ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the methods of repair the lateral skin and soft tissue defect of the middle and rear foot with the plantar medial flap transferred before the achilles tendon.Methods Fifteen cases with the lateral skin and soft tissue defect of the middle and rear foot were repaired with the plantar medial flap pedicled with posterior tibia artery transferred before the achilles tendon from January,2012 to October,2015.All the 15 patients were followed up in the way by telephone or back to hospital postoperatively 3 months to 3 years,including 6 cases by telephone follow-up and 9 cases of back-to-hospital follow-up,to observe the appearance,functions of the skin flap and whether the skin flap survived well.Results The flaps of 15 cases survived well.Postoperative followup of 3 months to 3 years,the sensation of the flap was good,without any ulcer or necrosis.The patients walked well and were satisfied with the flap.Conclusion To repair the lateral skin and soft tissue defect with the plantar medial flap transferred before the achilles tendon as a new method is feasible with the good ability of faster sensory recovery,the good appearance and function.