OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinical application of reversed small saphenous vein-sural neurovascular island flap for reconstruction of soft tissue defect on foot and ankle in children.

METHODSFrom July 2006 to June 2008, 8 children with soft tissue defects on foot, heel or ankle were treated with reversed small saphenous vein-sural neurovascular island flaps. The size of flaps ranged from 6 cm x 5 cm to 9 cm x 7 cm. The upper margin of the flaps reached the upper third of cruris, with 1 case reaching the transverse line of popliteal fossa.

RESULTSAll the flaps survived. The patients were followed up for 1 - 17 months with good aesthetic and functional results. The growth of the two legs had no difference. The sensation of the flaps improved with no heel ulcer and no dysfunction at the donor site. The upper boundary of flaps can reach the upper third of the cruris even the reansverse line of popliteal fossa. The rotation point of the flaps located at 4 - 6 cm above the lateral ankle in children.

CONCLUSIONSThe reversed small saphenous vein-sural neurovascular island flap in children has a reliable survival area. The operation is easily performed without any obvious influence on the growth of the operated cruris. It is a good reconstructive method for soft tissue defect in foot and ankle.