METHODS: The distally based sural flap has been useful for reconstruction of the distal third portion of the lower leg. We retrospectively review in this report the clinical outcomes. Moreover
we studied the vascular anatomy surrounding the sural nerve using preserved cadavers.Twenty-eight consecutive cases of distally based sural flap transfer were reviewed retrospectively. All flaps were harvested with the deep fascia and lesser saphenous vein
but the sural nerve was excluded in all cases to prevent paresthesia. The sural nerve can be easily detached from the flap by meticulous dissection from the deep fascia without causing significant bleeding. In the vascular anatomic study
barium was injected through the femoral artery after elevating the flap in 20 legs of preserved cadavers. Subsequently
tissue specimens were harvested from the upper
middle
and lower sites of the flap for histologic analyses. RESULTS: Clinically
22 of 28 flaps survived completely. Distal partial necrosis was observed in 5 flaps
and total necrosis was observed in 1 flap. Causes of total or partial necrosis have been suggested to be dependent on flap shape
pedicle length
and complicating diseases. Anatomic angiography revealed that small extrinsic vessels around the sural nerve and the lesser saphenous vein are important
especially in distally-based sural flap transfer those around the sural nerve seem to have the most important impact on flap survival. The sural nerve has fewer intrinsic vessels than the extrinsic vessels of the sural nerve and lesser saphenous vein. CONCLUSION: The distally based sural flap was useful for reconstruction of the distal third portion of the lower leg. Moreover
these clinical and anatomic findings suggest that the sural nerve can be preserved to prevent surgically induced paresthesia. c 2008 by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
