CASE REPORT
Reverse sural flap as an effective alternative to free flaps in lower-limb soft-tissue reconstruction – a case report
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Military Institute of Medicine – National Research Institute; Department of Burns, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Poland
These authors had equal contribution to this work
Submission date: 2026-01-06
Acceptance date: 2026-02-11
Publication date: 2026-06-30
Corresponding author
Julia Weronika Nosko
Kliniczny Oddział Chirurgii Plastycznej, Rekonstrukcyjnej i Leczenia Oparzeń, Wojskowy Instytut Medyczny, Szaserów 128, 04-141, Warszawa, Polska
LW 2026;104(2):163-166
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ABSTRACT
Fasciocutaneous flaps offer a wide range of options for the reconstruction of lower-limb soft-tissue defects. This article presents the case of a 39‑year‑old patient who underwent sarcoma resection in the knee region, followed by reconstruction using a reverse sural flap. This regional flap is characterised by favourable retrograde perfusion, structural stability, and minimal donor-site morbidity, enabling single-stage defect coverage and protection of the deep structures of the knee joint. Free flaps are frequently considered the method of choice for the reconstruction of larger lower limb defects; however, their use may be limited in the presence of peripheral vascular disease, diabetes mellitus, post-traumatic wounds, or in patients with an increased risk of perioperative complications. In contrast, the reverse sural flap provides effective defect coverage, reduced operative time, and a lower risk of complications while preserving limb function. The presented case confirms that the reverse sural flap is a safe, effective, and practical option for lower‑limb soft‑tissue reconstruction, offering advantages over free microsurgical flaps in selected clinical scenarios.