OBJECTIVETo report the operative techniques and clinical results of specially designed sural neurocutaneous vascular flap pedicled on a dominant perforator (the diameter > or = 0.8 mm) of the peroneal artery for coverage of soft tissue defects overlying the Achilles tendon.

METHODSAn approximately rectangular sural neurocutaneous vascular flap pedicled on the lowest dominant perforator arising from the peroneal artery was designed and harvested to repair defects over the Achilles tendon. The pedicle was located at a certain part of the flap, which divided the flap into the distal and the proximal parts. After the tendon was repaired, the flap was rotated 180 degrees based on the perforator and the position of the distal and proximal parts of the flap was changed to cover the defects and part of the donor site respectively. In most cases, skin graft was not needed.

RESULTSThe modified flaps were applied in 15 cases. All flaps (ranged from 13 cm x 15 cm - 18 cm x 9 cm ) were transplanted successfully without necrosis, and no vascular problems occurred. Following up for 10-17 months showed both satisfactory functional and cosmetic results.

CONCLUSIONSThe modified flap has reliable blood supply and the special design provides nearly normal outline of the ankle which favorites shoe wearing. It' s an excellent option for covering defects overlying the Achilles tendon.