Abstract: Objective To investigate the application of sural neuro-veno-fasciocutaneous flap graft for repairing skin soft tissue defect of ankle. Methods From May 2008 to October 2012, 12 patients with ankle skin soft tissue defect were treated with sural neuro-veno-fasciocutaneous flap graft. Each patient's defect state, flap size, repairing effect, appearance change after the surgery, cicatricial state of the donor area, the need to graft for the secondary wound area were all reviewed. Results The ankle skin soft tissue defects in all patients were well-repaired. The outcome appearance was satisfactory, and the incision cicatrix of the donor area was not obvious. Conclusion Posterior shank area is the ideal flap donor for ankle skin soft tissue defect. Sural neuro-veno-fasciocutaneous flap could be grafted for repairing most ankle skin soft tissue defects. If the flap is not that wide, the incision of the donor area could be directly sutured, otherwise, the donor area should be repaired by free skin graft. The protection of vascular pedicle is the key to the success of the surgery.

Key words: Ankle defect, Wound healing, Sural neuro-veno-fasciocutaneous flap