Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41799637›Full record

ReviewJPRAS open2026

Pedicled extensor digitorum brevis flap for the distal third lower limb reconstruction: A review of the literature.

Caterina Marra, Filippo Taccioli, Dario Benivegna, Antonio Spaggiari, Giorgio De Santis, Massimo Pinelli

Abstract readReview
In one paragraph

Review in JPRAS open, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Caterina MarraPlastic and Reconstructive Surgery Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico di Modena, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
Filippo TaccioliPlastic and Reconstructive Surgery Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico di Modena, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
Dario BenivegnaPlastic and Reconstructive Surgery Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico di Modena, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
Antonio SpaggiariPlastic and Reconstructive Surgery Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico di Modena, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
Giorgio De SantisPlastic and Reconstructive Surgery Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico di Modena, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
Massimo PinelliPlastic and Reconstructive Surgery Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico di Modena, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Introduction: Reconstruction of the distal lower limb is often complex due to limited local tissues. The pedicled extensor digitorum brevis (EDB) flap is a reliable, loco-regional option for small- to medium-sized ankle and foot defects. This review summarizes literature on pedicled EDB flaps, focusing on indications, outcomes, and donor-site morbidity. Materials and methods: A search of PubMed, Embase, and Scopus (1987-2024) using predefined terms identified studies on pedicled EDB flaps for lower limb reconstruction. Exclusions included anatomical studies, case reports, and free or multiple flaps. Out of 88 records, 26 met criteria, covering 296 patients. Results: Trauma was the leading indication for reconstruction (31.4%), followed by postsurgical dehiscence, infections, and chronic ulcers. Most flaps were pure muscle with an average size of 14.55 cm², covering defects of about 11.89 cm². Complications included total necrosis (4.4%) and partial necrosis (3.7%), all in antegrade flaps. Donor-site issues were limited, mainly delayed healing (5.1%) and wound dehiscence (5.1%), rarely causing major problems. Discussion: The pedicled EDB flap offers predictable anatomy, easy harvest, and minimal functional issues, ideal for small- to medium-sized defects when microsurgery isn't available. However, necrosis risk and trauma links emphasize the need for careful patient selection and vascular assessment. Conclusion: The pedicled EDB flap is a reliable option for distal lower-limb reconstruction, showing good results with manageable complications. More studies are needed to define its long-term role.

Indexed as

EDB flapFoot defectsLower limb reconstructionMorbidityPedicled extensor digitorum brevis flap

Identifiers

PMID41799637
PMCPMC12964236

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.