RESUMO
Objective To investigate the application and clinical significance of the medial plantar flap on repairing the medial ankle and foot soft tissue defects. Methods A total of 13 patients with the medial ankle and foot soft tissue defects were repaired by the local transferred medial plantar flap alone or in combination with sural neurovascular flap transplantation in the Yuebei People's Hospital Affiliated to the Medical College of the Shantou University from Jun. 2006 to Dec. 2012. Results All patients were followed-up of 4-21 weeks,and the average follow-up periods were 6. 3 weeks. All of the skin and soft tissue defects of the medial ankle and foot were repaired,and there were 2 cases of partial necrosis of flap were repaired after tow times skin grafting operation,and all cases without complications of wound infection or iatrogenic nerve injury. Conclusion The medial plantar flap on treating ipsilateral medial malleolus and foot skin and soft tissue defects is useful and effective with less complications,satisfactory effects,intact the ankle flexor and extensor device,allowing early functional exercise,good functional recovery.