Distally Based Saphenous Neurocutaneous Perforator Flap for Reconstructive Surgery in the Lower Leg and the Foot: A Long-Term Follow-Up Study of 70 Patients

Jiezhi Dai; Yimin Chai; Chunyang Wang; Gen Wen

doi:10.1055/s-0033-1345435

Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery, Table of Contents

J Reconstr Microsurg 2013; 29(07): 481-486
DOI: 10.1055/s-0033-1345435

Original Article

Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Distally Based Saphenous Neurocutaneous Perforator Flap for Reconstructive Surgery in the Lower Leg and the Foot: A Long-Term Follow-Up Study of 70 Patients

Authors

Jiezhi Dai

¹Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital, JiaoTong University, Shanghai, China
Yimin Chai

¹Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital, JiaoTong University, Shanghai, China
Chunyang Wang

¹Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital, JiaoTong University, Shanghai, China
Gen Wen

¹Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital, JiaoTong University, Shanghai, China

Abstract

Background The management of soft-tissue defects in the distal third of the lower leg and foot remains disputed. In this article, we describe a long-term follow-up research study on the clinical results and complications of using this flap for the reconstruction of soft-tissue defects around the lower leg and foot.

Methods Between 2006 and 2008, 70 patients with soft-tissue defects around the lower leg and foot were treated with distally based saphenous neurocutaneous perforator flaps. The mean age of patients was 46.0 years (range, 22 to 70 years). An end point survey was performed after flap coverage; the mean follow-up was 54.2 months (range, 40 to 68 months), and response rate was 92.9% (65/70). A sensory morbidity was measured with a static two-point discrimination test and Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test.

Results A total of 58 flaps were survived completely, 6 flaps developed partial necrosis, and 1 experienced total failure. No severe venous congestion was observed and the skin grafts in the donor sites survived entirely. Sensitivity tests have shown an acceptable sensory recovery at the skin-grafted donor site and on the flap.

Conclusion Distally based saphenous neurocutaneous flap is a reliable and safe method for reconstruction of the defects around the lower leg and foot, with a lower sensorial morbidity.

Keywords

saphenous neurocutaneous flap - sensorial morbidity - long-term follow-up

Full Text

References

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