Bi-pedicled V-Y gastrocnemius myocutaneous flap for repairing Achilles tendon and overlying skin defect： the anatomic basis and clinical application

Objective: To study the anatomic basis of the bi-pedicled V-Y gastrocnemius myocutaneous flap for repairing the composite Achilles tendon defect. Methods : The pedicle anatomy of the bi-pedicled V-Y gastrocnemius myocutaneous flap was examined on 30 cadaver specimens. The sliding distances of the flap were measured at different knee flexion degrees. The bi-pedicled V-Y gastrocnemius myocutaneous flap was applied in 12 cases of Achilles tendon defect with simultaneous skin and soft tissue defect. Results: The sural arteries could be classified into four types. After cutting off the gastrocnemius origin with a " Z-shaped" incision, the sliding distance of the flap reached (3. 7±0. 5) cm when the knee flexed 0°, (4.9±0.7) cm when the knee flexed 30°, (6. 7±0. 7) cm when the knee flexed 60 and (9.2±0.9) cm when the knee flexed 90°. All the defects healed. The patients recovered ambulation with satisfactory knee and ankle function. The follow-up was 4 months -12 years. Conclusions: Different sural artery types should be noticed during the harvest of the bi-pedicled V-Y gastrocnemius myocutaneous flap. With 90°knee flexion, this flap is suitable for one-stage repair of composite Achilles tendon defect within 9.2 cm±0.9 cm.

Bi-pedicled V-Y gastrocnemius myocutaneous flap for repairing Achilles tendon and overlying skin defect: the anatomic basis and clinical application

OBJECTIVE: To study the anatomic basis of the bi-pedicled V-Y gastrocnemius myocutaneous flap for repairing the composite Achilles tendon defect. METHODS: The pedicle anatomy of the bi-pedicled V-Y gastrocnemius myocutaneous flap was examined on 30 cadaver specimens. The sliding distances of the flap were measured at different knee flexion degrees. The bi-pedicled V-Y gastrocnemius myocutaneous flap was applied in 12 cases of Achilles tendon defect with simultaneous skin and soft tissue defect. RESULTS: The sural arteries could be classified into four types. After cutting off the gastrocnemius origin with a "Z-shaped" incision, the sliding distance of the flap reached (3.7+/-0.5) cm when the knee flexed 0 degree, (4.9+/-0.7)cm when the knee flexed 30 degree,(6.7+/-0.7) cm when the knee flexed 60 degree and (9.2+/-0.9) cm when the knee flexed 90 degree. All the defects healed. The patients recovered ambulation with satisfactory knee and ankle function. The follow-up was 4 months-12 years. CONCLUSIONS: Different sural artery types should be noticed during the harvest of the bi-pedicled-V-Y gastrocnemius myocutaneous flap. With 90 degree knee flexion, this flap is suitable for one-stage repair of composite Achilles tendon defect within 9.2 cm+/-0.9 cm.