[Clinical application of improved island skin flap with distally-based sural nerve nutrient vessels].

OBJECTIVE: To report the clinical result of the improved island skin flap with distally-based sural nerve nutrient vessels in repairing skin defect in the heel, ankle or foot.

METHODS: From August 2004 to April 2005, 15 patients with skin defect in the heel, ankle or foot at distal part were treated by the improved island skin flap with distally-based of sural nerve nutrient vessels. Of 15 flaps, 12 were simplex flaps and 3 were complex flaps. These flap area ranged from 7 cm x 6 cm to 11 x 8 cm. The donor sites were sutured directly and covered with free flap.

RESULTS: All flaps survived without flap swelling and disturbance of blood circulation. The wounds of donor and recipient sites healed by first intention. The follow-up period ranged from 3 to 6 months. The texture of flap was soft and the color of flap was similar to that of normal skin. The foot function was excellent.

CONCLUSION: The improved island skin flap with distally-based sural nerve nutrient vessels is an ideal skin flap for repairing skin defect in the heel, ankle or foot distal part in clinical. The operation is simple and need not to anastomose blood vessel.