Resurfacing of ankle defects using loco regional flaps; a prospective, observational study

Dr. Santanu Suba; Dr. Biswajit Mondal

Volume : IX, Issue : V, May - 2020

Resurfacing of ankle defects using loco regional flaps; a prospective, observational study

Dr. Santanu Suba, Dr. Biswajit Mondal

Abstract :

Acute and chronic wounds around ankle region are encountered quite frequently and mostly result from trauma, although malignancy and burn injury contribute to the number of cases considerably. These defects pose a unique challenge to the reconstructive surgeon because of paucity of local tissue and exposure of vital structures like tendons, bones and nerves. Although microvascular free flaps are ideal for such defects, they are technically demanding, time consuming, has a steep learning curve and costly. For this reason, the loco regional flaps still hold relevance in the armamentarium of a reconstructive surgeon. In the present study we have looked into different loco regional flaps to cover such defects and observe their outcomes in terms of feasibility, complication rate, operating time and hospital stay. We found the distally based sural artery flap to be a versatile, reliable, fast and easy alternative to cover such defects despite some acceptable shortcomings.