Abstract:

       Objective: To report clinical effects of the sural neurovascular retrograde flap on repairing the soft tissue defects of the foot dorsum. Methods: From January 2004 to January 2008, 15 cases of soft-tissue defects of the foot dorsum, involving the exposure of tendons, vessels or bones of foot, were treated by the sural neurovascular retrograde flap. The functions of the alocrural joint and the bone healing conditions were evaluated after operations. Results: All cases were followed-up about 6 to 18 months (13. 6 months averagely). All flaps survived well. The necrosis of distal part of flap was observed only in 1 case. The results of follow-up proved that, the repaired flap showed satisfied shape and functions of foot and ankle. There was no case appeared incision infection. Conclusions：The blood supply of this flap is reliable. The curative effects of the flap is easy to be evaluated, while, the size of the flap is large enough to repair skin defects of the foot. 

Key words: surgical flap, transplantation, reverse island flap, nutrient vessel of sural nerve, reconstruction