Modified Lateral Approach to the Anterior Tibial Artery's Origin With Limited Fibular Resection: A Case Report of Free Flap Reconstruction for Lateral Skin Defects in Single-vessel Lower Extremities.

ABSTRACT: In free flap surgery for open fractures of the lower leg, selecting recipient vessels can be difficult when multiple vessels are injured. In single-vessel lower extremities, surgeons must choose between using the remaining vessel and a proximal site of an injured one. However, using the remaining vessel risks ischemia and below-knee amputation if complications arise. The proximal site of the anterior tibial artery (ATA) can be exposed using the lateral approach to the tibioperoneal trunk. However, this approach is rarely used because fibular head resection may cause postoperative lateral collateral ligament dysfunction. To overcome this problem, we developed a modified lateral approach that preserved the fibular head. Herein, we present a case of a single-vessel lower extremity with an int

SUBMITTER: Takeuchi H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12020702 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature