Objective: To report the operative techniques and clinical results of modified distally based superficial peroneal neurocutaneous flap for skin defect of the forefoot.
Methods: A reversed superficial peroneal neurocutaneous flap pedicled with the lateral superamalleolar perforating artery or its descending branch, which vascularized the flap through the nutrient vessel chain of the nerve, which linked vascular territories of superamalleolar perforating artery, cutaneous branches of the anterior tibial artery and superficial peroneal artery, was designed to repair skin defects in the forefoot.
Results: The modified flaps were applied in 17 cases. All flaps were survived successfully with no complication. The largest size of the flap was 20 cm x 8 cm. The flap could reach as far as the proximal end of the second and third toes or weight-bearing areas under the fifth metatarsal caput.
Conclusions: The modified flap has reliable blood supply with a relatively large size and long rotation arc. It is a simple and safe for covering medium to large defects in the forefoot.