The use of distally ligated arteries as vascular pedicles of reverse-flow flaps for soft tissue reconstruction of the foot following trauma: two case reports

Abstract

Reverse-flow island flaps based on the anterior tibial artery or posterior tibial artery have been used in the past to cover wounds of the foot. However, it is generally accepted that interruption of one of these arteries contraindicates the use of these flaps. In this paper, two reverse-flow island flaps are presented, based on the anterior tibial artery or posterior tibial artery which were interrupted below the ankle. The supply of these flaps depends on the arterial network around the malleoli.