Objective: To sum up the application experience of the sural nerve island flap pedicled with the collateral vessels.
Methods: From 1997, the retrograde-flow sural nerve island flaps pedicled with collateral vessels were performed to repair the soft tissues defects of the shank in 3 cases, ankle in 3 cases and foot in 8 cases.
Results: Twelve flaps were survived, one flap was partially necrosed and one flap was necrosed. Among them, 10 wounds healed by first intention, 3 cases were healed after changing dressing and the one necrosed flap was repaired by free flap transplantation. Nine cases were followed up for 3 to 21 months and had fine appearance and function. The flap texture was similar to normal skin, the sensation of flap partially recovered after 6 months.
Conclusion: The flap has more reliable blood supply and great rotation arc, it is easy to resect with little injury. It is excellent for repairing the soft tissues defect in the anterior leg, ankle and proximal half of foot. It is more significant while the main blood vessels are damaged.