[Effects of sural nerve nutrition vess els-supported flap for reconstruction of distal lower leg and ankle soft tissue defects].

Objective

To observe the effects of sural nerve nutrition vessels-supported flap for reconstruction of distal lower leg and ankle soft tissue defects.

Methods

From June 2014 to June 2017, 37 patients with calf distal and ankle soft tissue defect were repaired with sural nerve nutrition vessels-supported flap, of them 12 cases with calf distal soft tissue defect wounds and 25 cases with ankle soft tissue defect wounds.The scope of flaps was 9 cm×4 cm to 18 cm×9 cm, anti-infection, anti-freezing and dressing treatments were carried out after operation.The results of two-point discrimination among reexamination were recorded.

Results

All the flaps survived without ulcer and effusion, only 1 flap for reconstruction of medial malleolus swelled and deactivated at the beginning while it recovered with proper dressings.During the follow-up periods, all the flaps kept favorable feelings, aspects and functions, and the two-point discrimination was 5 to 15 mm [averaged (11.2±1.7) mm].

Conclusion

Sural nerve nutrition vessels-supported flap brings significant effects with excellent safety and reliability in repairing calf and ankle soft tissue defects.