Functional Outcome After Reconstruction of Traumatic Soft Tissue Defects in the Lower Half of the Leg With Distally Based Medial Hemisoleus Muscle Flaps: A Case Series and Literature Review

Background Data regarding donor-site morbidity, postoperative clinical course, and functional outcome after hemisoleus muscle flap reconstruction are rare. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical and functional outcome of distally based medial hemisoleus flaps used for the reconstruction of defects in the lower half of the leg. Methods Data regarding 31 patients who underwent medial hemisoleus flap reconstruction between 2011 and 2017 were analyzed retrospectively. Epidemiological data and data on clinical outcomes and complications were obtained from hospital records. Functional outcome data were recorded in 14 cases. Results All soft tissue defects were secondary to trauma; 90.3% were male and 9.7% were female. Mean age was 52 years (range, 16–77 years). Mean defect size was 48 ± 9.5 cm2. Flap survival was complete in 29 patients and partial in 2 patients. The maximal plantar flexion force in the ankle joint of the operated leg was 78.1% (P
Source: Annals of Plastic Surgery - Category: Cosmetic Surgery Tags: Reconstructive Surgery Source Type: research