Distally pedicled peroneus brevis muscle flap: a versatile lower leg and foot flap.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome of our early experience with the distally pedicled peroneus brevis flap in the management of soft tissue defects of the lower leg, ankle and foot.

METHODS: This was a non-randomised, retrospective study involving five patients who were treated with the peroneus brevis muscle flap for soft tissue defects over the lower leg.

RESULTS: In all five patients, the flaps were viable and successful in providing satisfactory soft tissue coverage for the defects. In one diabetic patient, distal flap necrosis was observed, which was treated successfully with a local rotational skin flap.

CONCLUSION: The distally pedicled peroneus brevis muscle flap is an economical, reliable and relatively easy procedure for treating defects of the distal third of the leg, ankle and foot.