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J Reconstr Microsurg 2013; 29(02): 125-130
DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1329926
Original Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Comparative Study of Two Types of Distally Based Sural Neurocutaneous Flap for Reconstruction of Lower Leg, Ankle, and Heel

Jiezhi Dai
1   Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital, JiaoTong University, Shanghai, China
,
Yimin Chai
1   Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital, JiaoTong University, Shanghai, China
,
Chunyang Wang
1   Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital, JiaoTong University, Shanghai, China
,
Gen Wen
1   Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital, JiaoTong University, Shanghai, China
,
Shenghe Liu
1   Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital, JiaoTong University, Shanghai, China
,
Wei Zhang
1   Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital, JiaoTong University, Shanghai, China
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

28 July 2012

25 August 2012

Publication Date:
31 December 2012 (online)

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Abstract

Background Soft-tissue defects in the lower leg, ankle, and heel often require reconstruction with local or free flaps. We try to compare the clinical outcome and complications following transfer of a perforator pedicle–based sural neurocutaneous flap (P-NCF) or a fascia pedicle–based sural neurocutaneous flap (F-NCF).

Methods Between March 2007 and December 2010, 92 patients (mean, 36.52 years) with a distal leg soft-tissue defect were included. Forty-eight patients treated with P-NCF were compared with 44 patients treated by F-NCF. The etiology, size, and operation time were noted. The clinical outcomes and the complications have been analyzed.

Results Age, sex, and defect etiology, duration of surgery and, area of flaps did not reveal significant differences in term of clinical outcome. Minor flap necrosis (<10%) was observed in 20.5% of the F-NCF group and 6.25% of the P-NCF group. Patient satisfaction, aesthetic appearance, and functional outcome were comparable in both groups.

Conclusion A high rate of complications was observed in the F-NCF group. Based on our finding, a perforator-based flap is more reliable than a fascia-based flap and the two types of flaps are both valuable choices for reconstructive surgery.

Keywords

distally based sural neurocutaneous flap - soft-tissue defects - reconstruction
 

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