Use of the soleus muscle flap to cover part of the distal tibia.

A method for covering soft-tissue defects overlying the distal tibia with a proximally based soleus muscle flap is described. The flap can be used to cover a portion of the distal tibia by extending the distal reach of the soleus muscle. The muscle is extended by several relaxing incisions in the epimysium. This simple procedure enables the soleus muscle to be advanced distally, extending its application for coverage of the distal lower leg. The method has been used successfully clinically, eliminating the need for more time-consuming or difficult procedures.