[Reconstruction of soft tissue defects of lower leg, ankle and foot using sural flap]

Covering soft-tissue injuries on the lower third of the leg, ankle joint and on the calcaneal part of the foot has so far been the domain for free flap use. The distally based superficial sural artery flap with vascular axis of the sural nerve was first described by Masquelet. We treated 31 patients after injuries with this method. No flap failed. Necrosis of the edges affected three flaps. Most flaps showed slight venous congestion. The authors present their clinical experience using this technique. The advantages are the following: the blood supply is reliable, elevation is easy and quick and major arteries are not sacrified.