In cadavers the septocutaneous perforating vessels branching off the distal segment of the peroneal artery were studied. An area of skin approximately 7 x 12 cm above the ankle was noted to be perfused by these and intraoral defects in 8 patients have been repaired using the supramalleolar flap as a variation of the peroneal flap developed by Yoshimura. Owing to its thinness and the long and wide vascular pedicle, the flap is particularly suitable for reconstructing mobile parts of the oral cavity, and in selected cases may be considered as an alternative to a radial flap.