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Free lateral supramalleolar flap transfer as a small, thin flap
Mutsumi Okazaki1, Kazuki Ueda, Atsushi Niu
1Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Asahi General Hospital, Chiba, Japan.
Annals of Plastic Surgery
|August 21, 2002
Summary
The free lateral supramalleolar flap offers a thinner, viable option for reconstructive surgery. It presents a valuable alternative to the radial forearm flap with reduced donor site morbidity.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Microsurgery
- Reconstructive Surgery
Background:
- The radial forearm flap is a common choice for thin, pliable tissue reconstruction.
- Donor site morbidity associated with radial forearm flap harvest can be significant.
- Alternative thin flap options are needed to minimize patient morbidity.
Observation:
- Lateral supramalleolar free flaps were successfully transferred in 3 patients using peroneal vessel microvascular anastomoses.
- All transferred flaps achieved complete survival.
- The flap's thickness was comparable to the radial forearm flap.
Findings:
- The free lateral supramalleolar flap provides a thin, pliable tissue source for reconstruction.
- Flap survival was 100% in this small series.
- This flap is thinner than the traditional peroneal flap.
Implications:
- The lateral supramalleolar flap is a viable, thinner alternative to the radial forearm flap.
- It offers reduced donor site morbidity compared to the radial forearm flap.
- This flap expands reconstructive options for cases requiring thin, small tissue transfers.