Medial Hemisoleus Flap for Middle Third of the Tibia Defects

Covering soft tissue defects of the tibia is challenging, especially in the presence of underlying osseous trauma. The soleus muscle flap remains the treatment of choice for soft tissue defects in the middle third of the tibia. The flap is reliable and requires a relatively short operative time while maintaining minimal donor site morbidity. However, when the muscle flap is performed without a modified fasciocutaneous composite, it requires a split-thickness skin graft. Muscle flaps have the additional advantage of improving vascularity and fighting infection.