Versatility of Reverse Sural Fasciocutaneous Flap for Reconstruction of Distal Lower Limb Soft tissue Defects

Summary： In this study we present our experiences with the reverse sural fasciocutaneous flap to reconstruct the distal lower limb soft tissue defects caused by traumatic injuries. These flap graftings were carried out from Oct. 2010 to Dec. 2012 in our department. The series consisted of 36 patients, including 21 men and 15 women with an average age of 46.2 years （14-83 years） and with a medium followp period of 18 months （12-24 months）. Of all the cases of acute trauma, there were 10 eases of trauma of distal tibia, 9 cases of trauma of perimalleolus, and 17 cases of trauma of midfoot and forefoot. Related risk factors in the patients were diabetes （2 cases）, advanced age （〉65 years, 3 cases） and ciga- rette smoking （6 cases）. The reverse flow sural island flap irrigation depended on lower perforators of the peroneal artery. The fasciocutaneous pedicle was 3-4 cm in width and the anatomical structures consisted of the superficial and deep fascia, the sural nerve, short saphenous vein, superficial sural artery together with an islet of subcutaneous cellular tissue and skin. The most proximal border of the flap was only 1.5 cm away from the popliteal skin crease and the pivot point was 5-7 cm above the tip of the lateral malleolus. All the flaps survived. No arterial crisis occurred in any case. The venous congestion occurred in 2 cases and got better after raising the limbs and bloodletting. Only in an old man, 1.5 cm necrosis of distal margin of his flap occurred and finally healed after continuous dressing change. One-stage skin grafting was performed, and all the donor sites were sutured and successfully healed. It was concluded that the reverse sural fasciocutaneous flap is safe and reliable to extend to the proximal third even near the popliteal skin crease. We also concluded this flap can be safely and efficiently used to treat patients with large and far soft-tissue defects from the distal leg to the forefoot with more versatility and it is easier to reach the recipient sites.

Three Reverse Adipofascial Cross Finger Flaps Used for Coverage of Raw Areas on Two Fingers of a Patient with Blast Injury of the Hand—Case Report

We report a case of blast injury to the left hand which resulted in fractures of the fingers with exposure of bones and joints of the phalanges. We used three reverse adipofascial cross finger flaps raised at the same time from 2 fingers to reconstruct adjacent fingers of the patient. The patient recovered well postoperatively and had good range of movement of the fingers. This avoided the complications of the use of regional or distal flaps. To our knowledge, this is the first case reported in which three reverse adipofascial cross fingers flaps are raised at the same time, two of them from an injured finger, to cover three raw areas on two fingers of a patient.

The Combination of Moberg Flap with V-Y Advancement and Reverse Adipofascial Cross Finger Flap for Coverage of Degloving Injury of the Thumb-Case Report

We report a case of 22 years old male patient who is a worker in a factory and sustained degloving injury of his left thumb in a machine while working. There was loss of the pulp of the thumb extending circumferentially to the dorsal aspect with loss of the skin of the terminal phalanx and part of the proximal phalanx. The nail and germinal matrix were lost with exposure of the bone and extensor pollicis longus tendon insertion. The thumb was totally covered with a combination of two flaps: Moberg flap with V-Y advancement was used to cover most of the volar surface of the thumb and reverse adipofascial cross finger flap from the adjacent index finger was used to cover the dorsal surface and the tip of the thumb. The reverse adipofascial cross finger flap was covered with split thickness skin graft. Three weeks later this flap was divided and the thumb was mobilized freely. The patient had a full range of movement of the thumb and index finger with few settings of physiotherapy postoperatively. We recommend combining both of these flaps to reconstruct degloving injury of the thumb as they provide near adjacent tissue of similar texture, preserve sensation at the volar aspect of the thumb and also avoid the complications of the distant flaps.

A new modified forked flap and a reverse V shaped flap for secondary correction of bilateral cleft lip nasal deformities

Background The columella, nasal tip, lip relationship in the bilateral cleft lip nasal deformity remains a great challenge for plastic surgeon. An esthetically satisfying result is difficult to obtain. A subset of patients with bilateral cleft lip nasal deformity still require columellar lengthening and nasal correction and philtrial construction. This study aimed to provide a new method based on the forked flap to improve the final appearance of these patients. Methods A technique to correct this deformity is described. This consists of （1） a newly modified forked flap including the orbicularis oris muscle and nasalis muscle along the whole flap for columellar lengthening, （2） a reverse V shaped flap from the lower portion of the columella and the prolabium for normal size phitrum construction, （3） inserting the vermilion portion of the forked flap and advancing the nasal floor medially and anteriorly to lengthen and maintain the nasal septum side of the columella for proper tip positioning, （4） open rhinoplasty, allowing definitive repositioning of the lower lateral cartilages, （5） reconstruction of the orbicularis orismuscle as required, and （6） the flaring nostril floor advancing medially and constructing the sill. Results This technique was applied to 15 cases of secondary bilateral cleft lip nasal deformity. All the flaps took without signs of partial necrosis. In all cases, the nasal tip was projected forward with adequate columella elongation, and the height of the prolabium was added with normal size philtrial dimensions. Conclusions This method makes maximum use of the tissue containing the scar in the lip and limits tissues in the lower portion of the columella and the prolabium for adequate columella elongation and reconstruction with normal size philtrial dimensions. It is a very reasonable and useful method in correction of secondary bilateral cleft lip nasal deformities.

S-shaped reverse sural flap for reconstruction of tissue defect on heel

Traumatic limb injury is a prevalent lesion in Iran. Motorcycle accidents are responsible for most of these traumatic lesions. Despite various reported techniques, the coverage of the Achilles tendon, malleoli, ankle and heel is still daunting and demanding procedure. S-shaped reverse sural flap is a modified technique of reconstruction. In this report of 6 patients underwent surgical reconstruction by this modified technique we discuss about the technique as a simple and safe technique with low morbidity rate and recommend using this technique in complex injuries.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy and surgical delay improve flap survival of reverse pedicle flaps for lower third leg and foot reconstruction

Aim:The purpose of the study is to present a management protocol for various types of soft tissue defects of the distal third region of leg and foot treated with pedicle flaps,by including hyperbaric oxygen(HBO)therapy in the treatment regimen with flap delay.Methods:We present a prospective study of 23 patients with various types of soft tissue defects of the foot,and lower third of leg managed in our institution from December 2012 to December 2013.All soft tissue defects were treated by a reverse pedicle flap.Twelve patients were managed with flap delay with HBO therapy and 11 patients with immediate flaps without HBO therapy.The postoperative period,hospital course,and follow-up were documented.Results:Of 12 patients with flap delay and HBO,10 patients did not suffer any complications secondary to flap transfer.One patient had discoloration of the tip of the flap,which settled without the intervention,and 1 patient had recurrent abscess formation,which required debridement and closure.Of 11 patients with direct transfer,6 patients presented with complications including flap congestion,partial flap loss,and tip necrosis,which required secondary intervention.Conclusion:HBO therapy is a useful adjunct in flap delay of the reverse pedicle flap for soft tissue reconstruction of the lower third of the leg and foot regions.