Lower Limb Reconstruction – Fasciocutaneous Sural Flap^[*]

Abstract

Objective The present study aims to evaluate the use of the reverse-flow sural fasciocutaneous flap to cover lesions in the distal third of the lower limb.

Methods A total of 24 cases were analyzed, including 20 traumatic injuries, 3 sports injuries, and 1 case of tumor resection.

Results Among the 24 evaluated medical records, 16 patients were male, and 8 were female. Their age ranged from 6 to 75 years old. Most of the patients evolved with total healing of the flap (n= 21). There was only one case of total necrosis of the flap in an insulin-dependent diabetic, high blood pressure patient, evolving to subsequent limb amputation. In two cases, there was partial necrosis and subsequent healing by secondary intention; one of these patients was a heavy smoker. Complications were associated with comorbidities and, unlike other studies, no correlation was observed with the learning curve. There was also no correlation with the site or size of the lesion to be covered.

Conclusion It is clinically relevant that the success rate of the reverse-flow sural fasciocutaneous flap technique was of 87.5%. This is a viable and effective alternative in the therapeutic arsenal for complex lower limb lesions.

Keywords

surgical flaps - sural nerve/transplantation - fascia/transplantation - leg injuries

^* Work developed at the Hospital São Vicente de Paulo, Passo Fundo, RS, Brazil.

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