STUDY OF VARIOUS MODIFICATIONS OF REVERSE SURAL ARTERY FLAP

Soft tissue reconstruction of distal third leg, heel and ankle region is a challenging problem because of poor vascularity and limited mobility of skin. The reverse sural artery with ideal flap thickness, minimal donor site morbidity, lack of functional muscle loss, short recovery time, wide arc of rotation and safe vascularity makes it a preferable flap for covering such defects. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To study various modifications of distally based reverse sural artery flap to suit the defects and for better survival of flaps. RESULTS: It is a retrospective study conducted in our institute to cover the distal leg and foot defects. 60 cases of distal leg defects exposing vital structure who underwent reverse sural artery flap coverage were included in the study.5 of the 60 flaps had complete flap necrosis and another11 flaps had partial necrosis. 73.4% of the flaps survived during the follow up period of 1 years with good functional outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Reverse sural artery flap with its modifications is a good flap for the defects of distal leg, heel and ankle defects.