Reliability of Reverse Sural Flap in the Reconstruction of Midfoot and Forefoot Defects

Abstract

Reconstruction of mid- and forefoot defects involves few options as versatile as free flaps; however, free flaps are not universally available and require long operative time and can be difficult to successfully heal. Although the reverse sural flap is commonly used for lower limb reconstructions, it has been used mainly for reconstruction of defects around the distal leg, ankle, and hindfoot. Few studies have demonstrated the use of this flap in the reconstruction of mid- and forefoot defects. Herein we describe our experience with patients that underwent reconstruction using reverse sural flaps for mid- and hindfoot defects. A total of 16 patient, ranging in age 6 to 54 years, were treated with reverse sural flaps between January 2010 and December 2018. The defects were mainly incurred as a result of trauma. All reconstructions were performed in 2 stages, and success was achieved in 15 (93%) of the 16 cases. No cases of donor site morbidity were observed. Our findings suggest that the reverse sural flap can be used for reconstruction of mid- and forefoot defects as a 2 staged procedure. The flap is easy to raise and can be considered in selected patients with such defects.