Objective To report the improved operative technique and clinical results of reversed saphenous neurocutaneous vascular flap. Method Under the guidance of Doppler flowmeter,a reversed saphenous neurocutaneous vascular flap pedicle with the perforating branches of the tibialis posterior artery were designed to repair the skin defects of the middle and lower leg,the ankle and the foot. Results The modified flaps were applied in 7 cases,all flaps survived completely. The size of the flaps ranged from 15cm?8cm to 5cm?4cm,the location of the perforating branches were 8～20 cm above the medial malleolus. The colour and texture of the flaps were excellent,the outline and functional results were satisfactory after 6～18 months follow up. Conclusions The flap is easy to design and dissect,blood supply is reliable,it is suitable for repairing the soft tissue defects of the middle and lower leg,the ankle and the foot. It is a new type of flap combining the neurocutaneous vascular flap with the perforator flap.

OBJECTIVETo study a new method to repair forefoot skin defects.

METHODSBased on anatomical studies, a reverse medialis pedis flap was designed for coverage of forefoot skin defect. The flap was based on the distal end of the medial plantar artery and had distal anastomosis with the lateral plantar artery and dorsal metatarsal artery.

RESULTSThe flap was used clinically in 6 cases. The size of the flap ranged from 4 x 3 cm to 11 x 9 cm. The pedicle of the flap was 6 to 11 cm. All flaps survived completely. The aesthetic and functional results were satisfactory after 6-24 months follow-up.

CONCLUSIONThe flap is one of the best choices for repairing of forefoot skin defects.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Female ; Foot ; anatomy & histology ; surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Surgical Flaps