Use of reverse sural artery flap for reconstruction of defects of distal leg, ankle and foot

Abstract

Introduction: Reverse sural artery flap has been used effectively to cover defects of distal leg, ankle and foot. This flap is easier and quick to harvest and is a versatile flap in terms of extensive mobility and reliable vascularity and, in many instances it has obviated the need for free tissue transfer.

Methods: This is a retrospective study of sural flaps done at the Department of Plastic Surgery and Burns in Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital over a period of 4 years from April 2011 to March 2015. It included 21 flaps carried out in 21 patients with soft tissue defects at distal lower leg, ankle and foot.

Results: Among 21 patients, 10 were men and 11 were women with an average age of 41 years (17 – 81). Successful flap coverage was obtained in 16 cases out of 21 (76%) which included 10 cases of complete survival (48%) and 6 cases (28%) of marginal flap necrosis. Four cases (19%) had partial flap loss and one case (5%) lost flap completely.

Conclusion: we found that reverse sural artery flap has good reliability with low incidence of complications and is a versatile flap for the reconstruction of defects in distal leg, ankle and foo