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J Reconstr Microsurg 2013; 29(07): 481-486
DOI: 10.1055/s-0033-1345435
Original Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Distally Based Saphenous Neurocutaneous Perforator Flap for Reconstructive Surgery in the Lower Leg and the Foot: A Long-Term Follow-Up Study of 70 Patients

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
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

22 November 2012

03 February 2013

Publication Date:
13 May 2013 (online)

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Abstract

Background The management of soft-tissue defects in the distal third of the lower leg and foot remains disputed. In this article, we describe a long-term follow-up research study on the clinical results and complications of using this flap for the reconstruction of soft-tissue defects around the lower leg and foot.

Methods Between 2006 and 2008, 70 patients with soft-tissue defects around the lower leg and foot were treated with distally based saphenous neurocutaneous perforator flaps. The mean age of patients was 46.0 years (range, 22 to 70 years). An end point survey was performed after flap coverage; the mean follow-up was 54.2 months (range, 40 to 68 months), and response rate was 92.9% (65/70). A sensory morbidity was measured with a static two-point discrimination test and Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test.

Results A total of 58 flaps were survived completely, 6 flaps developed partial necrosis, and 1 experienced total failure. No severe venous congestion was observed and the skin grafts in the donor sites survived entirely. Sensitivity tests have shown an acceptable sensory recovery at the skin-grafted donor site and on the flap.

Conclusion Distally based saphenous neurocutaneous flap is a reliable and safe method for reconstruction of the defects around the lower leg and foot, with a lower sensorial morbidity.

Keywords

saphenous neurocutaneous flap - sensorial morbidity - long-term follow-up
 

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