OBJECTIVETo discuss the application of medial planta island flaps pedicled with anterior tibial artery perforator in front of inner malleolus for repairing small wounds around ankle.

METHODSFrom Jan. 2005 to Jun. 2009, 10 cases with small wounds around ankle were treated with medial planta island flaps pedicled with anterior tibial artery perforator. The flap size ranged from 7.5 cm x 2.8 cm to 13.0 cm x 5.0 cm. The wounds at the donor sites were covered with skin grafts.

RESULTSAll the 10 flaps and skin grafts were survived with primary healing. The patients were followed up for 6-12 months with satisfactory cosmetic results. The 2-point discrimination was 4-6 mm when the proximal end of saphenous nerve was not injured, and it was 9-10 mm when the nerve was injured or cut off. The patients could walk with no occurrence of ulcer in flaps or donor site.

CONCLUSIONSThe medial planta island flaps pedicled with anterior tibial artery perforator can effectively repair the small wounds around ankle with reliable blood supply.

Adult ; Ankle Injuries ; surgery ; Feasibility Studies ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Skin Transplantation ; Surgical Flaps ; blood supply ; Tibial Arteries ; surgery ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult