Experience with the distally based sural flap: a review of 25 cases

The reconstruction of soft tissue defects in the distal areas of the lower extremity remains a challenge. The distally based sural neurocutaneous flap based on the sural nerve and the superficial sural artery has been used for skin defect reconstruction of the distal third of the leg, the hindfoot, ankle, and heel. We describe our experience and evaluate the reliability of this surgical technique. From 2004-2010, 25 patients with an average age of 32.5 (6 to 70) years were treated using the distally based sural flap for reconstruction of skin defects of the lower third of the leg, the heel, the ankle, and the hindfoot. The skin defect was secondary to trauma in 20 patients (80%) and compromised tendon or bone in all cases. One venous congestion and 2 partial flap necroses were observed. The mean follow-up was 25 (9 to 46) months. The plastic result was assessed as satisfactory in all patients. The donor site morbidity was minimal. The sural flap is a good way to reconstruct soft tissue defects of the lower extremity; this surgical technique provides an alternative to microsurgical reconstruction.