Versatility of the reversed superficial peroneal neurocutaneous island flap in the coverage of ankle and foot.

BACKGROUND

In the last decades, the skin island flap supplied by the vascular axis of sensitive superficial nerves, like the sural and saphenous nerves, has emerged as one of the most ideal reconstructive options for soft tissue coverage of lower limbs. The nutrient vessels of reversed superficial peroneal neurocutaneous island flap have been well described; however, it is still not commonly clinically applied. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of reversed superficial peroneal neurocutaneous island flap for coverage of ankle and foot.

STUDY DESIGN

This is a retrospective and descriptive study of reversed superficial peroneal neurocutaneous island flap which was carried out for reconstruction of ankle and foot.

PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY

This study was conducted at the Department of Repair and Reconstructive Surgery, the 6th People's Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University, during a period of 51 months from July 2008 to October 2012.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 12 patients with soft tissue defect of ankle and foot were included in the series; reversed superficial peroneal neurocutaneous island flap was performed on each case if relevant indications permitted. Preoperative and postoperative data of each patient, including etiology, size of defect, dimension of flap, complications, and functional and aesthetic results were noted.

RESULTS

Among the 12 patients, there were 8 men and 4 women with an average age of 40.7 years (22-65 years) and with a mean follow-up time of 17.3 months (10-23 months). Most patients (11 patients) were posttraumatic. The size of the flap ranged from 48 to 108 cm2. Postoperatively, 11 flaps survived uneventfully, whereas marginal venous congestion was seen in the remaining patient, and secondary healing was achieved by conservative treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The reversed superficial peroneal neurocutaneous island flap could be an excellent alternative to other neurocutaneous perforator flap in the soft tissue reconstruction of foot and ankle.