A PROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY OF REVERSE PERONEAL ARTERY FLAP FOR LARGE SOFT TISSUE DEFECTS OF THE FOOT IN GMKMCH, SALEM : A RELIABLE COVERAGE

Background: Islanded Reverse Peroneal Artery Flap (RPAF) can be designed as a large regional flap from the popliteal crease. It can be used in single stage. It is based on the anastomosis around ankle joint from posterior and anterior tibial arteries based on the reverse flow to the peroneal artery. It can be used in peripheral centers where microsurgical options not feasible. Methods: Twenty patients with large plantar and dorsal defects of the foot operated for Reverse Peroneal Artery Flap for soft tissue reconstruction over a period of 2 years. All patients were operated in a single stage. Mean age of the patients was 38 years. Results: Of the 20 flaps , all patients showed complete survival without even marginal necrosis. Two patients developed donor site problems settled with conservative management. Conclusion: Reverse peroneal artery flap is a very reliable flap in soft tissue reconstruction of the large defects of the dorsal and plantar aspects of the foot upto base of the toes. Reverse peroneal artery flap needs meticulous dissection of the peroneal artery from the fibula.