Objective: To investigate the clinical application of reversed sural neurofasciocutaneous flaps in children.
Methods: From January 2002 to January 2007, 16 children patients with deep defect of foot and ankle were treated with reversed sural neurofasciocutaneous flaps. The size of the flaps ranged from 6.5 cm x 5.0 cm to 17 cm x 10 cm. The upper margin of the flaps reached the upper one-third of the leg in 10 cases, with 2 cases reaching the popliteal fossa and 1 case reaching 1.5 cm above the transverse line of popliteal fossa.
Results: The flaps survived completely in 14 cases. There were partial necrosis at the distal end of flap in one case and superficial necrosis at the distal end of the flap in one case. The wounds were healed spontaneously after secondary suture and dressing change. The patients were followed up for 2 - 46 months with good aesthetic results.
Conclusions: The reverse sural neurofasciocutaneous flaps in children has a reliable survival area, which can reach the upper on -third of the leg until the transverse line of popliteal fossa. It is an ideal reconstructive method for deep defect of foot and ankle.