[Effects of low position lateral supramalleolar flap carrying periosteum and proximal leg propeller flap in relay repair of electric burn wounds of forefoot]

Objective: To explore the effects of low position lateral supramalleolar flap carrying periosteum and proximal leg propeller flap in relay repair of electric burn wounds of forefoot. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted. From January 2019 to January 2022, 12 patients with electric burn wounds of forefoot meeting the inclusion criteria were admitted to the Sixth Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, including 10 males and 2 females, aged 23-65 years. After debridement, the wound with an area of 6.0 cm×3.0 cm to 15.0 cm×7.0 cm was repaired with the lateral supramalleolar flap carrying part of the periosteum of the distal tibia and fibula with the rotation point moved down to the front of the ankle joint. The area of the cutted flap was 6.5 cm×3.5 cm-15.5 cm×7.5 cm. At the same stage, the donor site wound of lateral supramalleolar flap was repaired with peroneal artery or superficial peroneal artery perforator propeller flap in relay, with the relay flap area of 3.0 cm×1.5 cm-15.0 cm×4.0 cm. After operation, the survival of the lateral supramalleolar flap and relay flap, and the wound healing of the relay flap donor site were observed. During follow-up, the shapes of the lateral supramalleolar flap and its donor site were observed. Results: After operation, one patient developed secondary blisters in the superficial skin distal to the lateral supramalleolar flap, which healed after dressing change, and the lateral supramalleolar flap and relay flaps survived well in the other patients; the donor site wound of the relay flap healed well. During follow-up of 12-18 months, the lateral supramalleolar flaps were in good shape and not bloated, with only linear scar left in the donor site of the flap. Conclusions: The low position lateral supramalleolar flap carrying periosteum can repair electric burn wounds of forefoot with advantages including reliable blood supply, low rotation point, and better repair effects. The use of relay flap to repair the donor site of lateral supramalleolar flap can reduce the damage to the appearance and function of the donor site.