[Reversed sural neurovascular fasciocutaneous flap for reconstruction of soft tissue defects of lower limbs].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the clinical application of the reversed sural neurovascular fasciocutaneous flap.


METHODS
From January 2007 to May 2009,10 patients (6 males and 4 females) with soft tissue defects on lower limbs were treated by reversed sural neurovascular fasciocutaneous flap. The end-to-side neuroanastomosis were used to reinnervate the flap and microsurgery was used for anastomosing small saphenous vein. The age ranged from 16 to 55 years (mean, 32 years). There were 6 patient with soft tissue defects on foot, 2 patients with exposed bone after operation, 2 patients with chronic ulcer on limb. The patients were evaluated with appearance, blood supply, texture and 2-PD of the flaps.


RESULTS
All the patients were followed for 6 to 24 months (mean, 15 months). The flaps in all 10 patients survived completely. The appearance, blood supply and texture of the flaps were excellent and 2-PD was 9 to 12 mm.


CONCLUSIONS
This flap has sufficient blood supply and high survival rate. It also effectively retains the feeling of dorsolateral heeland improved quality of life.
Mei
Zheng-Feng
ZF
Department of Orthopaedics, Third People's Hospital of Hangzhou Affiliated to Zhejiang University of TCM, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China. jackmzhf@yahoo.com.cn
Li
Pan-Deng
PD
Duanmu
Qun-Li
QL
Lei
Wen-Tao
WT
Zhao
Qi-Hui
QH
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000098:blood supply / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures; D017695:Soft Tissue Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult