Background: Soft tissue defects of the distal lower extremity
are notoriously difficult wounds to treat. This is due
to the paucity of soft tissue in this area and the thin integument
as well as the relatively superficial tendons. Those defects
often require local rotation flaps, the reverse flow flap or free
tissue transfer. The success of local tissue rotation flaps can
be improved with supercharging techniques; however, just as
with free tissue transfers, these techniques require special
surgical skills. One excellent alternative within the reconstructive
spectrum of the lower leg is the distally based peroneus
brevis muscle flap. This muscle flap is a viable option in
properly selected patients for coverage of wounds about the
ankle.
Patients and Methods: In this study, we used the distally
based peroneous brevis muscle flap to reconstruct 20 cases
of defects around the ankle. Cases presented to Plastic Surgery
Department, Minia University Hospital in period between
January to October 2017. Surgical procedure was performed
under spinal anaesthesia in all cases. We followed cases for
6 months postoperatively.
Results: The mean age was 35 years old, 16 patients
were males and 4 were female. 55% of patients had complete
flap viability, 15% of cases had partial graft loss and 20%
with partial flap necrosis and 10% of cases had complete
flap loss.
Conclusion: We can suggest that the peroneus brevis
muscle flap is an additional valuable option for reconstruction
of defects around the ankle because of its adjacent location,
reliability, and the relative simplicity of technique. The surgical
technique is relatively easy, safe, and suitable for reconstruction
of soft-tissue defects in a single stage.