Abstract:

Objective　To report the clinical effects of sural neurofsciocutaneous composite flap with gastrocnemius tendon on repairing defect of Achilles tendon and overlying skin.  Methods　Six cases of defects of Achilles tendon and overlying soft tissue were reconstructed by the sural neurofasciocutaneous composite flap with gastrocnemius tendon. Be sure to keep the connection between gastrocnemius tendon and deep fascia of the composite flap during the surgery. The smallest and the largest areas of transfered skin flaps were 7cm× 5cm  and 11cm×10cm respectively. The size of gastrocnemius tendon were about 5cm×3cm to 9cm×4cm. Results　All of the six flaps survived well, without obvious infection. The 3-50 months' of follow-up showed that the functions of Achilles tendon and the appearance of the flaps of 6 patients were satisfactory, with no Achilles tendon disruption appeared. Conclusions　Sural neurofsciocutaneous composite flap with gastrocnemius tendon is easy to operate in repairing defect of Achilles tendon and overlying skin, with only slight syncretio of Achilles tendon, and excellent function recovery of ankle joint.

Key words: Gastrocnemius tendon, Sural nerve, Skin flap, Achilles tendon, Soft tissue defects