donor site can be minimized with careful technique.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic Surgery, Medical Trust Hospital, Cochin, Kerala, India.
authors.forename: Ashok Raj
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Koul
authors.forename: Rahul Krishnarao
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Patil
authors.forename: Vinoth
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Philip
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D018409:Foot Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D006085:Graft Survival / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009336:Necrosis; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000601:surgery; D012086:Reoperation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D017695:Soft Tissue Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply*; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology