Lateral Calcaneal Artery Flaps in Atherosclerosis: Cadaveric Study, Vascular Assessment and Clinical Applications

BACKGROUND: Soft tissue defects of the lateral malleolus (LM) and Achilles tendon pose difficult reconstructive problems due to the bony prominence and limited local tissue available. The objectives were to study the anatomical landmarks of the lateral calcaneal artery (LCA) and patency of LCA in atherosclerotic patients. METHODS: Part I: Thirty-four cadaveric feet were dissected to identify the LCA. The distance between the LCA and the most prominent point of the LM was measured horizontally (LCAa-LM), obliquely (LCAb-LM), and vertically (LCAc-LM). Part II: Thirty-two patients were divided in 2 groups as nonatherosclerotic and atherosclerotic groups. The LCA was assessed by both Doppler ultrasonography and computed tomographic angiography (CTA). Part III: Clinical applications were demonstrated. RESULTS: Part I: Mean distances of LCAa-LM, LCAb-LM, and LCAc-LM were 24.76, 33.68, and 35.03 mm, respectively. The LCA originated 94.12% from the peroneal artery. Part II: Doppler ultrasonography detected the LCA at 90.62% and 87.50% in nonatherosclerotic and atherosclerotic groups, respectively, whereas 100.00% and 93.75%, respectively, were detected by CTA. No statistically significant difference was found in the patency of the LCA between nonatherosclerotic and atherosclerotic patients. Part III: Clinical applications were performed in atherosclerotic patients. CONCLUSIONS: The LM is a reliable point to identify the LCA, and the LCA flap can be raised safely in atherosclerotic patients. Preoperative CTA should be performed in severely atherosclerotic patients or cases of major lower extremity vascular injuries.