Distally Based Medial Hemisoleus Flap: Reliable Option for Distal Tibial Wounds.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Reconstructive Surgery
• Plastic Surgery

Background:

• Distal tibial defects pose significant challenges for soft tissue coverage.
• Muscle flaps are crucial for reconstructing complex limb injuries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the clinical success of the distally based medial hemisoleus muscle flap.
• To assess flap survival and wound healing for distal tibial defects.

Main Methods:

• A case series study was conducted from July 2014 to July 2017.
• Distally based medial hemisoleus muscle flaps with skin grafts were used for coverage.
• Patients were followed for at least two months post-operatively.

Main Results:

• Flap success was achieved in 33 out of 37 cases (89%).
• Complete flap survival with primary wound healing occurred in most patients.
• Partial flap necrosis was observed in a minority of cases, with no complete flap loss.

Conclusions:

• The distally based medial hemisoleus muscle flap is a reliable option for coverage.
• It is effective for middle and distal third tibial defects.
• This flap provides a viable solution for soft tissue reconstruction in the lower leg.