Abstract:

Objective　To explore the clinical rapeutic effects of the retrograde island flap based on the sural nerve nutrient vessels in repairing skin and soft tissue defects in the distant lower limbs.　Methods　52 patients were treated with the sural nerve nutrient vessels skin flap Between November 2009 and Jun 2014. The involved cases included 41 males and 11 females, with an average of 37.3 years old (range, 5 to 64 years old).   The size of soft tissue defects varied from 4.0 cm×4.5 cm to 6.0 cm×12.0 cm. The size of flap varied from 4.5 cm×5.0 cm to 7.0 cm×15.0 cm. The interval between injury and operating time was 9~45 days. In 52 case, the small saphenous vein was ligated in the flap pedicle.　Result　No postoperative venous congestion such as edema, congestion, and blisters occurred. All flaps survived. The flaps completely survived in 39 cases and healing by first intention was achieved. 3 cases with flap under mild infection, after treatment of control. The appearance and functional results were satisfactory with following up for 8 to 24 months. The color and texture of the flaps were good. The appearance and the function were satisfactory.　Conclusion　Sural nerve nutrient vessels of the retrograde island flap is an ideal choice for repair distal leg soft tissue defect. Not the small saphenous vein ligation of flap pedicle division of flap survival had no effect.

Key words:  Island flap, Sural nerve, Repair, Lower limbs