[Reversed sural neurovascular fasciocutaneous flap for reconstruction of soft tissue defects of lower limbs].

Objective: To investigate the clinical application of the reversed sural neurovascular fasciocutaneous flap.

Methods: From January 2007 to May 2009,10 patients (6 males and 4 females) with soft tissue defects on lower limbs were treated by reversed sural neurovascular fasciocutaneous flap. The end-to-side neuroanastomosis were used to reinnervate the flap and microsurgery was used for anastomosing small saphenous vein. The age ranged from 16 to 55 years (mean, 32 years). There were 6 patient with soft tissue defects on foot, 2 patients with exposed bone after operation, 2 patients with chronic ulcer on limb. The patients were evaluated with appearance, blood supply, texture and 2-PD of the flaps.

Results: All the patients were followed for 6 to 24 months (mean, 15 months). The flaps in all 10 patients survived completely. The appearance, blood supply and texture of the flaps were excellent and 2-PD was 9 to 12 mm.

Conclusion: This flap has sufficient blood supply and high survival rate. It also effectively retains the feeling of dorsolateral heeland improved quality of life.