OBJECTIVETo investigate the application of the plantar horn shaped fasciocutaneous perforator flaps for the reconstruction of the defects on heel and fore plantar.

METHODSThe proximal end of the plantar fasciocutaneous perforator flaps were at the edge of defects. The deep fascia was cut off at the both sides of flaps. The plantar fascia should be included into the flaps. Then the flaps were rotated to cover the defects, containing two or three perforators. If necessary, the original supplying vessels could be cut off to facilitate the advancement of flaps.

RESULTSFrom Jan. 2010 to Oct. 2012, 7 cases with plantar defects were treated with the horn shaped perforator flaps. The defects size ranged from 1.5 cm x 2.0 cm to 4.0 cm x5. 0 cm with the size of the flaps ranging from 7 cm x 3 cm to 13 cm x 7 cm. All the flaps survived completely with primary healing both on donor and recipient sites. The flap color, texture, function and appearance were satisfactory during the follow-up period of 3-24 months.

CONCLUSIONSThe plantar horn shaped perforator flap can reconstruct the defects at plantar weight-bearing area with the similar thick skin tissue, which facilitates the functional reconstruction. No skin graft is necessary for the defect at donor site.