Versatile Use of the Local Muscle Flaps Pedicled by Gastrocnemius and Hemisoleus Muscle with a Longer Reach for Coverage of Lower Extremity Defects

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This is an unedited manuscript accepted for publication and provided as an Article in Press for early access at the author’s request. The article will undergo copyediting, typesetting, and galley proof review before final publication. Please be aware that errors may be identified during production that could affect the content. All legal disclaimers of the journal apply.

Year : 2025 | Volume : 14 | Issue : 03 | Page :
    By

    Hyon Pak,

  • Hwang-Ryong Ri,

  • Ryu-Gyong Jong,

  • Su-Yong Ju,

  • Chol-Bom Kim,

  • Song-Gun Ri,

  1. Researcher, Department of Microsurgery and Plastic Surgery, Hyesan Medical College, Hyesan, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
  2. Researcher, Department of Microsurgery and Plastic Surgery, Hyesan Medical College, Hyesan, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
  3. Researcher, Department of Microsurgery and Plastic Surgery, Hyesan Medical College, Hyesan, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
  4. Doctor & Guid, Department of Orthopaedics Surgery, Samjiyon city Hospital, Samjiyon, Ryanggang Province, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
  5. Researcher, Department of Microsurgery and Plastic Surgery, Pyongyang University of Medical Sciences, Pyongyang, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to highlight the clinical usefulness of multiple local muscle flaps pedicled on the gastrocnemius and hemisoleus muscles for managing soft-tissue defects of the lower extremity. The technique was applied to defects involving the distal femur and the distal one-third of the tibia, avoiding the need for free flap reconstruction. Methods: From January 2014 to January 2023, multiple local muscle flaps were planned and utilized for the reconstruction of lower-extremity defects in a total of 13 patients. These procedures were performed to achieve adequate soft-tissue coverage, restore limb function, and improve overall clinical outcomes following trauma or complex tissue loss. Results: All patients achieved complete wound healing, with only minimal and manageable complications observed during the postoperative period, indicating a favorable outcome of the reconstructive procedure. Conclusions: Local muscle flaps based on the gastrocnemius and hemisoleus muscles represent an effective alternative for the coverage of lower-extremity defects, providing extended reach and reliable soft-tissue coverage while eliminating the need for free flap reconstruction.

Keywords: local muscle flap, gastrocnemius muscle, hemisoleus muscle, lower extremity defect

[This article belongs to Research and Reviews : A Journal of Medical Science and Technology ]

How to cite this article:
Hyon Pak, Hwang-Ryong Ri, Ryu-Gyong Jong, Su-Yong Ju, Chol-Bom Kim, Song-Gun Ri. Versatile Use of the Local Muscle Flaps Pedicled by Gastrocnemius and Hemisoleus Muscle with a Longer Reach for Coverage of Lower Extremity Defects. Research and Reviews : A Journal of Medical Science and Technology. 2025; 14(03):-.
How to cite this URL:
Hyon Pak, Hwang-Ryong Ri, Ryu-Gyong Jong, Su-Yong Ju, Chol-Bom Kim, Song-Gun Ri. Versatile Use of the Local Muscle Flaps Pedicled by Gastrocnemius and Hemisoleus Muscle with a Longer Reach for Coverage of Lower Extremity Defects. Research and Reviews : A Journal of Medical Science and Technology. 2025; 14(03):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/rrjomst/article=2025/view=235227


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Regular Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 14
Issue 03
Received 27/06/2025
Accepted 17/12/2025
Published 29/12/2025
Publication Time 185 Days
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