Three-dimensional digitalized virtual planning for retrograde sural neurovascular island flaps: a comparative study

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Plastic Surgery
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Soft tissue defects in the ankle and foot present reconstructive challenges.
• Sural neurovascular island flaps are utilized for soft tissue repair.
• Traditional planning methods may have limitations in complex reconstructions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of three-dimensional (3D) digitalized planning for sural neurovascular island flaps.
• To compare 3D planning with conventional methods in ankle and foot defect repair.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 40 patients with ankle/foot soft tissue defects.
• Group A (n=20) underwent 3D digitalized virtual planning with computed topographic angiography.
• Group B (n=20) served as the control group.
• Comparison of flap survival rate, operation time, and surgical accuracy.

Main Results:

• 100% flap survival in the 3D planning group (Group A) versus 70% in the control group (Group B).
• Group A demonstrated significantly better surgical accuracy and reduced operation time.
• Improved aesthetic outcomes and reduced complications like scarring and pain in Group A post-follow-up.

Conclusions:

• Preoperative 3D digitalized virtual planning enhances surgical accuracy for sural neurovascular island flaps.
• This technique leads to decreased operation times and increased flap survival rates.
• 3D planning is a valuable tool for reconstructing soft tissue defects in the ankle and foot.