OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinical application of different perforator neurofasciocutaneous flaps at the distal legs for defects at the lower legs and feet.

METHODS24 patients with defects at the lower legs and feet were treated with five kinds of perforator neurofasciocutaneous flaps, including 7 flaps with the retrolateral supramalleolar cutaneous perforator, 2 flaps with the lateral retromalleolar perforator, 2 flaps with the higher cutaneous perforator of the peroneal artery, 8 flaps with the anterolateral supramalleolar cutaneous perforator of the peroneal artery, 5 flaps with the medial supramalleolar cutaneous perforator of the posterior tibial artery. The flap size ranged from 5 cm x 4 cm-14 cm x 12 cm.

RESULTSPartial necrosis occurred at the distal end of flap in one case. All the other flaps survived completely with primary healing. 15 cases were followed up for 1-36 months with satisfactory cosmetic and functional results.

CONCLUSIONSSuitable perforator neurofasciocutaneous flaps at the distal legs can be selected for differently located defects at the lower legs and feet, leaving comparatively less morbidity at donor site.