Clinical outcomes of the reverse sural flap when performed by orthopaedic trauma surgeons
Abstract. Objectives:. To evaluate reverse sural flap (RSF) outcomes when performed by nonmicrovascular trained orthopaedic trauma surgeons. Design:. Retrospective cohort. Setting:. Single level 1 trauma center. Patients:. Seventeen patients undergoing RSF for soft tissue coverage of distal 1/3rd le...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Wolters Kluwer
2025-09-01
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| Series: | OTA International |
| Online Access: | http://journals.lww.com/10.1097/OI9.0000000000000410 |
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| Summary: | Abstract. Objectives:. To evaluate reverse sural flap (RSF) outcomes when performed by nonmicrovascular trained orthopaedic trauma surgeons.
Design:. Retrospective cohort.
Setting:. Single level 1 trauma center.
Patients:. Seventeen patients undergoing RSF for soft tissue coverage of distal 1/3rd leg and/or hindfoot wounds. All patients were managed and followed by 2 nonmicrovascular trained orthopaedic surgeons until RSF healing or failure.
Intervention:. Reverse sural flap for coverage of distal leg and/or hindfoot wounds.
Main Outcome Measurements:. RSF survival, percent viability, healing time, and cosmetic outcome. Patient demographic data, comorbidities, and indication for coverage were evaluated in relation to flap survival.
Results:. Flap viability was noted in 14/17 patients, with 3/17 patients experiencing RSF necrosis or failure. Two of three flap failure cases presented with surgical site infection after RSF. The remaining flap failure resulted from an inability to follow weight-bearing restrictions leading to flap shearing and coagulation. Diabetes was present in 2 of 3 flap failure cases. Cosmetic outcomes among the surviving flaps were excellent or good in 12/14 patients, with an average soft tissue healing time of 57.4 days (23–116 days).
Conclusion:. The RSF is a powerful and reliable technique for soft tissue coverage of the distal leg and hindfoot that can be performed without microvascular training.
Level of Evidence:. Therapeutic Level IV. |
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| ISSN: | 2574-2167 |