Effect of medial hemisoleus muscle flap on wound healing in the medial and distal thirds of the lower leg

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

The use of many flaps has been described to repair substance loss in the medial and distal thirds of the lower leg. The main advantage of the muscle medial hemisoleus flap is preserving one half of the innervated medial soleus muscle in situ and keeping the foot’s plantar flexion power. Moreover, the flap has a longer arc of rotation. As recently described, new vascular concepts and techniques have increased flap viability. This study aimed to examine the use and advantages of the medial hemisoleus flap with emphasis on an indication and complication analysis.

Methods:

Over a 10-year period, nine medial hemisoleus flaps were executed to repair traumatic wounds with tibial exposure in eight patients. We describe the indications and surgical techniques in detail.

Results:

Complete wound healing was achieved in all patients. There was a low donor-site complications rate. One patient suffered from partial necrosis of the extremity flap. The mean operative time was 2 h.

Conclusions:

The medial hemisoleus flap is useful for repairing substance loss and provides coverage with intermediary thickened tissue, high vascularity, minimal donor-site morbidity, foot plantar flexion power preservation, faster rehabilitation, accessible surgical techniques, and a shorter operative time.

Keywords:
Reconstructive surgical procedures; Lower extremity; Muscle; skeletal; Surgical flaps.