title: Lateral malleolar region defects with exposed implants: proximally based peroneus brevis muscle flap.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Reconstruction of lateral malleolar region defects with exposed implants is a problematic situation for the reconstructive surgeon because there are limited options. The objective of our study was to revise the management of these defects and point out the role of proximally based peroneus brevis muscle flap.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients with an implant exposed tissue defects of the lateral malleolar region were evaluated retrospectively. All defects reconstructed with proximally based peroneus brevis muscle flap were included in this study.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 17 patients identified the mean age was 37.1 years (range 16-58 years). The size of the defects were 2-9cm in length (mean: 4.9cm) and 2-4cm in width (mean: 2.6cm). All defects were successfully covered with proximally based peroneus brevis muscle flaps combined with split-thickness skin grafts. All flaps healed with no complication or need for secondary surgery. The mean follow-up was18.8 months (range 12-32 months).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Proximally based peroneus brevis muscle flap is a good alternative for reconstruction of lateral malleolar region defects with reliable blood supply, short surgical time, and minimal donor site morbidity.
authors.affiliation: Ataturk Training and Research Hospital, Department of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Ankara, Turkey.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ceran
authors.affiliation: Ataturk Training and Research Hospital, Department of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Ankara, Turkey.
authors.forename: M E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Demirseren
authors.affiliation: Akhisar State Hospital, Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Manisa, Turkey.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Aksam
authors.affiliation: Ataturk Training and Research Hospital, Department of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Ankara, Turkey.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Cicek
authors.affiliation: Ataturk Training and Research Hospital, Department of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Ankara, Turkey.
authors.forename: C O
authors.initials: CO
authors.lastname: Demiralp
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000843:Ankle Joint / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007595:Joint Prosthesis / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000637:transplantation*; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016038:Skin Transplantation; D017695:Soft Tissue Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: ankle fractures; ankle injuries; lateral malleolar (ankle) region; open fractures; pedicled flap