Medial Plantar Island or Free Flap for Heel Reconstruction.
- Author:
Dong Gu LEE
1
;
Byung Chae CHO
Author Information
1. Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, College of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Defects in the heel;
Instep;
Medial plantar flap
- MeSH:
Fascia;
Follow-Up Studies;
Foot;
Free Tissue Flaps*;
Heel*;
Humans;
Sensation;
Skin;
Subcutaneous Tissue;
Surgical Procedures, Operative;
Tissue Donors;
Weight-Bearing
- From:Journal of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons
2004;31(4):467-472
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Reconstruction of soft tissue defects in the heel, which is weight bearing area, represents a challenge because this area requires similar tissues to the original lost tissue, durable and sensible skin coverage, minimal donor morbidity and simple operative procedure. The instep region of the plantar surface of the foot presents an ideal tissue reserve for the reconstruction of soft tissue defects in the heel because of a sensate and unique form of skin with thick glabrous plantar skin, shock-absorbing fibrofatty subcutaneous tissue and plantar fascia. A total of 10 patients with soft tissue defects in the heel were operated from April 1995 to October 2001. The medial plantar fasciocutaneous island flap was used in 8 cases and the free flap in 2 cases. The size of flap varied from 3x3 cm to 10x10 cm. Follow-up period ranged from 2.3 years to 8.5 years. All flaps were viable and durable to chronic weight bearing and shearing force. Also, all flaps had enough sensation in normal activities. In conclusion, the medial plantar fasciocutaneous island or free flap can be used satisfactorily for soft tissue coverage in the heel which is weight bearing area.
