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Page 8 of 9 Kondra et al. Plast Aesthet Res 2022;9:36 https://dx.doi.org/10.20517/2347-9264.2021.121

In conclusion, this study examines outcomes of over 15 years of experience with lower extremity
reconstruction employing soleus flaps at a Level 1 trauma center. Although the flap loss rate in this cohort
was 0%, the findings demonstrate higher than expected infectious complications. Additionally, our results
reveal only 16% of soleus flaps were performed at our institution after 2015. As surgeons consider the
reconstructive ladder for lower extremity trauma, a rotational soleus muscle flap should not be overlooked
in the modern era of free flap tissue transfers and might be a more optimal flap choice in certain patients
with multiple comorbidities. Future studies should evaluate the difference in functional and aesthetic
outcomes based on flap type and evaluate the impact of patient comorbidities and demographics on wound
healing and ambulation.

DECLARATIONS
Authors’ contributions
Assisted with study concept and design: Roohani I, Kondra K, Carey J
Acquired, analyzed, or interpreted the data: Roohani I, Kondra K, Jimenez C, Stanton E, Becerra J
Drafted the manuscript: Kondra K, Jimenez C, Stanton E, Roohani I
Provided critical revision of the manuscript for important intellectual content: Kondra K, Carey J
Calculated statistical analysis: Roohani I, Jimenez C, Stanton E
Provided administrative, technical, or material support: Carey J
Supervised study: Carey J

Availability of data and materials
Not applicable.

Financial support and sponsorship
None.

Conflicts of interest
All authors declared that there are no conflicts of interest.

Ethical approval and consent to participate
Not applicable.

Consent for publication
Not applicable.

Copyright
© The Author(s) 2022.

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