A Comparative Study Between Distally Based Sural Artery Flap and Medial Plantar Artery Flap in Reconstruction of Ankle and Foot Defects

Reconstruction of soft tissue defects around the foot and ankle region is a challenging problem for reconstructive surgeons due to the lack of locally available tissues for transposition, the relatively poor skin circulation, and the special structural characteristics of this area, bones and tendons can easily become exposed due to trauma. so foot injuries are often associated with a loss of soft tissues and exposed bones . The plantar skin is thick, with solid anchorage to the deep structures. Therefore, the reconstructive aim is to restore the stability of the foot skin to adapt to weightbearing and to resist shearing forces. In addition, good sensibility should be considered in the reconstruction. Additional considerations the ankle region has great tension during movement, and good stability is required for shoes wearing. The medial plantar flap has been effectively used in the reconstruction of soft tissue defects localized to the plantar foot, forefoot, posterior heel, and ankle in small to medium sized defects . This flap can be transferred to the defect as a proximally or distally pedicled island flap . The distally based sural artery flap frequently used for reconstruction of soft tissue defects of the lower leg, foot and ankle in medium and large sized defects .Fascio-cutaneous flaps are highly effective and easy to perform.

This study is a comparative study designed for assessment of the clinical applications of distally based sural flap versus medial plantar artery flap regarding the size of the defect , operative technique and their outcomes (success and complications) as a reconstructive option for foot and ankle defects.