逆行腓动脉穿支蒂腓浅神经营养血管皮瓣修复足踝软组织缺损

目的评价逆行腓动脉穿支蒂腓浅神经营养血管皮瓣修复足踝软组织缺损的临床效果。方法对25例足踝部软组织缺损的患者采用逆行腓动脉穿支蒂腓浅神经营养血管皮瓣进行修复。其中,以腓动脉终末穿支的升支为蒂19例,以其降支为蒂6例。软组织缺损大小10cm×9cm～4cm×3cm,皮瓣面积11cm×9.5cm～6cm×5cm。结果 23例皮瓣完全存活,另2例皮瓣远端部分坏死,经换药后植皮修复。皮瓣术后轻度肿胀,无瘀血。术后随访6～18个月,皮瓣质地优良,蒂部无臃肿。结论以腓动脉穿支为蒂的腓浅神经营养血管皮瓣血供可靠、质地优良,是修复足、踝软组织缺损的良好选择。     

Distally Based Adipofascial Flaps for Dorsal Foot and Ankle Soft Tissue Defects

Soft tissue defects of the dorsal foot and ankle are difficult to reconstruct because the contour of the foot must be maintained for shoe fitting. The adipofascial flap, covered with a skin graft, is a suitable method of reconstruction that fulfills this important requirement. Twelve patients with soft tissue defects of the dorsal foot and at the ankle were treated in our unit with this method. Ten (83%) were children, 2 (17%) were adults. All defects were due to road traffic accidents. Three (25%) patients were women; 9 (75%) were men. The right foot was affected in 10 (83.4%) patients, with 2 (16.6%) patients having the left foot involved. The flaps used were the peroneal artery perforator flap (distally based lateral adipofascial flap) in 9 (75%) patients, the superficial sural artery flap in 2 patients (17%), and the posterior tibial artery perforator flap (distally based medial adipofascial flap) in 1 patient (8%). All flaps were successful, providing adequate contour of the foot for wearing ordinary shoes. There were 2 partial skin graft necroses, and, in 1 patient, the tips of the donor site skin flaps were necrosed. In conclusion, the distally based adipofascial flap, covered with skin graft, is a suitable method for reconstruction of soft tissue loss of the dorsal foot and ankle and provides optimum functional and aesthetic outcome with minimum donor site morbidity.     

非恒定蒂胫后动脉链式穿支皮瓣的临床应用

目的探讨应用胫后动脉穿支皮瓣修复小腿及足踝部皮肤软组织缺损的新方法。方法应用非恒定蒂胫后动脉链式穿支皮瓣修复小腿及足踝部皮肤软组织缺损32例,术前应用多普勒血流仪探测胫后动脉皮支位置,利用各皮支形成的链式供血方式,选择距创面直线距离最近的皮支点做为旋转点切取皮瓣修复创面。结果经1.5个月～2年的随访,所有皮瓣均成活良好,外观满意,无手术并发症。结论非恒定蒂胫后动脉链式穿支皮瓣不受蒂部位置的限制,切取灵活方便,符合以最小的供区代价换取最佳的修复效果的基本原则,是一种修复小腿及足踝部皮肤软组织缺损的理想术式。     

Modified distally based peroneal artery perforator flap for reconstruction of foot and ankle

The distally based sural fasciocutaneous flap has been used widely for reconstruction of foot and ankle soft-tissue defects. Here we report on a series of cases of foot and ankle reconstruction with a modified distally based sural flap. The vascular pedicle of the flap includes an axial perforator branch of the peroneal artery and two concomitant veins. This modified distally based perforator flap, measuring around 17 x 6 cm to 30 x 10 cm in size, was transferred for coverage of foot and ankle soft-tissue defects in 7 cases. All flaps survived completely. Neither arterial ischemia nor venous congestion was noted. As compared to other distally based sural flaps with neuro-veno-adipo-fascial pedicles, this modified sural flap with a thin perforator pedicle is easily rotated. The flap can obtain abundant blood supply through both axial perforator and longitudinal chain-linked vascular plexuses, and does not have the venous reflow problem. In conclusion, the invention of this perforator fasciocutaneous flap provides a valuable tool for repair of foot and ankle soft-tissue defects.     

穿支皮瓣游离移植修复足部创面缺损

目的 探讨应用穿支皮瓣游离移植修复足部创面缺损的临床疗效.方法 2006年3月至2009年12月,应用下肢4种穿支皮瓣游离移植修复20例足部创面缺损患者,男15例,女5例;年龄18～61岁,平均28.5岁;左侧7例,右侧13例.缺损创面部位:足背12例,足跟足底部5例,足踝部3例;创面大小为2.0 cm×3.5 cm～12.0 cm×18.0 cm.皮瓣选择:股前外侧穿支皮瓣5例,股前内侧穿支皮瓣7例,腓浅动脉穿支皮瓣5例,腓动脉穿支皮瓣3例. 结果 本组20例患者皮瓣全部成活,术中2例患者出现血管危象,经及时处理后血运恢复.20例患者术后获3～6个月(平均5.2个月)随访,皮瓣质地、外观均良好,其中13例吻合皮神经恢复了保护性感觉,供区愈合可,功能无影响.结论 应用穿支皮瓣游离移植修复足部创面缺损,临床效果满意,是修复此类创面的较理想选择.     

Utility of the free deep inferior epigastric perforator flap in chest wall reconstruction

Breast cancer chest wall recurrence is often treated with chemotherapy, radical surgery, and radiation. Extensive chest wall resection requires soft-tissue reconstruction with tissue that provides chest wall stability and durability for additional radiation. Local and regional muscle and musculocutaneous flaps are often used for reconstruction. Free flaps, such as the transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap, are used for large defects, although donor site morbidity can result. The free deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap provides coverage for large defects and may have less donor site morbidity. We describe the use of the free DIEP flap to reconstruct large chest wall defects (mean, 501 cm2 defects) after the resection of recurrent breast cancer in two patients. One patient had 2% flap loss. No donor site morbidity occurred. The free DIEP flap is a durable and reliable flap that provided immediate and complete coverage of these large chest wall defects with no donor site morbidity and did not delay the administration of adjuvant therapy.     

The combined free partial vastus lateralis with anterolateral thigh perforator flap reconstruction of extensive composite defects.

Myocutaneous (MC) free flaps are useful for many reconstructive indications. Perforator flaps have become standard of care. The anterolateral thigh flap (ALT) donor site is popular. With the ALT flap varying sizes of vastus lateralis (VL) muscle can be harvested as a MC flap. The skin islands of these flaps have a great range of freedom when dissected on their perforator. It was hypothesised that the VL-ALT perforator flap would offer adequate tissue volume combining maximal freedom in planning with minimal donor site morbidity. From November 2001 to February 2003 a free partial VL with ALT perforator flap was used in 11 patients to reconstruct large defects. Indications for adding a muscular component were exposed bone, skull base, (artificial) dura, or osteosynthesis material, open sinuses, and lack of muscular bulk. Flaps were planned as standard ALT flaps, after which three types of dissection were performed: I. true MC flap; II. muscle flap with a skin island on one perforator, which could be rotated up to 180 degrees ; III. chimera skin perforator flap with muscle being harvested on a separate branch from the source vessel or on a side branch of the skin perforator. Mean skin size of the MC-ALT flaps was 131 cm2. Mean muscle part size of the MC-ALT flaps was 268 cm3. Muscular parts were custom designed for all defects. No total or partial flap failures were seen. Colour mismatch was seen in 6 of 8 patients, when skin was used in the facial area in this all white population. Excessive flap bulk was found in 8 of 11 patients at 6 weeks, however, only in 2 of 11 patients after 6 months. Patients were satisfied with the functional result (8 of 11 patients) as well as the cosmetic result of their reconstruction (7 of 11 patients). All less satisfied patients had received their flap for external facial skin reconstruction. Donor site morbidity was minimal. The combined free partial VL with ALT perforator flap proved valuable as a (chimera type) MC flap with maximal freedom of planning to meet specific reconstructive demands and minimal donor site morbidity.     

Foot and ankle reconstruction: An experience on the use of 14 different flaps in 226 cases

The aim of this report was to present our experience on the use of different flaps for soft tissue reconstruction of the foot and ankle. From 2007 to 2012, the soft tissue defects of traumatic injuries of the foot and ankle were reconstructed using 14 different flaps in 226 cases (162 male and 64 female). There were 62 pedicled flaps and 164 free flaps used in reconstruction. The pedicled flaps included sural flap, saphenous flap, dorsal pedal neurocutaneous flap, pedicled peroneal artery perforator flap, pedicled tibial artery perforator flap, and medial plantar flap. The free flaps were latissimus musculocutaneous flap, anterolateral thigh musculocutaneous flap, groin flap, lateral arm flap, anterolateral thigh perforator flap, peroneal artery perforator flap, thoracdorsal artery perforator flap, medial arm perforator flap. The sensory nerve coaptation was not performed for all of flaps. One hundred and ninety‐four cases were combined with open fractures. One hundred and sixty‐two cases had tendon. Among 164 free flaps, 8 flaps were completely lost, in which the defects were managed by the secondary procedures. Among the 57 flaps for plantar foot coverage (25 pedicled flaps and 32 free flaps), ulcers were developed in 5 pedicled flaps and 6 free flaps after weight bearing, and infection was found in 14 flaps. The donor site complications were seen in 3 cases with the free anterolateral thigh perforator flap transfer. All of limbs were preserved and the patients regained walking and daily activities. All of patients except for one regained protective sensation from 3 to 12 months postoperatively. Our experience showed that the sural flap and saphenous flap could be good options for the coverage of the defects at malleolus, dorsal hindfoot and midfoot. Plantar foot, forefoot and large size defects could be reconstructed with free anterolateral thigh perforator flap. For the infected wounds with dead spce, the free latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap remained to be the optimal choice. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 33:600–604, 2013.     

胫前动脉踝上穿支皮瓣修复足踝部软组织缺损19例

目的探讨胫前动脉踝上穿支皮瓣修复足踝部软组织缺损的临床疗效。方法回顾性研究2018年4月至2019年6月采用胫前动脉踝上穿支皮瓣修复足踝部软组织缺损19例的资料,其中男11例,女8例;年龄为21~75岁,平均39岁。根据前踝上穿支皮瓣解剖学基础,按照足踝部软组织缺损大小和形状,在小腿下端前外侧设计并切取皮瓣转位修复创面。切取胫前动脉踝上穿支皮瓣面积为6.0 cm×5.0 cm^14.0 cm×8.0 cm,均为带蒂皮瓣转位。根据皮瓣成活、感染控制、弹性色泽、外观形态、供区瘢痕、皮肤感觉、患者认可等情况,对患者足踝部软组织缺损的修复情况进行综合评价。结果本组19例皮瓣全部成活,软组织缺损、肌腱、骨质及钢板外露均得以修复。供区均I期愈合。术后门诊随访2~16个月,皮瓣血运良好,颜色接近周围正常皮肤,臃肿不明显,患者对外观表示满意;供区皮片愈合良好,无明显增生、挛缩及溃疡,踝关节功能良好。结论胫前动脉踝上穿支皮瓣是修复足踝部软组织缺损较为理想的方法之一,手术操作简便,穿支较恒定,血供可靠,具有一定的临床应用价值。     

Free medial sural artery perforator flap for ankle and foot reconstruction

Resurfacing shallow defects over the ankle and foot with an appropriately thin flap is a common but difficult task. This can be accomplished by harvesting the medial sural artery perforator flap from the medial aspect of the upper calf. Based on the musculocutaneous perforator of the medial sural artery, this flap preserves the medial gastrocnemius muscle and avoids unnecessary flap bulkiness. Between January 2002 and February 2004, we used 2 variants of the free medial sural artery perforator flap for ankle and foot reconstruction in 13 patients (10 fasciocutaneous flaps and 3 adipofascial flaps). In these patients, skin defects were combined with bone, joint, or tendon exposure. The main advantage of this flap is that it provides a thin and pliable coverage to achieve better accuracy in the reconstructive site. Other advantages include maintaining the function of the medial gastrocnemius muscle, providing a long vascular pedicle, and avoiding the need to sacrifice major arteries of the leg. The main disadvantages are the tedious process of intramuscular retrograde dissection of the perforator and the unsightly skin graft over the medial calf.     

Waveform-arranged multiple skin paddles: A novel design to reconstruct complex soft tissue defects of the extremities with a modified multi-lobed perforator flap

BackgroundMulti-lobed perforator flap was one of popular approaches for one-stage reconstruction of complex soft tissue defects because of its minimal donor-site morbidity. However, the area of skin island that can be harvested on the donor site is limited on the angiosome distribution, Moreover, large defects require more than the conventional skin island provided by a traditional multi-lobed perforator flap. For further extended skin paddles, this study presented a novel design of waveform-arranged skin paddles to elevated a modified multi-lobed perforator flap for the reconstruction of complex soft tissue defects in the extremities.MethodsFrom March of 2015 to March of 2020, fifteen patients underwent complex soft tissue defects reconstruction with waveform-arranged multi-lobed perforator flaps. According the size, shape and localization of the defects, two strategies were performed to design this modified multi-lobed flap.ResultsA total of fifteen waveform-arranged multi-lobed perforator flaps were successfully harvested to reconstruct complex soft tissue defects of the extremities. Among of them, Waveform–arranged dual skin paddles perforator flap were performed in eleven cases, and the waveform–arranged tripaddle perforator flaps were used in four cases. All the flaps survived and no flap related complication was observed postoperatively. The donor sites were closed directly in all cases. The mean follow-up time was 15.6 months. Most of the cases showed satisfactory contour.ConclusionThe waveform design of multi-lobed perforator flap was an alternative approach for reconstruction of complex soft tissue defects; it can maximize the harvested skin area of the donor site to provide extended skin island.     

股前外侧穿支皮瓣修复足踝部软组织缺损

目的 探讨游离股前外侧穿支皮瓣修复足踝部皮肤软组织缺损的临床效果.方法对18例足踝部皮肤软组织缺损患者进行皮瓣移植,缺损面积9 cm×6 cm～26 cm×15 cm.受区彻底清创,切取股前外侧穿支皮瓣修复创面.结果 18例均获得随访,时间6～12个月.皮瓣全部成活（其中2例皮瓣术后发生血管危象,经手术探查处理后成活）,皮瓣色泽、弹性、厚度均为优良,供区及受区外观均满意.结论 股前外侧穿支皮瓣供区隐蔽,用于足踝部皮肤软组织缺损修复,临床效果良好.     

吻合神经的胫后动脉穿支螺旋桨皮瓣修复足内踝部软组织缺损

目的探讨采用吻合神经的胫后动脉穿支螺旋桨皮瓣联合负压封闭引流技术修复足踝部软组织缺损的临床疗效。方法自2017年10月至2018年9月,对收治的9例足踝部软组织缺损患者采用吻合神经的胫后动脉穿支蒂螺旋桨皮瓣联合负压封闭引流修复。缺损创面为3.0 cm×4.5 cm^6.5 cm×9.0 cm。设计胫后动脉穿支蒂螺旋桨皮瓣,旋转180°以大桨覆盖受区创面,小桨覆盖供区创面,并将皮瓣近端隐神经与受区周围感觉神经相吻合,恢复皮瓣感觉功能;供区拉拢缝合,继发缺损采用植皮处理,然后使用VSD材料封闭皮瓣及植皮区。结果本组共9例患者,所有皮瓣及植皮区均存活良好,血运佳,无血肿、感染、坏死等并发症发生,且伤口愈合佳,术后2周拆线。随访1~12个月,皮瓣血运及外观均较好,质地与周围皮肤相近,皮瓣感觉有不同程度地恢复,患者较满意。结论采用吻合神经的胫后动脉穿支螺旋桨皮瓣联合负压封闭引流修复足踝部皮肤缺损,具有不损伤主干血管,质地与周围皮肤相近,感觉恢复良好,可减少静脉回流障碍等优点,是修复足内踝部软组织缺损的较好方法。     

Modified distally based sural neuro-veno-fasciocutaneous flap: anatomical study and clinical applications

The distally based sural neuro-veno-fasciocutaneous flap has been used widely for reconstruction of foot and ankle soft-tissue defects. The distal pivot point of the flap is designed at the lowest septocutaneous perforator from the peroneal artery of the posterolateral septum, which is, on average, 5 cm (4-7 cm) above the lateral malleolus. A longer neuro-veno-adipofascial pedicle would be needed to reversely reach the distal foot defect when the flap is dissected based on this perforating branch, which may result in more trauma in flap elevation and morbidity of the donor site. In this article, we explored new pivot points for this distally based flap in an anatomic study of 30 fresh cadavers. The results showed that the peroneal artery terminates into two branches: the posterior lateral malleolus artery and lateral calcaneal artery. These two branches also send off cutaneous perforators at about 3 and 1 cm above the tip of lateral malleolus, respectively, which can be used as arterial pivot points for the flap. A communicating branch between the lesser saphenous vein and the peroneal venae comitantes was found, accompanied by the perforator of the posterior lateral malleolus artery. This modified, distally based sural flap with lower pivot points was successfully transferred for repair of soft-tissue defects in 21 patients. The size of flaps ranged from 4 x 3 cm to 18 x 12 cm. All flaps survived without complications. Neither arterial ischemia nor venous congestion was noted. In conclusion, the vascular pivot point of a distally based sural flap can be safely designed at 1.5 cm proximal to the tip of the lateral malleolus. This modified flap provides a valuable tool for repair of foot and ankle soft-tissue defects.     

腓肠内侧动脉穿支皮瓣修复上下肢创面

目的介绍吻合血管的腓肠内侧动脉穿支皮瓣修复上下肢创面的临床方法和经验。方法采用吻合血管的腓肠内侧动脉穿支皮瓣修复上下肢创面11例，女6例，男5例。皮瓣设计区域为同侧小腿，腓肠内侧肌肌腹以远1／2的表面部分，前内界为胫骨的内后缘，后外侧界为小腿后正中纵轴线，皮瓣的轴行线为前内界和后外侧界的中线。皮瓣长8～15cm，宽6～14cm。结果10例皮瓣成活，皮瓣质地柔软，富有弹性，不臃肿，恢复了一定的触觉；1例皮瓣全部坏死，经扩创、断层皮片修复创面；不影响供区的运动功能。结论腓肠内侧动脉穿支皮瓣可以用来修复上下肢创面，尤其对手足部创面的修复有较为满意的临床疗效。     

Perforator flaps: evolution,classification, and applications

In this article, the authors review the literature regarding perforator flaps. Musculocutaneous perforator flaps have evolved from musculocutaneous flaps and offer several distinct advantages. By sparing muscle tissue, thus reducing donor site morbidity and functional loss, perforator flaps are indicated for a number of clinical problems. The versatility of the perforator flap makes it ideal for the reconstruction of three-dimensional defects such as breast reconstruction or as a thin flap for resurfacing shallow wounds when bulk is considered a disadvantage. The authors review the historical development of the perforator flap and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of perforator flaps compared with free and pedicled musculocutaneous flaps. The nomenclature traditionally used for perforator flaps is confusing and lacks a standardized anatomic basis. The authors present a method to describe all perforator flaps according to their artery of origin.     

Combined transfer by several perforator skin flaps to cover an extensive and multiplanar wound on the foot and ankle

BackgroundThis study aimed to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of using combined transfer by two or three large skin flaps to cover a single extensive and multiplanar wound on the foot and ankle to achieve full coverage of the wound and primary donor-site closure.Patients and methodsSeventeen patients with extensive wounds around their foot and ankle were treated. The flap could either be anterolateral femoral perforator (ALTP) flap, deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap, or thoracodorsal artery perforator (TDAP) flap. According to the dimensions and shape of the wound and the availability of donor sites, we classified the reconstruction into three different types. Based on the type, the soft-tissue defect was divided into two or three parts to guide the corresponding perforator skin flaps to be harvested within the maximum width and length of the donor sites.ResultsAll 17 patients were successfully reconstructed, with a total of 35 flaps in 37 paddles. Vascular compromise occurred in one patient and was saved by venous thrombectomy. In total, four flaps experienced a partial loss and were treated either conservatively or by a skin graft. No ulceration due to abrasion occurred on any flap during the entire follow-up. All donor sites were directly closed and healed uneventfully, except for one needing coverage by a skin graft and another experiencing dehiscence and scar widening.ConclusionCombined transfer by several skin perforator flaps is a flexible reconstructive option for resurfacing extensive and multiplanar wounds on the foot and ankle. The benefit lies in a well-reconstructed contour, an anti-frictional property, a permission of a normal shoe wearing in the reconstructed foot, and meanwhile a primary closure on donor site.     

The thin circumflex scapular artery perforator flap.

The development of microsurgery has most recently been focused upon the evolution of perforator flaps, with the aim of minimising donor site morbidity, and avoiding the transfer of functionally unnecessary tissues. The vascular basis of perforator flaps also facilitates radical primary thinning prior to flap transfer, when appropriate. Based upon initial clinical observations, cadaveric, and radiological studies, we describe a new, thin, perforator flap based upon the circumflex scapular artery (CSA). A perforator vessel was found to arise within 1.5cm of the CSA bifurcation (arising from the main trunk, or the descending branch). The perforator arborises into the sub-dermal vascular plexus of the dorsal scapular skin, permitting the elevation and primary thinning of a skin flap. This thin flap has been employed in a series of five clinical cases to reconstruct defects of the axilla (two cases of hidradenitis suppurativa; pedicled transfers), and upper limb (one sarcoma, one brachial to radial artery flowthrough revascularisation plus antecubital fossa reconstruction, and one hand reconstruction with a chimeric flap incorporating vascularised bone, fascia, and thin skin flaps; free tissue transfers). No intramuscular perforator dissection is required; pedicle length is 8-10cm and vessel diameter 2-4mm. There was no significant peri-operative complication or flap failure, all donor sites were closed primarily, patient satisfaction was high, and initial reconstructive aims were achieved in all cases. Surgical technique, and the vascular basis of the flap are described. The thin circumflex scapular artery perforator flap requires no intramuscular dissection yet provides high quality skin (whose characteristics can be varied by orientation of the skin paddle), and multiple chimeric options. The donor site is relatively hair-free, has favourable cosmesis and no known functional morbidity. This flap represents a promising addition to the existing range of perforator flaps.     

Reconstruction of distal lower extremities defect using the free peroneal artery perforator vessel based flap

Soft tissue defects of the distal lower extremities are challenging. The purpose of this paper is to present our experiences with the free peroneal artery perforator flap for the reconstruction of soft tissue defects of the distal lower extremity. Nine free peroneal artery perforator flaps were used to reconstruct soft tissue defects of the lower extremities between April 2006 and October 2011. All flaps were used for distal leg and foot reconstruction. Peroneal artery perforator flaps ranged in size from 2 cm × 4 cm to 6 cm × 12 cm. The length of the vascular pedicle ranged from 2 to 6 cm. Recipient vessels were: medial plantar vessels in seven cases, the dorsalis pedis vessel in one, metatarsal vessel in one. All flaps survived completely, a success rate of 100%. Advantages of this flap are that there is no need to sacrifice any main artery in the lower leg, and minimal morbidity at the donor site. This free perforator flap may be useful for patients with small to medium soft tissue defects of the distal lower extremities and feet. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 34:629–632, 2014.     

Use of gracilis muscle free flap for reconstruction of chronic osteomyelitis of foot and ankle

Despite low donor-site morbidity and a straightforward dissection, the gracilis muscle flap is still for many surgeons a second choice in microsurgical reconstruction of the lower extremity in cases of osteomyelitis. They underscore the difficulty of the procedure, and the problems of insufficient muscle volume and a small sized vascular pedicle. The aim of this study was to assess the reliability of the gracilis muscle free flap in the treatment of osteomyelitis of the foot and ankle. Between 1992 and 1999, 12 consecutive cases (age 9 to 71 years) of osteomyelitis of the foot and ankle were treated using a skin-grafted gracilis free muscle flap. Criteria for osteomyelitis were the presence of exposed bone, positive cultures and bone scans. The wound defect surface ranged from 9 to 90 cm2 (mean 50.5 cm2). Six flaps were applied on the weight bearing area of the foot. Flap harvesting time never exceeded 30 minutes. The mean follow-up is 15 months (range 2 to 60 months). All flaps survived completely. Secondary skin grafts were needed in two cases. One hematoma was noted at the flap donor site. Two patients (18%) had persistent osteomyelitis due to insufficient debridement in the presence of what appeared to be extensive bone involvement. Attempt to salvage the extremity was first performed but ultimately led to amputation. No patients complained of any donor site morbidity. Failure to cure the osteomyelitis was never caused by inadequate flap coverage. Gracilis muscle flap reliability in terms of vascular supply and ease of dissection made it our first choice in osteomyelitis of the foot and ankle. In the presence of extensive bone involvement, complex bone reconstruction is necessary to avoid amputation.