[Clinical application of the free superficial peroneal artery perforator flap].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the applied anatomy of the superficial peroneal artery perforator flap and report the clinical results of repairing the soft tissue defects with free perforator flaps.


METHODS
15 fresh cadavers were injected with a modified lead oxide-gelatin mixture for three-dimensional visualization reconstruction using a 16-slice spiral computed tomography scanner and specialized software (Materiaise's interactive medical image control system, MIMICS). The origin, course and distribution of the superficial peroneal artery perforator in the anterolateral leg region were observed. Clinically 6 cases with hand defects and 6 cases with feet defects were treated with free superficial peroneal artery perforator flap transplantation. The defect size ranged from 3.0 cm x 4.5 cm to 5.0 cm x 11.0 cm.


RESULTS
The diameter of the superficial peroneal artery is (1.2 +/- 0.3) mm at its origin from the anterior tibial artery 5 cm below the fibula head. It is (5.6 +/- 1.8) cm in length. This artery is truly anastomosed with other perforators to form the chain of superficial peroneal nerve accessory artery. The superficial peroneal artery perforators [outer diameter (0.7 +/- 0.2) mm] with a vein are in the anterolateral leg region, supplying the skin in proximal-middle region. All the 12 cases were treated successfully. The clinical results were satisfactory after 3-12 months of following-up.


CONCLUSIONS
The superficial peroneal artery perforator flap has constantly, reliable blood supply, and good texture. It is a good option for repairing soft-tissue defect with free transfer.
Yiwu Central Hospital, Wenzhou Medical College, Yiwu 322000, China.
Xiao-Dong
XD
Yang
Yang-Wu
YW
Liu
Jin
J
Yang
Gen-Fu
GF
Zhang
Mao-Chao
MC
Ding
Jin
J
Mei
Mao-Lin
ML
Tang
D002102:Cadaver; D005360:Fibula; D005528:Foot; D018409:Foot Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D058752:Free Tissue Flaps / Q000098:blood supply / Q000294:innervation / Q000637:transplantation; D006230:Hand Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg; D061525:Perforator Flap / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000294:innervation / Q000637:transplantation*; D010543:Peroneal Nerve; D017695:Soft Tissue Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D016909:Tibial Arteries