Reverse sural flap: Our clinical experience with car tire injuries in the anterolateral aspect of the foot

ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Defects due to car wheel injury at the anterolateral aspect of the foot are challenging due to the characteristics of the region and the trauma. The aim of this study was to present the results of the patients whose skin defects on the dorsolateral aspect of the foot due to tire injuries were treated with reverse sural artery fasciocutaneous flaps.

METHODS: Fourteen patients with a mean age of 26.9 years (range: 5–46 years) who experienced loss of tissue at the dorsolateral aspect of the foot due to tire injury between the years 2000 and 2014 were evaluated retrospectively. The mean defect size was 27.1cm2. The patients were followed up for observing the tissue coverage and complications throughout a mean period of 32.4 months.

RESULTS: Despite the development of marginal necrosis in two flaps in the early period, tissues in all cases were successfully covered without requiring additional reconstruction. Primary donor site coverage was achieved in all patients without any donor site problems.

CONCLUSION: In case of tire injuries at the anterolateral aspect of the foot, low complication and high success rates can be achieved with a case-based approach with reverse sural artery fasciocutaneous flap coverage.

Keywords: Car tire; fasciocutaneous flap; foot and ankle; microsurgery; reverse sural artery flap.