Reconstruction of hands and feet defects with medial sural artery perforator (MSAP) flap and MSAP fascial flap: A comparative study.

To compare the clinical efficacy of the medial sural artery perforator (MSAP) fascial flap with the traditional MSAP flap develop on the benefits and drawbacks of using two skin flaps to manage connective tissue anomalies in feet and hands and their applicability, and to provide a reference for such clinical repair. Twenty-three cases of soft tissue defects in the limbs involved were admitted from July 2018 to July 2021, comprising 6 females and 17 males, age range fron 18 to 65 years old (average 42,5). The treatment group and the control group chose at random from among the cases. The treatment group was repaired with the MSAP fascial flap, while the control group was repaired with the MSAP flap. Regular postoperative follow-ups, final follow-up evaluation on the comprehensive treatment effectiveness, and comparative evaluation of the clinical efficacy differences between the two groups were carried out, and a statistical analysis was utilized to quantitatively examine the data. The evaluation of indicators includes satisfaction in donor area, receiving area contentment, readmission rate, the operative time; and functional recovery with P<0.05 finding a statistically significant difference. The MSAP fascial flap (MSAPFF) and MSAP flap (MSAPF) both survived without any arterial and venous compromise. Both groups completed surgery and followed up with appointments between six and twenty-four months following surgery, with the median of eleven months. Differences in satisfaction were not significantly significant between the two groups for the receiving site (P>0.05). However, there was a significant difference in compliance between the MSAPFF and the MSAPF in the donor site (P<0.05). The re-hospitalization rate for the MSAPFF group was lower compared to the MSAPF group, which was statistically significant (P<0.05). The MSAPFF group underwent surgery significantly faster than the MSAPF unit (P<0.05). Function recovery declined significantly between the two subgroups (P>0.05). When fixing soft tissue injuries in the hands and feet, both the MSAP fascial flap and MSAP flap have advantages and disadvantages. The advantages with the MSAP fascial flap are little morbidity in the source area, negligible mass at the receiving site, and no subsequent flap thinning, it is consequently perfect for flaws in regions that don't support weight. One benefit from the MSAP flap is its attractive appearance, soft texture, and good ductility, making it suitable for repairing defects in wear-resistant and weight-bearing areas.