• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
• /
• v.6 no.1
• /
• pp.46-53
• /
• 2002

Purpose: We would introduce the reverse superficial sural artery flap to reconstruct soft tissue defect on lower leg, ankle, and hind-foot. Materials and Method: From October 1998 to December 2001, we reconstructed 12cases (l2patients) of soft tissue defect around the hind - foot, ankle, and distal lower extremity with the reverse sural artery flap. Results: The time for flap dissection was 28 minutes in average. The size of the flap was from $4\times3cm$ to $14\times10cm$. All flaps survived. Conclusion: The reverse superficial sural artery flap is the useful technique for the soft tissue defect in the lower leg and the foot.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
• /
• v.24 no.1
• /
• pp.32-36
• /
• 2015

The reconstruction of recurrent pressure sores is challenging due to a limited set of treatment options and a high risk of flap loss. Successful treatment requires scrupulous surgical planning and a multidisciplinary approach. Although the tensor fascia lata flap is regarded as the standard treatment of choice-it provides sufficient tissue bulk for a deep trochanteric sore defect-plastic surgeons must always consider the potential of recurrence and accordingly save the second-best tissues. With the various applications of anterolateral thigh (ALT) flaps in the reconstructive field, we report two cases wherein an alternative technique was applied, whereby pedicled ALT fasciocutaneous island flaps were used to cover recurrent trochanteric pressure sores. The postoperative course was uneventful without any complications. The flap provided a sound aesthetic result without causing a dog-ear formation or damaging the lower-leg contour. This flap was used as an alternative to myocutaneous flaps, as it can cover a large trochanteric defect, recurrence is minimized, and the local musculature and lower-leg contour are preserved.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.36 no.5
• /
• pp.591-596
• /
• 2009

Purpose: To reconstruct soft tissue defect on lower extremity especially combined with osteomyelitis, free flap with enough blood supplies is required. There are some instance when patients have inadequate recipient vessels for microanastomosis. Anastomosis with harvested vein graft can solve the problem. It may be more problematic or even increase recipient site complication. Cross leg free flaps using contra - lateral vessel can be a solution. Methods: From 2005 to 2008, 12 cases of cross leg free flap were done for 12 patients(male = 9, female = 3). External fixators used in all cases. Free flaps used were laissmus dorsi muscle flap(n=5), anterolateral thigh flap(n=4), gracilis muscle flap(n=2) and medial plantar artery fasciotaneous flap(n=1). In all cases, contralateral posterior tibial artery and vein were used as recipient pedicle. Results: All flaps survived without additional operative procedures. There were no complications such as hematoma or Infection. Sometimes patients needs further therapeutic exercise for fast movement recovery. Conclusion: Although cross leg free flaps require long period of bed resting and rehabilitation after pedicle cutting, It can be practical alternative for soft tissue defect on lower distal extremity with inadequate recipient vessels for free flap on affected leg.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
• /
• v.8 no.2
• /
• pp.130-138
• /
• 1999

The lower extremity injuries are extremely increasing with the development of industrial & transportational technology. For the lower extremity injuries that result from high-energy forces, particularly those in which soft tissue and large segments of bone have been destroyed and there is some degree of vascular compromise, the problems in reconstruction are major and more complex. In such cases local muscle coverage is probably unsuccessful, because adjacent muscles are destroyed much more than one can initially expect. Reconstruction of the lower extremity has been planned by dividing the lower leg into three parts traditionally The flaps available in each of the three parts are gastrocnemius flap for proximal one third, soleus flap for middle one third and free flap transfer for lower one third. Microvascular surgery can provide the necessary soft tissue coverage from the remote donnor area by free flap transfer into the defect. Correct selection of the appropriate recipient vessels is difficult and remains the most important factor in successful free flap transfer. Vascular anastomosis to recipient vessels distal to the zone of injury has been advocated and retrograde flow flaps are well established in island flaps. Retrograde flow anastomosis could not interrupt the major blood vessels which were essential for survival of the distal limb, the compromise of fracture or wound healing might be prevented. During 5 years, from March 1993 to Feb. 1998, we have done 68 free flap transfers in 61 patients to reconstruct the lower extremity. From analysis of the cases, we concluded that for the reconstruction of the lower extremity, free flap transfer yields a more esthetic and functional results.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
• /
• v.11 no.1
• /
• pp.36-40
• /
• 2002

Purpose : Our clinical experiences in distally based sural artery island flap is presented to show the usefulness and the reliability as an alternative to flaps currently used for defect in lower extremity. Materials and Methods : From February 1998 to September 2001, nine cases of soft tissue defects in the lower leg, the foot, and around the ankle were treated with distally based sural artery island flap. The cause of the wound was trauma in 6 cases, and osteomyelitis in 3 cases. Defects were located at the lower leg in 2 cases, at the foot in 3 cases and around the ankle in 4 cases. The results were retrospectively analyzed. Results : The defect size ranged from $3{\times}3cm\;to\;20{\times}3cm$. Among 9 cases, 7 cases survived and 2 cases were failed. Flap failure was due to not including the deep fascia in one case and due to extensive soft tissue damage in the other case. Both failed cases were reoperated with the split thickness skin graft. Conclusion : The advantages of distally based sural artery island flap follows (1) reliable blood supply, (2) ease of flap elevation, (3) preservation of the major arteries, (4) less donor site morbidity. Owing to the advantages of this flap, we think it is useful for the soft tissue coverage of the lower leg, the foot and around the ankle. Also we believe it will continue to gain acceptance and use in the majority of lower leg reconstruction.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
• /
• v.23 no.2
• /
• pp.157-162
• /
• 2010

Purpose: Free flap reconstruction in the pediatric population is difficult. However, microsurgery has had remarkable success rates in children. The aim of study is to present our clinical experience using free flap for reconstruction of soft tissue defects in children and to describe long-term follow-up results. Methods: Between June 2002 and July 2010, 30 cases of pediatric reconstruction were performed with free flap. The authors analyzed several items, such as the kind of flap, associated complications, and growth problems. Results: Among the 30 cases, 21 cases were due to traffic accidents, 5 to cancer, and 4 to falls and other soft tissue defects. The lower leg and foot were the most common sites of the lesion. In the free flap operations we have done, 20 cases involved an anterolateral thigh perforator free flap, 6 a superficial circumflex iliac perforator free flap, and 4 an upper medial thigh perforator free flap. In early postoperative complications, partial necrosis was seen in 2 cases, infection in 1 case, and the hematoma in 1 case. A satisfactory success rate and functional results were achieved. Conclusion: Free flap reconstruction in children allows satisfactory function with no significant effect on growth. Free flaps are regarded as the primary choice for selective pediatric reconstructive cases.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
• /
• v.2 no.1
• /
• pp.46-52
• /
• 1993

Soft-tissue deficits over the plantar forefoot, plantar heel, Achilles tendon, and distal parts of lower leg are often troublesome to cover with a simple graft or local flap due to limited mobility of surrounding skin and poor circulation in these area. Soft-tissue reconstruction in these regions should provide tissue components similar to the original lost tissue, supply durability and minimal protective pressure sensation and result in a donor site that is well tolerated and treated. We analysed 7 cases that were treated with the Instep flap due to soft-tissue defects over these regions from July of 1990 to July of 1993. All flaps were viable and successful at follow-up. 1. The age ranged from 9 years to 60 years, and 6 cases were male and 1 case female. 2. The sites of soft-tissue loss were the plantar forefoot(1 case), plantar heel(3 cases), Achilles tendon(2 cases), and distal parts of lower leg(1 case). 3. The causes of soft-tissue loss were simple soft-tissue crushing injury(1 case), crushing injury of the 1st toe(1 case) and posttraumatic infection and necrosis(5 cases). 4. The associated injury were open distal tibio-fibula, fracture(2 cases), medial malleolar fracture of the ankle(1 case), Achilles tendon rupture(2 case) and 1st metatarso-phalangeal disarticulation(1 case). 5. The size of flap was from $3{\times}4cm$ to $5{\times}10cm$(average $4{\times}5.6cm)$. 6. In 7 cases, we were not to find post-operative necrosis and infection, non-viability, limitation of ankle joint, and gait disturbance caused by the Instep flap surgery. 7. This study demonstrates that the Instep flap should be considered as another valuable technique in reconstruction of these regions.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
• /
• v.7 no.1
• /
• pp.1-9
• /
• 1998

From January 1985 to February 1997, 96 patients had undergone the free vascularized groin flap on the upper and lower extremities with microsurgical technique at the department of orthopaedic surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine. The results were as follows: 1. Average age at the time of operation was 24.9 years. and there were 71 men and 25 women and mean follow up was 62.4 months. 2. The lesion site was 82 cases on the lower extremity: foot(40), leg(20), ankle(13), and 14 cases on the upper extremity: forearm(6), elbow(3), hand(3), wrist(2). 3. The anatomical classification of the superficial circumflex iliac artery was as follows: 1) 39.8% of common origin with superficial inferior epigastric artery, 2) 30.1% of isolated origin and absent superficial inferior epigastric artery, 3) 13.3% of separate origin, 4) 16.9% of origin from the deep femoral artery. 4. There was no statistical significance on arterial anastomosis between end to end and end to side, and on venous anastomosis(end to end) between one vein and two veins. 5. The success rate was average 84.4% in 81 of 96 cases. 6. In the 15 failed cases, the additional procedures were performed: 5 cases of free vascularized scapular flap, 6 cases of full thickness skin graft, 2 cases of cross leg flap, 1 case of latissimus dorsi flap, 1 case of split thickness skin graft. In conclusion, the free vascularized groin flap can be considered as the treatment of choice for the reconstruction of the extensive soft tissue injury on the extremities, and show the higher success rate with the experienced surgeon.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.35 no.2
• /
• pp.208-213
• /
• 2008

Purpose: Distally based superficial sural artery island flap has some disadvantages such as postoperative flap edema, congestion, and partial necrosis of the flap margin. Venous congestion is an area of considerable concern in distally based superficial sural artery fasciocutaneous flap and is one of the main reasons for failure, particularly when a large flap is needed. However, we could decrease these disadvantages by means of venous superdrainage. Methods: From June of 2006 to June of 2007, a total of two patients with soft tissue defects of lower one third of the leg underwent venous supercharging distally based superficial sural artery island flap transfer. The distal pivot point of this flap was designed at septocutaneous perforator from the peroneal artery of the posterolateral septum, which was 5 cm above the tip of the lateral malleolus. Briefly, this technique is performed by anastomosing the proximal end of the lesser saphenous vein and collateral vein to any vein in the area of the recipient defect site. Results: No venous congestion was noted in any of the two cases. No other recipient or donor-site complications were observed, except for minor wound dehiscence in one case. In 3 to 6 months follow-up, patients had minor complaints about lack of sensation in the lateral dorsal foot. Conclusion: The peroneal artery perforator is predictable and reliable for the design of a distally based superficial sural artery island flap. Elevation of the venous supercharging flap is safe, easy, and less time consuming. In conclusion, the venous supercharging distally based superficial sural artery island flap offers an alterative to free tissue transfer for reconstruction of the lower extremity.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.49 no.5
• /
• pp.683-688
• /
• 2022

Background Reconstruction of large soft tissue defects of the lower extremity often requires the use of free flaps. The main limiting factor and potential for complications lie in the selection of proper donor and recipient vessels for microvascular anastomosis. While the superficial veins of the lower leg are easier to dissect, they are thought to be more vulnerable to trauma and lead to a higher complication rate when using them instead of the deep accompanying veins as recipient vessels. No clear evidence exists that proves this concept. Methods We retrospectively studied the outcomes of 97 patients who underwent free flap plasty to reconstruct predominantly traumatic defects of the lower extremity at our institute. The most used flap was the gracilis muscle flap. We divided the population into three groups based on the recipient veins that were used for microvascular anastomosis and compared their outcomes. The primary outcome was the major complication rate. Results Overall flap survivability was 93.81%. The complication rates were not higher when using the great saphenous vein as a recipient vessel when comparing to utilizing the deep concomitant veins alone or the great saphenous vein in combination to the concomitant veins. Conclusions In free flap surgery of the lower extremity, the selection of the recipient veins should not be restricted to the deep accompanying veins of the main vessels. The superficial veins, especially the great saphenous vein, offer an underrated option when performing free flap reconstruction.