Objective To investigate the therapeutic effect of medial sural artery perforator flap in the repair of small and medium size skin and soft tissue defects in the ipsilateral lower extremities. Methods The clinical data of patients with small and medium area skin and soft tissue defects of lower limbs admitted to Restorative and Reconstructive Department, NO.1 Orthopedics Hospital of Chengdu between September 2021 and January 2023 was retrospectively analyzed. Basic information of patients was collected. The anatomical characteristics, application methods, and clinical results of the flap were recorded after operation, and the comprehensive efficacy evaluation table of the flap was used to evaluate the clinical efficacy at the last follow-up. Results A total of 13 patients were included. There were 12 males and 1 female. A total of 19 perforating branches of medial sural artery were found in the 13 cases, with an average of 1.46 perforating branches. The incision range of the flap was 5.5 cm×3.5 cm−13.5 cm×5.0 cm. Anterograde pedicle metastasis occurred in 3 cases and free transplantation occurred in 10 cases; mosaic flaps were used in 5 cases, lobed flaps in 1 case, and conventional perforator flaps in the remaining 7 cases. All the flaps survived successfully. All the 13 patients were followed up for 4-15 months, with an average of (10.38±3.64) months. The comprehensive score of flap efficacy was 77-92 points, with an average of (86.76±4.45) points. Among them, 5 cases were excellent, 8 cases were good, and the excellent and good rate was 100%. Conclusion The multifunctional features and flexible use of medial sural artery perforator flap increase the repair strategy of small and medium-sized wounds of the ipsilateral lower limbs, and can obtain better aesthetic repair results.
Morel-Lavallée lesions manifest as a type of subcutaneous closed degloving injury, where the external violence creates a potential space between the subcutaneous tissue and the deep fascia, leading to the accumulation of fluid and the formation of infection within the cavity. The primary causes of Morel-Lavallée lesions include high-energy trauma, blunt force injuries, or compression injuries, with the lesions typically located around the greater trochanter. Due to the potential for clinical oversight, these lesions may result in complications such as infection at the fracture site. In light of these circumstances, this article provides a comprehensive review of the etiology, epidemiology, pathological mechanisms, clinical manifestations, imaging features, differential diagnosis, complications, and treatment modalities of Morel-Lavallée lesions. The aim is to enhance the awareness of trauma orthopedic surgeons regarding this injury, thereby offering insights for clinical decision-making.