ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the therapeutic effect of reverse island flap based on tibial plantar digital artery for soft tissue defect at the distal end of first toe.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>18 cases with soft tissue defect at the distal end of first toe were treated with reverse island flap based on tibial plantar digital artery.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The patients were followed up for 6 to approximately 12 months (mean 9.5 months). All the flaps survived completely with good functional and cosmetic results.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The reversed island flap based on tibial plantar digital artery has a reliable blood supply and is adjacent to the recipient area. It is practical and suitable for soft tissue defect at the distal end of first toe.</p>