Supercharged Reverse-Flow Sural Flap: a New Modification Increasing the Reliability of the Flap

Abstract

The management of soft-tissue defects in the lower third of the leg and foot presents a considerable problem because of composite tissue defects, inadequate and tight local tissue for reconstruction, and poor circulation. Although the reverse sural flap is frequently preferred and is fairly reliable, some complications arising from the circulation may be encountered in large flaps or in diabetic patients. In the present study, we developed a new modification by supercharging the sural flap to reduce venous congestion and edema and to increase the reliability of the flap. We treated 3 patients (2 men and 1 woman) by utilizing a supercharged reverse sural flap. All flaps survived and healed uneventfully. We also suggest a new and more distinctive classification for supercharging and turbocharging, which defines the vessel type to be anastomosed and the relationship of the vessel to be anastomosed with the main vessel to the flap. (C) 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.