Reversed Saphenous Neurocutaneous Island Flap: Clinical Experience

The description of blood supply to the skin through the superficial perineural vascular network has led to the concept of neurocutaneous flaps. Based on preexisting anatomic studies, the clinical use of large reversed-flow neurocutaneous saphenous island flaps is described. This flap is based on the arterial axis associated with the saphenous nerve and the greater saphenous vein in the lower leg. The donor area can be closed by soleus muscle advancement over the tibia and skin grafting. Five successful cases are reported with a low complication rate. (Plast. Reconstr. Surg. 991940, 1997.)