Experience with the distally based sural neurofasciocutaneous flap supplied by the terminal perforator of peroneal vessels for ankle and foot reconstruction

The distally based sural fasciocutaneous flap has been proved an excellent option for coverage of the soft tissue defects of the lower third of the leg, ankle, and foot. In this article, we reported on a series of foot and ankle reconstructions with a distally based sural neurofasciocutaneous flap supplied by the terminal perforating branch of the peroneal artery. The vascular pedicle of the flap includes the terminal perforator branch of the peroneal artery and concomitant veins. The pivot point is approximately 5 cm above the tip of lateral malleolus. Fifteen patients with soft tissue defects of the foot and/or ankle underwent the procedures of reconstruction. The flaps were designed with the size measuring 8 x 9 cm to 13 x 31 cm. Thirteen flaps survived completely and 2 with partial or margin necrosis. Our experience has demonstrated that this sural flap with a thin perforator pedicle can be easily rotated, used for coverage of a large tissue defect including the forefoot area, and provide a good texture match and contour for the recipient area.