Distally Based Posterior Tibial Artery Perforator Flaps for Reconstruction of the Defects in Achilles Region

摘要

Background Patients with Achilles region defects remain a challenge for clinicians. The purpose of this article is to evaluate the surgical procedure to reconstruct the defects in Achilles region using distally based posterior tibial artery perforator flaps. Methods Between May 2015 and May 2017, 10 patients (aged from 35 to 68 years. 4 females and 6 males) with soft-tissue defects (sizes from 3 x 2 cm to 8 x 4 cm) in Achilles region received surgical therapy of posterior tibial artery perforator flap transplantation in the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University. Results The length of hospital stay ranged from 10 to 15 days (mean, 12 days). Local small superficial necrosis (5% of the area) was observed in only 1 case; however, it healed well after dressing was changed. All the others survived and healed well. At follow-up ranging from 12 to 24 months, all patients were satisfied with the aesthetic and functional aspects. Conclusions Using the posterior tibial artery perforator flaps to cover the Achilles region defects is a promising, feasible, first-line, safe option and should be extensively applied in clinical therapy.