MULTIPLE, SYNCHRONOUS IPSILATERAL SOLEUS MUSCLE FLAPS, INCLUDING THE ACHILLES WRAPAROUND FLAP

Versatility of the soleus muscle beyond its traditional role for the m iddle third of the leg is often overlooked. Substantial muscle bulk fr equently extends even to the calcaneus, although this is quite variabl e. Its distal reach as a muscle flap then may potentially include enci rcling the Achilles' tendon itself as a local ''wraparound'' flap in a n area otherwise notorious for requiring the complexity of a free tiss ue transfer. Since this maneuver only envelops the Achilles' tendon by stretching its own inserting soleus muscle, no muscle dissection per se is required, and nutrition from minor pedicles is sustained. Theref ore, concomitant proximally based hemisoleus flaps can be utilized sim ultaneously and safely for more conventional coverage of midtibial def ects. In this fashion, multiple, independent local flaps from a single soleus muscle can achieve coverage of disparate leg wounds, while sac rificing a minimum of donor site function.