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Physicians

Reverse Sural Flap Outcomes in Orthopedic Trauma Surgery

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers from the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University have reported on the outcomes of the reverse sural flap (RSF) in orthopedic trauma surgery. The study, published in the journal OTA International, analyzed the results of 17 patients who underwent RSF for soft tissue coverage of distal leg and/or hindfoot wounds. The research found that the RSF was a reliable and powerful technique for coverage of these wounds, with 82% of flaps showing viability and an average healing time of 57.4 days.

Key Takeaways:

  • The reverse sural flap (RSF) is a reliable and powerful technique for soft tissue coverage of the distal leg and hindfoot, with 14/17 patients experiencing flap viability.
  • The most common complications of RSF were surgical site infection and inability to follow weight-bearing restrictions, which resulted in flap failure in 2/17 patients.
  • Diabetes was present in 2 of 3 flap failure cases, highlighting the importance of careful patient selection.
  • Cosmetic outcomes among the surviving flaps were excellent or good in 12/14 patients, with an average soft tissue healing time of 57.4 days.
  • The study utilized a retrospective cohort design and was conducted at a single level 1 trauma center.
  • The study was led by MD George A. Puneky, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University.
  • Additional authors included MD Thomas E. Dickerson, MD Dhairya Shukla, MD Jana M. Davis, and MD FACS James A. Blair.

Statistics:

  • 14/17 patients experienced flap viability with the RSF.
  • 3/17 patients experienced RSF necrosis or failure.
  • 2/3 flap failure cases presented with surgical site infection after RSF.
  • Diabetes was present in 2 of 3 flap failure cases.
  • Average soft tissue healing time was 57.4 days (23-116 days).
  • Cosmetic outcomes among the surviving flaps were excellent or good in 12/14 patients.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Research in the Area of Orthopedic Surgery Reported from Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University (Clinical outcomes of the reverse sural flap when performed by orthopaedic trauma surgeons). Health & Medicine Week. September 12, 2025; p 901.
  • OTA International (2025,8(3)) – Wolters Kluwer. DOI: 10.1097/OI9.0000000000000410 (https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.1097/OI9.0000000000000410)

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