Versatility of Medial Sural Artery Islanded Pedicled Perforator Flap for Resurfacing Areas Around the Knee

Ann Plast Surg. 2022 Jun 1;88(6):647-657. doi: 10.1097/SAP.0000000000003057. Epub 2022 Apr 3.

Abstract

Soft tissue defects with exposed tendon, bones, and joints around the knee are difficult and challenging to treat because of its location over a joint, requires a stable cover that is supple and stretchable. For any knee defects, the gastrocnemius muscle flap is the first choice for the reconstruction, although it causes less functional deficit; however, because of its less reach, it is difficult to cover the defect in the superolateral aspect of knee joint and anterior to the tibial tuberosity with the other disadvantage being the bulkiness. The medial sural artery perforator flap (MSAPF) provides thin fasciocutaneous tissue similar to the adjacent normal soft tissue in the knee and so, its use leads to an improved reconstruction of contour and eliminating the need of a skin graft over the primary defect. Here, we will be discussing a case series using MSAPF to cover the defects around the knee.

MeSH terms

  • Arteries / surgery
  • Humans
  • Knee Joint / surgery
  • Perforator Flap* / blood supply
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures* / methods
  • Soft Tissue Injuries* / surgery
  • Treatment Outcome