Application of the distally based sural neurocutaneous flaps in the management of foot and ankle defects in patients with diabetic foot

BACKGROUND: We report our experience on the use of a distally based sural flap for soft tissue reconstruction of foot and ankle defects in patients with diabetic foot. METHODS: The actual study is a retrospective, open, non-controlled, and clinical study of 25 patients treated with diabetic foot on whom reconstruction with distally based sural neurocutaneous flaps was performed from May 2019 to December 2021. RESULTS: The mean age was 64.9 years, and there were 15 male and 10 female patients. The mean follow-up was 9.8 months, which ranged from 6 to 12 months. The size of the flaps ranged from 6 × 5 to 15 × 9 cm(2). Twenty-two of the 25 flaps survived intact with sufficient blood supply. Two cases had a small superficial necrosis, which was resolved after a change of daily dressing and was heeled eventually. In one case, partial necrosis was observed that was managed with minor revision and the use of split-thickness skin graft. CONCLUSIONS: The distally based sural flap is considered to be useful for reconstruction of foot and ankle defects in patients with diabetic foot.