Super Sural Neurofasciocutaneous Flaps in Acute Traumatic Heel Reconstructions

Abstract

Conventional reversed sural flaps have been used to cover heel defects; however, the experience of the authors indicates that the reach of these flaps falls just short of the critical area to be covered. With the limitation being the location of the flap (the middle third of the leg), the authors thought that if the flap territory were extended proximally, they would have a super flap with immense potential. Nevertheless, the critical question remained, “How far?” The massive earthquake in January of 2001 in Gujarat, India, made medical personnel pressed for time, manpower, resources, and other ancillary supports. The authors were forced to make some innovations in their management of extensive heel defects. On the basis of preexisting anatomic studies, they developed the possibility of using distally based neuroskin flaps of huge dimensions that extend well beyond the conventional confines. The versatility of this extended, reversed, neurofasciocutaneous flap in regard to its reliability and safety, despite its huge dimensions, is commendable. The hallmarks of this successful extended sural flap, which the authors used to cover large heel defects, were basically accurate understanding of the anatomy and the use of Doppler to map the perforators and the lesser saphenous vein for inclusion in the lie of the pedicle. The authors share their experience of five cases of difficult heel reconstructions salvaged with this flap, which made them attempt to define maximum flap dimensions that can be harvested. The authors learned that the flap can be extended proximally to include the entire upper one-third of the leg posteriorly, drastically improving its reach and size, without compromising safety. The largest flap used measured 17 X 16 cm, far more than ever reported in the literature. The flaps truly deserve the classification of “super,” which is usually reserved for Ponten's flaps. (Plast. Reconstr. Surg. 109: 2307, 2002.)