Abstract
Background
Free fascial flaps from the anterolateral thigh (ALT) were used to reconstruct soft tissue defects after trauma to the ankle. This modification was compared to the conventional fasciocutaneous method.Material and methods
The defect size, the thickness of the subcutaneous fat layer on the thigh and the extent of the soft tissue covering the ankle were determined retrospectively. The evaluations were compared between fascial (Fo) and fasciocutaneous flaps (Fc). The foot and ankle outcome score (FAOS) was used. Esthetic outcome surveys were carried out.Results
A total of 18 isolated fractures of the ankle were evaluated. In 94% of the cases a closed soft tissue damage predominated. After fracture fixation using a plate, soft tissue defects with a mean area of 40.4 ± 13.1 cm2 (28-76 cm2) developed. The thickness of the soft tissue covering over the affected malleoli increased significantly in both groups as a result of the flap surgery (4.5 ± 0.7 vs. 21.1 ± 6.4 mm, p 2 vs. Fo 30.1 ± 4.2 kg/m2, p Discussion
The modified method of a free fascial flap from the ALT can be useful in situations where a bulky flap makes it difficult to fit it into the defect.