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Lower leg reconstruction using a sural fasciocutaneous flap
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Showa University, Tokyo-to, Japan.
Annals of Plastic Surgery
|August 1, 1989
Summary
The superficial sural artery is crucial for lower leg fasciocutaneous flaps. Its variations and connection to sural nerves were studied in cadavers and applied to 17 clinical flap reconstructions.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Anatomy
- Reconstructive Surgery
Background:
- Fasciocutaneous flaps in the lower leg are a common reconstructive method.
- The superficial sural artery's role in flap vascularity is established.
- Variations in the superficial sural artery's origin and course are significant.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anatomical variations of the superficial sural artery.
- To evaluate the clinical application of the superficial sural artery in fasciocutaneous flaps.
- To highlight the versatility of the island sural fasciocutaneous flap for knee joint reconstruction.
Main Methods:
- Cadaveric dissections were performed to examine the superficial sural artery.
- Clinical application in 17 cases involving pedicled, island, and free flaps.
- Detailed description of the operative procedure for the island sural fasciocutaneous flap.
Main Results:
- The superficial sural artery exhibits considerable variation in origin and location.
- The artery is closely associated with the sural nerve or lateral sural nerve.
- The island sural fasciocutaneous flap proved effective for soft tissue defects around the knee.
Conclusions:
- Understanding superficial sural artery anatomy is vital for successful lower leg flap design.
- The island sural fasciocutaneous flap is a versatile option for knee reconstruction.
- This study details the operative technique and flap characteristics for clinical use.